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Understanding Oestrogen Detox Pathways During Perimenopause: Key Insights for Women

  • Dec 15
  • 3 min read

Why We’re Still Asking: “Is This Perimenopause?”

There’s so much information out there about menopause and perimenopause, yet one of the most common questions I hear from women in their 40s and early 50s is, “Is this it?”

For many, the answer is yes, but they’ve never been told what to look for. Instead, they’re offered vague answers or handed a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t work.

Perimenopause is not menopause. It’s the transition leading up to it, and it can start earlier than you might think. One of the key players during this time is oestrogen, and more specifically, how your body processes it.


A woman holding a model of the liver a reminder that oestrogen detox isn’t just hormonal, it’s also about how well your body, especially your liver, processes and clears it
A woman holding a model of the liver a reminder that oestrogen detox isn’t just hormonal, it’s also about how well your body, especially your liver, processes and clears it

It’s Not Just Hormone Levels, It’s How You Process Them

What most women don’t realise is this: your oestrogen levels could be “normal”, and you could still be dealing with uncomfortable symptoms.

Why? Because it’s not always about the amount of oestrogen in your body. Sometimes, the issue is how efficiently you clear and detoxify that oestrogen.

Your liver breaks down oestrogen through multiple pathways. When those pathways are working well, you feel steady, calm, and resilient. But when they’re sluggish or overloaded, or if your genes slow them down, oestrogen can recirculate in the body and cause a storm of symptoms.


You may experience:

  • Mood swings

  • Tender breasts

  • Anxiety that feels “sudden”

  • Bloating

  • Weight gain around the middle

  • Sleep disruption

  • Heavy or painful periods

  • Migraines

  • Skin flare-ups

Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and you’re not broken.



How Your Genes Shape Your Hormone Experience

While we are all 99.9% genetically alike, just a small percentage of gene variants can shape how we respond to stress, process hormones, detoxify substances, and manage inflammation. That includes how you metabolise oestrogen.

Certain genes have been studied for their role in oestrogen detox, including:

  • COMT – influences how you break down oestrogen and stress hormones

  • GSTM1 and GSTT1 – affect glutathione production, a key antioxidant for detox

  • CYP1A2 – helps break down caffeine and oestrogen; slower variants may worsen PMS

  • UGT1A1 – helps with Phase II liver detox, transforming oestrogen into water-soluble forms

If your detox genes are less active or missing (null variants), your body may not eliminate oestrogen efficiently. This isn’t about blame — it’s about awareness.

The good news is: you can test for these genes through functional genomics. Once you know how your detox pathways are functioning, you can support them in a way that’s precise and personal.



Natural Support for Oestrogen Detoxification

You don’t need extreme cleanses, hormone fads, or guesswork. What you need is consistent, science-informed, whole-body support.

Here’s how you can start supporting your detox pathways today:


Focus on Cruciferous Veg

Think broccoli, kale, cabbage, and rocket. These contain compounds that support both Phase I and II liver detoxification.


Stay Hydrated and Eliminate Daily

Oestrogen is eliminated via stool. If you’re constipated, it can get reabsorbed. Hydration and fibre are key.


Boost Magnesium

Essential for COMT function, magnesium helps with hormone metabolism, stress, sleep, and muscle tension.


Eat Liver-Supportive Foods

Lemon, garlic, bitter greens, turmeric, and green tea can all help your liver process hormones more efficiently.


Add More Fibre

Fibre binds to excess oestrogen and removes it from the body. Ground flaxseeds are a gentle option.


Manage Stress

Your stress and oestrogen pathways share some of the same detox enzymes. Chronic stress can slow down the entire system. Gentle movement, breathwork, and rest all support regulation.


Functional Testing: A Smarter Way to Navigate Perimenopause

Functional testing, including DNA testing and hormone metabolite panels, can help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface.

If you want to stop guessing and start working with your body, these tests can show you how your detox pathways are working and what you need more (or less) of to feel your best.

It’s not about fighting hormones, it’s about understanding them.



Book Your Discovery Session

If you're in perimenopause and want to look into your oestrogen detox pathways, you can book a discovery session directly through my website. We’ll look at your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals, and decide whether a personalised plan is right for you.

Click here to book:




Research & References:





Medical Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to a qualified health professional before starting any new health, nutrition, or supplement protocol.


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