Copper Overload & Women’s Health

Copper and zinc are important trace minerals that work together to ensure the proper functioning of many biochemical processes in the body. They are antagonists, meaning that as levels of one decrease the other increases and vice versa. It is essential that copper and zinc be in balance relative to one another for optimal health. Unfortunately, many individuals have excess copper and a deficiency in zinc, which can have a profound impact on mental and physical well-being. Research has associated this type of imbalance with mental health conditions including depression, behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia.

While the body has an elaborate system for managing and regulating trace metals, some individuals may have genetic variations that affect copper utilization and excretion. Other factors that can contribute to copper overload include zinc deficiency, environmental copper exposures, xenoestrogens, copper cookware, copper pipes in the home, birth control, and hormonal therapies.

While there are benefits of copper on the body, when it rises to toxic levels it can accumulate in the brain and body where it impacts glandular and nervous system functioning and causes harmful oxidative damage.

Copper has a stimulating effect, and the link between copper and hormones means too much of it can send the brain and body into overdrive.

This is because copper impacts the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine, our “feel good” hormone, gets reduced while the body increases norepinephrine, the body’s excitatory neurotransmitter. As a result, the brain and body become primed for being in a chronic state of “fight or flight,” which can cause a lot of wear and tear on the body, especially to adrenal and thyroid health.  

Copper & Estrogen

While there are copper benefits for women, they are particularly susceptible for copper overload due to the relationship between copper and estrogen. People often ask us, does copper increase estrogen, and the relationship runs the other way too: estrogen increases copper retention in the body, particularly under the circumstances of estrogen dominance and/or the use of birth control pills, copper IUDs, hormone replacement therapy, and pregnancy. Symptoms and conditions associated with copper overload in women include the onset of depression at puberty, pregnancy or menopause, severe anxiety, fibroids, endometriosis, painful/irregular menstrual cycles, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, intolerance to birth control pills, episodes of rage, and sleep disorders.

Postpartum Depression

During pregnancy, there are changes in both copper metabolism and balance to allow for the transfer of significant amounts of copper from the mother to fetus. In fact, copper levels more than double during gestation to stimulate the development of new blood vessels for the formation of the baby’s heart, skeletal and nervous systems. Normally, copper and estrogen levels begin to drop within 24 hours after delivery. However, if copper levels do not return to normal, then mood regulating neurotransmitters are impacted and postpartum depression/psychosis can result. And, if copper levels are not addressed, each subsequent pregnancy can result in more and more copper toxicity, and worsening symptoms. Women with a history of postpartum depression tend to have very high levels of copper in their blood, according to this study.

It’s a big jump. During pregnancy, copper levels can more than double, and serum copper is known to increase progressively throughout all three trimesters to ensure that the developing baby’s blood vessels, heart and nervous system receive enough copper. If those levels don’t return to baseline postpartum, that could keep mood-related neurotransmitters in a dysregulated state.

Cancer

Copper toxicity/abnormal copper metabolism is involved in cancer metastasis through its role in angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a key characteristic in cancer formation and metastasis, which links the cancer tissue to the host’s blood supply. Highly vascularized tumors require copper as a core nutrient for tumor growth. Addressing high copper levels may be an important therapeutic strategy for cancer patients. 

Identifying & Correcting Copper Overload

Lab testing, such as our Brain Chemistry Panel, can help to accurately identify a copper/zinc imbalance. Taking targeted nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B6, P5P, as well as antioxidants selenium, and vitamins C & E can help to normalize copper and zinc levels and protect against oxidative stress. Nutrient therapy may help support improvements in a wide variety of mental health conditions. However, it is very important to work with an experienced nutrition professional who is skilled in creating customized therapeutic nutrient plans for mental well-being. 

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for copper for adults is 900 mcg per day and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 10,000 mcg (10 mg). Sometimes a low-dose copper vitamin supplement such as 1 mg is given along with zinc for women looking to rebalance, and the best time to take copper and the right dose both depend on your labs. We'd rather test first than guess.

Copper Deficiency and Its Signs

While there’s plenty of news coverage about excess copper, there is also plenty of news about too little. Copper deficiency is real, and the signs can be easy to miss. Fatigue and weakness are often present in low copper levels. You may be at a higher risk for anemia. People also experience frequent infections and have difficulty keeping themselves warm. They might even hear ringing in their ears. Copper deficiency tinnitus has been reported, along with tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. The benefits of copper are real. It aids in the production of red blood cells, maintains nerve activity, and assists in the formation of connective tissue. At Village Green, we'd rather look at your labs than assume. Deficiency and overload may appear similar on the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does copper help with menopause?

Menopause is one of the life stages when copper overload can become a concern for women rather than a help. Depression at menopause is listed among the symptoms and conditions associated with excess copper. Because copper and estrogen are closely linked, women are particularly susceptible to copper overload during this transition. Village Green would rather test your copper and zinc levels than guess, since balance between the two matters for well-being.

How does copper affect estrogen levels in the female body?

The relationship between copper and estrogen runs in both directions. Estrogen increases copper retention in the body, particularly under estrogen dominance and with the use of birth control pills, copper IUDs, hormone replacement therapy, and pregnancy. This is part of why women are particularly susceptible to copper overload. Village Green uses lab testing, such as the Brain Chemistry Panel, to accurately identify a copper and zinc imbalance rather than assume.

Why does postpartum depression occur from copper imbalance?

During pregnancy, copper levels can more than double to support the development of the baby's blood vessels, heart, and nervous system, rising progressively through all three trimesters. Normally copper and estrogen begin to drop within 24 hours after delivery. However, if copper levels do not return to baseline, mood regulating neurotransmitters are impacted and postpartum depression or psychosis can result. If left unaddressed, each subsequent pregnancy can bring more copper toxicity and worsening symptoms.

What role does copper play in cancer metastasis and tumor growth?

Copper toxicity and abnormal copper metabolism are involved in cancer metastasis through copper's role in angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a key characteristic in cancer formation and metastasis, linking the cancer tissue to the host's blood supply. Highly vascularized tumors require copper as a core nutrient for tumor growth. For this reason, addressing high copper levels may be an important therapeutic strategy for cancer patients.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.