If you’ve ever felt off - fatigued, bloated, moody, or just not yourself - it’s easy to blame stress, age, or hormones. And yes, those all play a role. But here’s a hidden culprit many women overlook: toxins.

Environmental toxins are everywhere - in our food, skincare, cleaning products, and even the air we breathe. And after 35, when our natural detox pathways start to slow and hormones begin to shift, our bodies become even more sensitive to their effects.

Let’s dive into why detoxing isn’t just a wellness trend - it’s a vital part of supporting hormonal balance and overall well-being for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

The Hormone-Toxin Connection

Our hormones are chemical messengers that control everything from mood and metabolism to sleep and fertility. But toxins, especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can interfere with these messengers - causing confusion in the body and chaos in how we feel.

Common hormone-disrupting toxins include:

• Phthalates (found in synthetic fragrances and plastics)
  

• BPA (in canned goods and receipts)
  

• Pesticides (on non-organic produce)
  

• Heavy metals (like mercury and lead)
  

• Flame retardants (in furniture and mattresses)
  
  

These compounds can mimic or block oestrogen, disrupt thyroid function, and burden the liver - the organ responsible for processing and eliminating excess hormones (1).

Why Detoxing Matters More After 35

As we age, our detox pathways (especially the liver, gut, and lymphatic system) may become less efficient. Combine that with fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause, and you’ve got a perfect storm for hormonal imbalance - think brain fog, stubborn weight, fatigue, PMS, and sleep issues.

Supporting your body’s natural detoxification systems can reduce this toxic load and help your hormones rebalance gently, without extreme diets or expensive cleanses.

Gentle Detox Strategies That Work

You don’t need a juice fast to detox. Try incorporating these sustainable, daily habits instead (2):

• Hydrate deeply with filtered water and mineral-rich electrolytes
  

• Eat cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts) to support oestrogen metabolism (always cooked, never raw!)
  

• Sweat regularly through movement or sauna
  

• Support your liver with foods like beets, dandelion root tea, turmeric, and leafy greens
  

• Prioritise fibre (flaxseed, chia, leafy greens) to bind and eliminate toxins via the gut
  

• Switch to non-toxic skincare and cleaning products
  

• Get quality sleep - your brain and liver do most of their detoxing overnight
  
  

Final Thoughts

Detoxing isn’t about deprivation - it’s about nourishment. It’s about supporting your body’s natural rhythms so your hormones can do what they’re designed to do - keep you feeling strong, steady, and radiant.

For women over 35, gentle detox practices aren’t a luxury - they’re a necessity. Think of it as clearing the path so your hormones (and your life) can flow more freely.

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References:

1. Environmental Health Perspectives. (2009). Endocrine Disruptors and Women’s Health.
   

2. Institute for Functional Medicine. (2017). Supporting Detoxification Pathways through Nutrition.

3. National Institutes of Health. (2020). Phthalates and Hormonal Disruption in Women.