COURSE VIII: Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal Axis – Oestrogen

The focus with this lesson shifts to endocrine regulation of our reproductive system – the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal (HPG) Axis. Starting with a detailed look at the biochemistry of the sex hormones, we learn about the complex shifting relationship between the members of this family of steroid hormones as they transform into each other. Attention is then given to oestrogen, its different forms and its many actions. This takes us on a journey to its darker side – the oestrogen industry, petrochemicals, plastics, pesticides and the gamut of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the earth's waterways and in our bodies. We contemplate the role of oestrogen-dominance in driving inflammation and look at how to remedy these imbalances.