It’s been over a decade since I was diagnosed with PCOS, and it still feels like every day I’m learning something new about this complex condition. My most recent “aha moment” came from the results of my comprehensive hormone test, and thanks to this test, I finally feel like I’ve uncovered some of the missing pieces to the very complicated puzzle that is my body. I discovered that I have issues with estrogen detoxification. Specifically, not enough estrogen is being processed through the 2-OH-E1 pathway.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking, “Wait… what even is estrogen detoxification? And what’s this 2-OH-E1 pathway?”

Here’s what I’ve learned: the 2-OH-E1 pathway is one of the ways our body processes and eliminates estrogen (kind of like the “safe exit” route for estrogen to leave the body). When not enough estrogen goes through this pathway, it can throw off hormonal balance. In my case, this has been a major factor in my PCOS and the long list of symptoms that come with it.

Why Liver Health Is So Important for PCOS

Through working with my holistic health practitioner, I’ve come to understand that imbalances like these are often tied to how well (or not) our liver is functioning. For anyone with PCOS, that’s a really big deal. Why? Because it’s the liver’s job is to break down and clear out excess hormones, including estrogen. When it’s not working properly, everything else in the body can start to feel off.

Here Are Some of The Liver’s Main Functions And How They Relate To PCOS:

Estrogen Detoxification: As I mentioned, the liver helps break down and eliminate excess estrogen. When this process isn’t efficient, it can lead to estrogen dominance (or issues with pathways like mine), which can worsen PCOS symptoms like heavy periods or irregular cycles.

Blood Sugar and Insulin Regulation: For many of us with PCOS, insulin resistance is a key issue. The liver plays a major role in balancing blood sugar levels, which helps keep insulin in check.

Inflammation Control: A healthy liver helps reduce inflammation, which is often elevated in PCOS and adds stress to the body.

It’s been so eye-opening to learn how much liver health impacts PCOS symptoms. To help support my liver and all of its functions, I was recommended to try castor oil packs. 

How Castor Oil Packs Help With Liver Function

Improving liver function isn’t about just one change; it’s about a combination of lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, and giving your body what it needs to thrive. Castor oil packs are a simple yet effective addition to this process.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs: 

• Supporting Detoxification: Castor oil packs help the lymphatic system move toxins out of the body.

• Reducing Inflammation: The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is anti-inflammatory, which can be soothing for an overworked liver. 

• Encouraging Relaxation: Castor oil pack’s activate the body’s relaxation response, which is so important for stress management and hormone balance.

• Improving Digestion: Since the liver is closely connected to digestion, using a castor oil pack can help support better nutrient absorption and reduce bloating.

So far, I’ve already felt some immediate relief from bloating with castor oil packs, and while other benefits may take a little more time to show up, I truly believe this practice will pay off in the long run. I think we should all approach using castor oil packs with patience, knowing it’s a process that supports healing over time.

How I Use The Somedays Castor Oil Pack Kit To Support Liver Function 

 

When I first looked into castor oil packs, I was overwhelmed with the number of options available out there. As someone who’s often on the go, I’ve found the Somedays Mess Free Castor Oil Set so easy to use. It’s travel-friendly, mess free, and saves me so much time and effort.

Here’s how I use it:

1. Apply the Castor Oil: I like to warm up the castor oil stick in my hands before applying. Once it’s warm, I apply it to my abdomen, focusing on the liver area (on the right side of the body, just under the ribcage). If I’m feeling bloated or crampy, I’ll apply it over my entire abdomen for extra relief.
   
   

2. Secure the Pack: Next, I take the organic cloth that comes with the Somedays kit and wrap it around my midsection. I love how adjustable and leak-proof it is, no oil stains on my clothes or bedding!
   
   

3. Apply Heat: To help the castor oil penetrate deeper, I use the Somedays flaxseed heating pad and lay it on top of the pack. Then, I take 30–60 minutes to unwind. Whether I’m reading, journaling, or catching up on a show, I really enjoy using this as a little moment of self–care. 

PCOS can be such a challenging condition, which is why I find so much joy in sharing the things I’m learning about my body along the way. If you're someone who's been struggling to understand some of the symptoms you're experiencing, I can't recommend investing in comprehensive hormone testing enough. I spent over a decade feeling confused and lost, trying to find answers, and after doing this testing (along with working with a holistic health practitioner), I’ve made more progress than I ever have before.

I really hope that by sharing my experience with this, you’ve learned something that could help you on your journey too. Healing is personal, but we don’t have to do it alone. 

Shalize is a passionate advocate for women’s health, sharing her personal journey through PCOS, infertility, and self-discovery on her platform @misstomadame.c. Through her insights and experiences, she aims to inspire others to embrace a toxin-free, conscious lifestyle that supports holistic healing.

Follow Shalize on Instagram to stay updated on her journey as she navigates the complexities of infertility and works towards healing from PCOS.