estrogen

Maca Root: Research-backed Benefits and How It Works

Explore the benefits of Maca root, a cruciferous vegetable with adaptogenic properties, known for balancing hormone levels and aiding menopausal symptoms. Learn about its potential side effects, gene interactions, and the science behind its unique bioactive compounds.

Estrogen, histamine, and mast cell connections

Mast cells can be more easily triggered in the presence of high estrogen or estrogen-mimicking compounds. Histamine can also trigger mast cell degranulation. Together, this can cause a lot of symptoms related to mast cell activation.

MTHFR Mutation: What is it? How to check your raw data.

The MTHFR gene is important for how your body utilizes folate (vitamin B9) for creating neurotransmitters, detoxifying toxicants, and maintaining a healthy heart. Check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA data for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants.

CYP2B6: Genetic variants impacting medication reactions

The CYP2B6 enzyme is part of the body’s first line of defense in detoxifying and breaking down certain and important for metabolizing several medications. Genetic variants of this enzyme can either speed up or slow down its function.

Glucuronidation: UGT genetic variants, phase II detoxification

The UGT family of enzymes is responsible for an important part of phase II detoxification. This article explains what the UGT enzymes do in the body, how your genes impact this part of detoxification, and lifestyle factors that can increase or decrease this detox process.

NQO1 Gene: Metabolism of quinones, benzene, and more

The NQO1 gene codes for an important enzyme in phase II detoxification. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing the cancer-causing benzene (e.g. from air pollution) and cigarette toxins. Learn more and check your genes. (Member’s article)

PCOS: Genetics and Root Causes

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder causing an increase in androgen hormone production in women. It also increases the risk of infertility. PCOS affects 5 -10% of premenopausal women, and genetics plays a large role in whether you have PCOS.

COMT: Slow vs. Fast, Interactions with Supplements

Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.

woman with pregnancy test in hand

Genetic links to infertility for women

Your genes may be playing a role in your infertility — and knowing which genetic variants you carry may help you figure out solutions to try.

CYP2A6: Breaking down nicotine and other medications

How many cigarettes a day a person smokes – and how hard it is for them to quit – is at least partly dependent on the CYP2A6 gene. This enzyme also metabolizes several important cancer drugs.

COMT neurotransmitter levels

COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter levels and estrogen metabolism.

Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Genes that increase the risk of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a problem for a lot of women, especially after age 30. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscle cells of the uterus. This article will dig into the causes of fibroids, explain how your genetic variants can add to the susceptibility, and offer solutions that are backed by research. (Member’s article)

Gallstone Genes

The genetic link to gallstones centers around the genes involved in regulating the absorption of cholesterol from plants and the excretion of cholesterol from the body. Learn more about the genetic variants that increase your risk.

HIF-1a: Hypoxia, Cancer, and Athletic Superpowers

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A) gene codes for a transcription factor, that responds to the amount of oxygen available to the cell. This is important in cancer prevention, and several HIF1A genetic variants alter the susceptibility to several types of cancer.

BPA: How Your Genes Influence BPA Detoxification

BPA, a chemical found in some plastics, has been linked to a variety of health issues in people. Learn more about BPA and the research into genetic responses to this chemical.

Estrogen: How it is made and how we get rid of it

Estrogen – from how much is made to how it is broken down – is dependent on both genetics and lifestyle factors and affects both men and women. This article explains how estrogen is made, how it is eliminated from the body, which genes are involved, and how this influences the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and fibroids.

picture of a woman on a couch, feeling poorly with pms

PMS, Genetics, and Solutions

A lot of women know the moodiness and brain fog that comes with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies estimate that PMS is up to 95% heritable – which means that it has a huge genetic component. Learn about the genes and find out which solutions may actually work for you.

Osteoporosis Genes and Prevention Strategies

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease facing many of us as we age. Genetics plays a big role in susceptibility to osteoporosis. The good news here is that knowing where your genetic susceptibility lies can lead you to targeted, personalized solutions for osteoporosis. (Member’s article)