Self-care: Liver

What do I know about the liver?

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It removes toxins from the body’s blood supply, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, regulates blood clotting, and performs hundreds of other vital functions. It is located beneath the rib cage in the right upper abdomen.

How does the liver affect hormones?

The liver is responsible for packaging up used estrogen and delivering it to the gut, ready to be removed through bowel movements. This system occurs daily, which is why it’s so important to have daily bowel movements but also to support our liver function.

What is is a sign the liver is not functioning properly?

When the liver is struggling, estrogen is typically one of the first waste products to be put on the back burner, creating a build-up of estrogen. This can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms and worsen other estrogen-associated conditions like fibroids. This transition begins around 45 when the ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen levels start to decline. As estrogen levels fall, fibroids may shrink or even disappear but the process takes time.

What role does the liver play in menopause?

When the body starts adjusting to age, the liver and gallbladder shrink in size and produce less bile which is the substance that helps break down fats. There is 20% less bile produced as you move through menopause. When continually exercising or feeling stressed, the liver is over-burdened with having to turn over glucose to fuel the ‘fight or flight’ adrenaline response. When cholesterol starts increasing it may be a case of adjusting the diet or exercise to detoxify the liver as you move through menopause. With weight gain cardiac and metabolism can change.

The signs and symptoms the liver is under pressure

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

• Skin problems

• Bowel problems

• Fatigue

• Cravings

• Sleep issues

• Brain fog

High Liver Enzymes

Sometimes, factors such as hormonal changes or reactions to medications can cause temporarily elevated liver enzyme levels or GGT. In menopause the main form of estrogen changes from estradiol (produced from the ovaries) to estrone (produced in the adipose tissue and liver). Elevated levels caused by these factors will generally return to normal in about 2 to 4 weeks without treatment.

How to look after the liver

Liver friendly foods

Drink plenty of water

Gratitude

Love the liver