According to Jerilynn Prior, M.D., a Canadian clinician, researcher, and professor of endocrinology at the University of British Columbia, premenstrual breast tenderness that occurs at the sides of the breast under the armpits suggests that ovulation has occurred during that cycle. If the breasts are sore up front and over the nipples, it tends to suggest high estrogen, or estrogen dominance, which can indicate a lack of ovulation. Soreness on the sides and the front may indicate that ovulation occurred but that not much progesterone was produced three or four days after ovulation, and thus estrogen dominance is occurring. To reduce symptoms of PMS and eliminate excess ”bad” estrogen we recommend Clear Detox – Hormonal Health. Take 1-2 packets daily for 1-3 months for symptoms of excess estrogen. If symptoms are a result of low progesterone you can try Clear Progesterone by Clear Medicine, Chasteberry Plus by Metagenics, Evening Primrose Oil or ask your Naturopath about about bioidentical progesterone cream.

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s sebaceous glands (oil glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Although acne is not a serious health threat, the blemishes and scarring are no doubt harmful to self esteem and social life. Adults are also affected by acne as well as acne rosacea.

A specific cause for acne has yet to be determined, however there are various postulated exacerbating factors like fluctuation in sex hormones, certain skin products or cosmetics, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid hormone deficiency, stress, diet and genetics. Topical treatment can be sufficient for most persons with acne. Systemic treatment, however, is often required for deep acne with nodules and cysts, or acne associated with symptoms of hormonal imbalance like stress, hypothyroidism, anxiety, PMS, polycystic ovarian disease, male pattern baldness or hirsutism. Click here to find out what can contribute to adult acne, and what you can do about it!