Mould Could Be Affecting Your Menopause

Do you feel like something is off with your body during menopause, but you can't seem to pinpoint what it is? Despite giving HRT and other natural solutions a try, are you still perplexed by persistent weight gain, constant fatigue, unrelenting irritability, and hair loss, to mention a few? 

As winter sets in, many people in Britain, including myself, are facing a tough decision: to turn on the central heating and risk unaffordable energy bills or to ration it and face the consequences of a much colder home. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of rationing central heating is the increased growth of mould. This unwelcome intruder can cause a host of problems with your menopause. 

What is mould?

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp and humid environments. It can be found in bathrooms, kitchens, cellars, bedrooms, and your bedroom with reduced heating. It can cause health problems such as allergies and respiratory issues. 

But let's explore the link between mould and menopause. 

Common signs of mould exposure on hormones

Symptoms can vary from person to person. However, several common signs indicate that mould could be affecting your hormones. These symptoms include:

• Mould-related hormonal imbalances can disrupt your metabolism and appetite regulation, leading to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Exposure can drain your energy levels, leaving you feeling constantly tired and fatigued.
• It can interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood swings, irritability, and even depression.
• Your sleep can disrupt due to mould making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
• Mould exposure can affect brain function, worsening brain fog and making concentrating difficult. 
• It can disrupt oestrogen, contributing to heavy or painful periods. Hormonal imbalances caused by mould exposure can lead to hair loss or thinning. 
• Mould toxins can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea and weakened immune system. 
• It can disrupt thyroid function, leading to hormonal imbalances and various symptoms.
• Mould exposure can disrupt adrenal gland function, leading to a condition known as adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency.
• The decline in your libido could be due to mould toxins.

Test, don't guess

Mould exposure can have various symptoms and overlap with menopuase and other health conditions, so it's important to get tested.

The Organic Acid Test can detect mould in the body. It analyses urine samples for specific markers that indicate mould in the gut, which can be caused by Aspergillus and other fungal species. The test can help identify potential health risks, such as immune suppression and increased susceptibility to microbial overgrowths.

Here's a sample report dementrating Aspergillus trending high.

Treating mould

Treating mould-related hormonal imbalances requires a comprehensive approach that addresses mould exposure and the resulting hormonal disruptions. Great Plan Organic

Here are some key steps to consider:

• It is important to identify and eliminate any sources of mould in your surroundings, such as excess moisture or water leaks. 
• When cleaning surfaces affected by mould, avoid spraying the area. Instead, use a suitable cleaning solution and cloth and dispose of it immediately after use. This will prevent mould spores from becoming airborne and spreading further.
• Essential oils such as tea tree, bergamot, orange citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and propolis have been shown to reduce mould spores. 
• Add plants such as Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Snake Plant (I've got one of these in my bathroom, and spider plants, as they all absorb moisture in the air. 
• Proper ventilation in your rooms and opening the windows to prevent mould growth.
•  Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% to discourage mould growth.

How does nutrition play a role? 

1. Support your body's natural detoxification through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation. This can help eliminate mould toxins from your system and restore hormonal balance.
2. Supplement with humic, Fulvic Coconut, Charcoal GI Detox+ MycoPul ToxinPul, Zencleans, Ulter binder
3. Add antimicrobials herbs
4. Corandar and parsley are natural binders. Add them to smoothies, soups and salads daily. 
5. Support the gut microbiome with pre and probiotics such as onion, garlic, leeks, green bananas, and fermented foods. Start slow.
6. Add lots of antioxidants such as pomegranate and cocoa powder.
7. Support the liver by eating many foods like broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and kale. You can also supplement with NAC or Glutathione.
8. Eat lots of enzyme foods such as ginger, kiwi, pineapple, and greens powders.
9. Make sure you are hydrated! 
10. Support the lymphatic system using dry brushing, rebounding, skipping or jumping.
11. Lots of vegetables, and lots of colourful vegetables. 
12. And optimise your sleep.

If you are going through menopause and experiencing severe symptoms, such as mood swings, stubborn weight loss, fatigue, irritation, and insomnia, and you suspect that mould exposure could be the cause, it is crucial to address the underlying issue to restore your hormonal balance. 

Mould exposure can lead to a weakened immune system, which can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Mould contains mycotoxins that can interfere with hormonal balance and cause other health complications.

Testing has an important role. It helps us understand the presence of these moulds in the body and can help us tailor treatment strategies, including using antifungals, binders, and probiotics, to address mould-related issues and promote overall health and wellbeing.

This can result in food sensitivities, nutrient malabsorption, and intestinal disorders.

Get in touch if you'd like to know more about how I can help you.