The Relationship Between Hormones and the Lymphatic System
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a major player in immunity, recognizing toxins and foreign invaders (like viruses, bacteria and fungi) and removing cellular waste. It’s also responsible for producing and releasing specialized white blood cells (in the thymus and bone marrow) called lymphocytes, which play an important role in fighting infection.
The lymphatic system drains lymph that has leaked into our tissues from our blood vessels, while the lymph nodes recirculate it back into the bloodstream through the venous system. The lymph is a separate circulatory system from blood circulation with a primary function of carrying waste proteins and fluid away from the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essentially a communication network of vessels, organs and tissues between cells. The intricate network of lymphatic vessels extends throughout the entire body, even into the brain; the meningeal lymphatic vessels connect the brain and the immune system and are responsible for maintaining a healthy fluid balance, as well as removing waste.
It’s clear that our lymphatic system plays an integral part in our immunity and overall health, but what’s the link to our hormones?
When the lymphatic system becomes backed up or overwhelmed (as a result of infection, cancer, or obstruction) the natural flow of lymph is impeded; this can also happen as a result of toxic overload, unhealthy lifestyle choices, or hormonal imbalance, and ultimately lead to disharmony in the body. As a vital part of the immune system, it’s said that the lymphatic system is critical in treating nearly all types of chronic illness, including hormonal imbalance.
Hormones, nutrients and waste products traveling between cells must make their way through the ECM. If the lymphatic channels are impeded or otherwise functioning abnormally, these molecules and enzymes will be affected, ultimately changing the messages delivered to your cells and depositing waste products into your tissues.
One of the most common types of hormone imbalance in women (which is also becoming more common in men) is estrogen dominance. While this happens naturally, to some extent, as we age and our hormone profile changes, it can also be caused or exacerbated by toxicity, poor diet, exogenous hormones, and trauma. Estrogen dominance occurs when there’s an imbalance of this hormone relative to progesterone levels, throwing off the ratio of these two closely-related hormones. It may cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including hormonal headaches, heavy periods, PCOS, hot flashes, acne, depression, anxiety, and even increase your risk of thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and autoimmune disease.¹
Lymphatic fluid is non-polar, and progesterone is more polar than estrogen, so the lymphatic system tends to attract progesterone more readily.² As this system works in conjunction with blood circulation, it’s extremely important that our lymphatics are flowing freely in order to support the delivery of progesterone and keep our hormones in balance.
How can you support your lymphatic system?
You can think of the lymphatics as the body’s drainage system; congestion or blockages in these pathways can cause swelling, cellulite, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, bloating, and generally put greater strain on the body’s ability to detox and support healthy, balanced hormones. Because the lymphatic system does not have a central pump (like the heart in our circulatory system), we need to incorporate daily movement and breath work to encourage the proper flow of lymph. Other practices that can help to support the lymphatic system are skin brushing (wet or dry), maintaining a balanced diet, and reducing the toxic load on your body wherever possible.
The body’s systems may have separate functions, but they all work together to create inner harmony. When there’s disease or disruption within one system, chances are other important processes will be impacted and thrown off balance, compounding the issue and making your symptoms more difficult to both diagnose and treat. Developing a deeper understanding of your body at a holistic level will enable you to get a better grasp on the relationship between all of your systems and achieve more vibrant, whole health and longevity.
Practices and Remedies for Lymphatic Drainage
Dry brushing - this practice is most frequently used for exfoliation but is said to be helpful in encouraging proper lymphatic flow. Using a body brush with medium-firm bristles, gently massage your skin in the direction of your lymph nodes - neck, armpits, groin and around the gut - to stimulate your lymphatic system, get rid of dry skin, and improve circulation.
Exercise - any movement is helpful in encouraging lymphatic drainage; however, some of the most effective exercises for lymph support include yoga, pilates, strength training and running. Because the lymphatic system has no central pump, moving your body will help to encourage the movement of lymph. (Be sure that you’ve been cleared for physical activity by a medical professional before taking on a new exercise routine.)
Lymphdiaral - Lymphdiaral drops and cream may also encourage lymphatic drainage. This homeopathic remedy helps to relieve symptoms of swelling and inflammation, improves immune function and supports the removal of toxins.
If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms related to lymphatic dysfunction or hormonal imbalance, get in touch to schedule a one-on-one visit so we can work together to support your healing.
Sources:
https://www.arbor-health.com/blog/estrogen-dominance#:~:text=Common%20Symptoms%20of%20Estrogen%20Dominance&text=Estrogen%20dominance%20can%20impact%20sugar,uterine%20fibroids%2C%20and%20autoimmune%20disease. - Arbor Health Functional Medicine and Psychiatry, Nov 2020
https://legology.co.uk/how-hormones-impact-your-lymph/ - Kate Shapland, Legology