Balancing Acts: Navigating Hormonal Wellness With Alannah Slingsby

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, and how it relates to health?

The impact of hormones on our lives became deeply apparent to me through a personal and profound family experience. During my grandmother's pregnancy with my mother, she was administered DES, a synthetic estrogen intended to prevent miscarriages. However, this "wonder drug" had devastating consequences. Instead of preventing miscarriages, it caused them, along with a range of severe side effects, including cancer, anatomical issues, infertility, and cardiovascular disorders. The effects extended not only to the mothers but also to their babies, as my mother suffered from severe scoliosis, infertility, irregular periods, and a higher risk of cancer. Even today, ongoing research is exploring the potential side effects on the granddaughters of women who were given DES. This personal connection ignited my passion for understanding the impact of hormones on health. After working in the tech industry, I sought to shift my focus to more personally engaging endeavors. Most evenings, I eagerly returned home to immerse myself in nutrition and health research. My journey eventually led me to collaborate with my mother, a distinguished medical director. As I began ghostwriting articles on cancer, I found myself captivated by health solutions that genuinely made a difference.

What inspired you to pay more attention to your hormone health and make it a part of your routine?

Over the years, I've delved into the writings of Dr. Ray Peat, and his perspectives have been nothing short of revolutionary to me. His unique approach, not only to understanding the world but also to comprehending the intricate workings of hormones, has had a profound impact on my perspective. Dr. Peat's ideas have not just been theoretical musings; they have shown their practical efficacy in the real world. This blend of theoretical insights and real-world application has further fueled my passion for hormone health. Through his writings, I've come to appreciate the nuanced interplay of hormones in our bodies and how they can significantly influence our well-being. Dr. Peat's work has been instrumental in shaping my understanding and, in turn, has shaped my company.

What specific hormones or hormone-related issues do you focus on in your health routine, and why?

Living with Hashimoto's for several years left me feeling insecure about my body and overall health. The condition had a direct impact on my metabolism, causing it to slow down significantly. This, in turn, led to weight gain and a persistent lack of energy, which had a substantial negative effect on my quality of life. To address this, I began taking a compounded thyroid medication that combined T4 and T3, specifically sourced from Moment. This medication proved to be transformative for me. With the introduction of thyroid medication, I experienced a remarkable weight loss of 20 pounds, a surge in energy levels, and an overall sense of well-being that I had been missing for years. The correction of my thyroid hormone levels had a profound effect on my metabolism and, subsequently, my ability to manage my weight and lead a healthier life. Additionally, I've ventured into experimenting with naltrexone, another hormone-related intervention, to further enhance my health and well-being. I also cycle our progesterone cream.

How do you stay informed about the latest developments and research related to hormone health?

I like to read the Ray Peat forum. I’ve also set up PubMed alerts to stay updated on research, and I enjoy searching for old or obscure PDFs online. I like to read Georgi Dinkov's blog daily to stay in the loop on the latest hormone research.

Are there particular foods or dietary choices that you find helpful in maintaining hormone balance?

Protein plays a crucial role in supporting thyroid function. This isn't surprising, as protein is not only a source of the amino acid tyrosine needed for synthesizing thyroid hormones but also because it can help reduce serotonin production in the brain. Serotonin is a major metabolic "brake" and has a direct suppressive effect on the thyroid gland. Therefore, any dietary factors that lower serotonin levels or inhibit its impact are likely to boost metabolism. For this reason, I often include generous servings of steak and lamb in my diet. I learned that from Georgi Dinkov. Milk also offers a well-balanced mix of hormones. It contains pretty good levels of progesterone.

Can you describe any stress-reduction techniques or practices you use to manage cortisol levels and stress-related hormones?

I just keep a simple life of work and loved ones. Nothing else really, I just like those two things. Working and being with people close to me. Do you have any favorite supplements or natural remedies that you incorporate into your hormone health routine? For my thyroid health, our compounded T4 and T3 medication is a key player. Occasionally, I use methylene blue as well. And when I remember, I take magnesium and aspirin. Moment progesterone cream is a regular part of my routine, contributing to hormonal balance. Plus, I've found that gelatin is a simple yet valuable addition.

Are there any specific lifestyle changes you've made to improve your hormone health that you'd like to share with our readers?

Falling in love is a must. It's the best thing for health and life in general. I think it’s also good for your hormones. The warmth of your partner's skin and the emotional significance of human touch can't be understated. Did you know trauma is contagious? Studies have shown that. But if that’s true so can the beauty of positive experiences inside someone.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to explore hormone health and wants to establish a balanced routine?

Don’t rely on the FDA or someone's credentials. Take charge of your health by delving into research and reading extensively. Your well-being is at stake.

What are your future goals and aspirations regarding your hormone health journey?

I am continually working on reducing my antibodies levels.