IS YOUR LIVER OVERLOADED? 7 SIGNS IT’S IMPACTING YOUR HORMONES AND METABOLISM DURING PERIMENOPAUSE

 When you’re going through perimenopause, it’s easy to chalk up symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and weight gain to hormone changes or the stress of daily life. But what if there’s another key player in the mix - your liver? Often overlooked, your liver plays a vital role in hormone balance and metabolism, and if it’s overloaded, the symptoms can easily be dismissed as ‘just perimenopause’ or ‘just being busy.’

I know this firsthand. Despite being a non-drinker, I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease in my early 40s. My symptoms - random itchy skin, waking at 2 AM, migraines, PMS, and upper abdominal weight gain - were vague, and my doctor didn’t even consider perimenopause at first because I was “too young” and breastfeeding. It wasn’t until my liver enzymes were wildly out of range that the real issue came to light.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the signs of an overloaded liver before things get serious. In this blog, I’ll walk you through these signs and explain how your liver affects your hormones, particularly during perimenopause.

WHY YOUR LIVER MATTERS SO MUCH IN PERIMENOPAUSE

Your liver is a detox powerhouse, filtering toxins from food, drinks, medications, and the environment out of your body. It’s also crucial for hormone regulation, fat metabolism, and blood sugar balance - all areas that become harder to manage during perimenopause. Even if your liver enzyme levels appear normal on a blood test, you could still experience symptoms of liver overload. Naturopathic care focuses on preventive support to keep the liver functioning optimally.

If your liver is overloaded, symptoms that often get attributed to hormone imbalances, like mood swings or weight gain, could actually be signs of liver distress.

7 SIGNS YOUR LIVER IS OVERLOADED

1. LOSS OF APPETITE IN THE MORNING AND NAUSEA AFTER EATING

When your liver is stressed, overloaded, or sluggish, you might find yourself waking up without an appetite or feeling nauseous after meals. This happens because your liver is still processing toxins from the previous day, slowing digestion. It’s a protective response, signaling your body to take a break.

2. SLEEP DISTURBANCES (ESPECIALLY AFTER ALCOHOL)

Waking up between 1 and 3 AM is a classic sign of liver overload. According to the Chinese medicine organ clock, this is when the liver works its hardest to detoxify the body. If your liver is struggling, you may wake up hot or sweaty, especially after consuming alcohol - even in small amounts.

3. WEIGHT GAIN AROUND THE ABDOMEN

Upper abdominal weight gain, especially around the bra line, could indicate liver strain. During perimenopause, weight tends to accumulate here as insulin resistance rises and fat is stored around the liver and organs. Tenderness or pain in this area could also suggest early signs of fatty liver or inflammation in the liver or gallbladder.

4. UNEXPLAINED ITCHY SKIN

If you experience itchy skin without a rash or clear cause, it may be a sign of liver overload. When your liver and other elimination pathways are not functioning efficiently, toxins can build up in the bloodstream and irritate the skin. Your body may use the skin as a "last resort" for detoxification. Supporting regular detox pathways through hydration, sweating, and bowel movements can help.

5. ELEVATED CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD LIPIDS

High cholesterol or triglyceride levels are often linked to liver overload. During perimenopause, fluctuating hormones and decreased insulin sensitivity can lead to fat deposits in the liver, further complicating fat metabolism. Monitoring cholesterol levels can provide insights into liver health, especially if triglycerides are on the rise.

6. ESTROGEN EXCESS SYMPTOMS

The liver processes excess estrogen. When it’s overloaded, estrogen levels can build up, leading to symptoms like:

• Weight gain
• Bloating or fluid retention
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Depression and anxiety
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Heavy cramps and breast tenderness
• Decreased libido

These symptoms can become more severe if your liver is not working efficiently.

7. BRAIN FOG AND MEMORY ISSUES

If you’re feeling mentally sluggish, your liver might not be detoxifying properly. Liver overload affects hormone regulation and glucose balance, which are vital for mental clarity. Insulin resistance can exacerbate brain fog, as it prevents brain cells from accessing glucose for energy. Additionally, inflammation in the liver may extend to the brain, further clouding your thinking.

FATIGUE AS A PROTECTIVE MECHANISM

It’s important to note that fatigue can serve as your body’s way of telling you to slow down. When your liver is overwhelmed, it signals the body to conserve energy by reducing its workload. This protective response ensures that more resources are allocated toward detoxifying the body and balancing hormones.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

While these symptoms can often be managed through lifestyle changes, it’s crucial to recognize signs of more serious liver disease. If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, or extreme fatigue, see a doctor immediately. These are signs of more advanced liver issues and should not be ignored.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT YOUR LIVER:

 1. CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL:

Stick to one or two drinks on the weekend and avoid alcohol during the week. This gives your liver time to rest and recover from its detox work.

2. LIMIT CAFFEINE:

Replace additional cups of coffee with green or white tea. These teas contain theanine, which soothes the nervous system, and antioxidants that support liver health. If you enjoy bitter drinks, try a dandelion root coffee as a caffeine-free alternative. Dandelion root is beneficial for liver function.

3. INCREASE BITTER AND SULFUROUS FOODS:

Add bitter greens like rocket and dandelion, as well as sulfur-rich vegetables such as garlic, onion, broccoli, and cabbage to your meals. These foods help activate liver detox pathways. Using vinegar or lemon as a dressing can also enhance digestion.

4. WATCH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE:

Limit fruit to two servings daily, ideally with meals, and avoid added sugars and highly processed foods. This reduces the liver’s workload and helps prevent blood sugar spikes.

5. SUPPORT INSULIN SENSITIVITY:

Eat a balanced diet rich in fibre, phytoestrogens (e.g., flaxseeds), healthy fats, and lean proteins to stabilise blood sugar. Regularly incorporating foods that support hormone balance can ease liver strain. (For more tips, check out episode 49 about insulin resistance.)

6. SUPPORT DETOX PATHWAYS:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid in flushing out toxins.
• Increase Fibre Intake: This helps promote regular bowel movements, which are essential for eliminating toxins processed by the liver.
• Sweating: Incorporate activities that make you sweat, such as exercise or sauna sessions, to support skin-based detoxification. Dry brushing can also help stimulate lymphatic drainage.

7. CONSIDER HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS:

Dandelion root, milk thistle, and turmeric are known for their liver-supportive properties. Consult with a healthcare professional before adding supplements.

CONCLUSION:

Your liver is a silent hero, working tirelessly to process toxins, balance hormones, and regulate fat metabolism - especially during perimenopause. But when it’s overloaded, it can worsen perimenopause symptoms or mimic them entirely. Recognizing these signs and supporting your liver can significantly impact your overall well-being.

If you’re ready to start feeling better, take proactive steps to support your liver and embrace a holistic approach to your health for a smoother perimenopause experience.