CIRS & Hormones: The Endocrine Disruptions of Biotoxin Illness
How Biotoxins Disrupt Hormonal Balance
One of the most overlooked aspects of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is the impact on hormones and endocrine function. Biotoxins from mold, Lyme, and other environmental exposures can wreak havoc on hormone regulation, leading to issues like:
✔ Extreme fatigue – Cortisol dysregulation and adrenal dysfunction.
✔ Sleep disturbances – Melatonin imbalances.
✔ Weight gain or loss resistance – Thyroid and leptin dysfunction.
✔ Mood swings, anxiety, or depression – Disruptions in sex hormones and neurotransmitters.
✔ Temperature intolerance – Dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
If you’re struggling with these symptoms despite following a treatment plan, addressing hormonal imbalances may be the missing link in your recovery.
Step 1: Rebalance the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
The HPA axis is the body’s central stress response system, regulating cortisol, adrenaline, and other key hormones. Biotoxin exposure can keep the HPA axis in a state of chronic overactivation or suppression.
How to Restore HPA Balance:
✔ Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil) – Help regulate cortisol levels.
✔ Phosphatidylserine – Lowers high cortisol in the evening to improve sleep.
✔ Gentle movement (yoga, walking, tai chi) – Reduces HPA overactivation.
✔ Blood sugar stabilization – Eat protein, fiber, and healthy fats at each meal.
✔ Vagus nerve stimulation – Supports nervous system regulation and HPA function.
Step 2: Address Thyroid Dysfunction
CIRS can disrupt thyroid function, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism or an inability to properly convert thyroid hormones.
How to Support Thyroid Health:
✔ Iodine-Rich Foods (Seaweed, Fish, Eggs) – Support thyroid hormone production.
✔ Selenium & Zinc – Essential for thyroid hormone conversion.
✔ Liver Support – The liver converts T4 to the active form T3.
✔ Check for Reverse T3 (rT3) – High rT3 levels indicate inflammation-driven thyroid dysfunction.
✔ Reduce EMF Exposure – Some evidence suggests EMFs can impact thyroid function.
Step 3: Optimize Melatonin for Sleep & Cellular Repair
Melatonin is more than just a sleep hormone—it’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify the brain and regulate immune function. CIRS disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia, poor recovery, and increased inflammation.
How to Restore Healthy Melatonin Levels:
✔ Block Blue Light at Night – Wear blue light blocking glasses and avoid screens before bed.
✔ Sleep in Complete Darkness – Use blackout curtains and remove electronics from the bedroom.
✔ Supplement with Low-Dose Melatonin – Start with 0.3-1mg if needed.
✔ Increase Sunlight Exposure During the Day – Helps regulate circadian rhythms.
Step 4: Balance Leptin & Insulin for Metabolic Health
Leptin is the hormone that regulates hunger and fat metabolism, but in CIRS, leptin resistance can develop, leading to persistent weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.
How to Reduce Leptin Resistance:
✔ Lower Inflammation – Omega-3s, turmeric, and an anti-inflammatory diet.
✔ Improve Insulin Sensitivity – Balanced blood sugar through diet and intermittent fasting.
✔ Prioritize Sleep – Poor sleep increases leptin resistance.
✔ Avoid Overeating Processed Carbs – They spike insulin and disrupt leptin signaling.
Step 5: Support Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone)
Hormonal imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are common in CIRS due to inflammation and toxin exposure affecting endocrine glands.
How to Balance Sex Hormones Naturally:
✔ DIM (Diindolylmethane) & Cruciferous Vegetables – Support estrogen detoxification.
✔ Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) – Helps balance progesterone levels in women.
✔ Zinc & Vitamin D – Support testosterone production in both men and women.
✔ Reduce Xenoestrogens – Avoid plastics, BPA, and synthetic fragrances.
✔ Manage Stress – Chronic stress lowers progesterone and testosterone.
Final Thoughts: Restoring Hormonal Balance for CIRS Recovery
If you’ve been treating CIRS but still feel exhausted, struggle with sleep, or experience unexplained weight gain, addressing hormonal imbalances may be the next step in your healing journey.
By rebalancing the HPA axis, thyroid, melatonin, leptin, and sex hormones, you can create a stronger foundation for recovery and long-term wellness.