Liver Health and Energy: Key Biomarkers to Identify Toxic Overload and Restore Hormonal Balance
Liver Health & Toxic Load: Identifying Key BioMarkers to Restore Vitality
Every day, we’re exposed to hundreds of toxins—from the air we breathe to the products we apply to our skin. These hidden chemicals contribute to inflammation, disrupt the endocrine system, and strain both our hormones and reproductive health. But one of the most affected—and often overlooked—organs in this process is the liver.
Your liver is your body’s primary detoxifier. It works tirelessly behind the scenes to filter out harmful substances, regulate hormones, and support overall vitality. For women, this is especially important—because the liver plays a central role in processing estrogen and other reproductive hormones. An excessive toxic load can overwhelm the liver, making it harder for it to do its job effectively.
This can contribute to hormonal imbalances such as PMS, painful or irregular periods, estrogen dominance, fibroids, and even challenges with fertility. You may also notice signs like fatigue, sluggish digestion, frequent breakouts, mood swings, difficulty fighting off infections, or a lowered immune response. These are often the body’s gentle signals that the liver is overwhelmed and in need of support.
While total avoidance of environmental toxins isn’t realistic, there are intentional steps we can take to support liver function and reduce our overall toxic load. We can help the body return to a more balanced, vibrant state—restoring clarity, energy, and hormonal harmony.
Liver healing is not just physical—it invites emotional release to clear stagnant energy. As you support your liver, notice if old emotional patterns surface. This can be a sign that your body is ready to let go—not just of toxins, but of the emotional weight you've been carrying.
One of the best ways to support your current and long-term health is to understand how your body is functioning internally. Advanced lab tests, like those offered through Function Health, can offer powerful insight into liver function and toxins.
Testing these biomarkers can reveal early signs of imbalance—before they turn into deeper issues that often show up as menstrual irregularities, mood fluctuations, blood sugar imbalance, or chronic fatigue.
Key Biomarkers to Consider Testing:
Liver enzymes: ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT – help assess liver stress or inflammation
Bilirubin – reflects liver processing and bile flow
Albumin and total protein – show how well the liver is producing essential proteins
Ferritin – elevated levels may indicate iron overload or chronic inflammation, which can worsen PMS and fatigue
Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c – help assess blood sugar regulation, essential for hormone balance and preventing PCOS-like symptoms
Lipid panel (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) – imbalances can point to liver or metabolic dysfunction, which often impacts fertility and menstrual regularity
Knowing these markers allows you to take personalized steps toward healing—and better support your liver's natural detox pathways. This kind of awareness can be especially empowering for women who feel disconnected from their cycles, energy levels, or hormonal rhythms.
Daily Support to Reduce Your Toxic Load
Start by being mindful of what you put in and on your body:
-Drink plenty of clean, filtered, or spring water (and be aware of what you’re drinking it from—glass or stainless steel is best). Consider using a shower filter to reduce chemical exposure.
-Choose whole, unprocessed foods to support blood sugar and hormone stability. Whenever you can, choose organic produce—especially from the Dirty Dozen list, a guide from the Environmental Working Group that highlights foods most likely to carry pesticide residues.
-Opt for non-toxic personal care and eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body. Begin by replacing the products you use most often—like toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizers, foundation, and body wash—with clean, non-toxic alternatives.
-Support digestion and bile flow with bitter foods like arugula, dandelion, and lemon water. To support detoxification further, include foods that naturally bind and remove toxins, such as parsley, cilantro, dandelion greens, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale). When eating out, opt for organic-friendly, farm-to-table restaurants or simple, whole-food meals whenever possible.
-Ensure daily bowel movements to help the body eliminate metabolized estrogen efficiently (increase soluble fiber and water intake if necessary).
-Consider gentle liver-supportive herbs such as milk thistle or dandelion root (with practitioner guidance).
-Heal + clear emotions - In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a synergistic relationship between our emotions and each organ. Stored emotions create energetic blocks in the body that eventually produce symptoms and related ailments. When the liver energy (Qi) is congested, feelings of depression, irritability, and defensiveness arise. These issues have their roots in unexpressed anger and frustration. Stored anger creates stagnation in the liver and gallbladder meridians. When we live with flow, patience, and the healthy expression of our frustrations, we can enhance our liver health.
When we support the liver, we encourage gentle detoxification, hormonal balance, clearer skin, and renewed energy. Small, consistent changes in your daily routine can make a big difference—helping to enhance your overall health and vitality.