Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance in Women | How to Balance your Female Hormones?

Natural Approach to Hormone Balance & Women's Health

Natural plant extracts, supplements, and vitamins can help promote the healthy metabolism of female hormones. Hormonal disturbance could be found in any woman. However, by aging female hormones are changing and mainly declining. Low hormone levels are linked to increased risks of heart attack, cancer, osteoporosis, mood disturbances, decreased sexual desire, difficulty sleeping, and hot flashes.

Estrogen and progesterone are the main Female hormones but they work hand in hand with a group of other steroid hormones including, pregnenolone (the first line of hormone production converting to form other hormones) DHEA, Progesterone, Testosterone, and various types of Estrogen (more than 15 different types of estrogen is found such as estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estriol (E3). All of these hormones demonstrate a unique biological function.

E2 is dominant in non-pregnant and reproductive females. It is important in the ovulation cycle and has a positive effect on organs including the brain, heart, and bones. Low levels of E2 cause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

E1 is the dominant form in post-menopausal females. It is produced in the ovaries and fat cells. E1 itself could be converted to other forms of estrogen including 2 hydroxy estrone (good), 4 hydroxy estrone (bad- associated with cancer), and 16 alpha-hydroxy estrone. The ratio of these hormones in particular (2:16) is very important in regulating hormones.

E3 is the dominant form during pregnancy and it is produced mainly by the placenta. This type of estrogen is less likely to cause cancer.

Estrogen dominance refers to the condition of excess estrogen while there is an insufficient amount of progesterone to balance the ratio. Estrogen dominance relates to conditions like fibrocystic breast disease and cancer.

This imbalance could be found in any woman, however, pre-menopausal women are at a higher risk due to a rapid decline in progesterone in comparison with the estrogen. Exposure to Estrogen chemicals found in pesticides and Petrochemicals (BPA, PCBs in plastics, and some cosmetics,...), weight gain and obesity, and overconsumption of sugar and trans fats also contribute to excess estrogen.

Some related symptoms of estrogen dominance condition include fatigue, food craving, menstrual cramps, heavy or short menstrual cycles, hair loss, fibroids, endometriosis, depression, mood swings, weight gain, and bloating.

Menopausal women due to the hormonal imbalance are at a higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and Alzheimer's.

Several studies support the fact that E3 has positive effects in preventing heart disease by helping to regulate blood pressure and blood lipids. Estradiol also increases bone density, helps to reduce recurrent urinary infections, and prevents vaginal dryness and chronic vaginitis, It promotes collagen production and improves skin's elasticity.

Progesterone's function is to balance the estrogen. In healthy women, Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and is necessary for the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone is also important in menopausal women. Progesterone improves sleep and reduces mood swings and anxiety.

DHEA is another type of steroid hormone which mainly produced by the adrenal glands. The amount of DHEA is higher in men, but it plays important role in women's health as well. DHEA's production decreases with aging. DHEA's deficiency has been related to cancer, sleep disturbance, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, fatigue, pain, and muscle and bone loss.

Testosterone is a male hormone, but it is also produced in a female's body at a lower level. Testosterone production is getting lower with aging. Testosterone improves the quality of life, and libido; while, it is shown to reduce hot flashes and insomnia in menopausal women.

Pregnenolone is the first in the line of steroid hormone production. All the other female or male hormones are derived from this hormone. Lower levels of Pregnenolone are related to dementia.

To archive the best results in balancing the hormones, the protocol should consider progesterone, estrogen, DHEA, pregnenolone, and testosterone.

Before starting any protocol it is important to test for the hormone levels. A complete hormone testing for Female Panel should include estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.

Hormone tests are usually done on the blood, urine, and saliva. A blood test is a routine way of measuring hormones; but, it does not include estrogen metabolite. Urine tests include the main hormones and the estrogen metabolites. Saliva testing Includes main hormones and some metabolites. It provides an easy way to collect samples and it usually complements the blood test by providing a complete picture.

Nutritional support to optimize women's hormonal health:

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with estrogen-like activity. Phytoestrogens bind to the estrogen receptors of the tissues. When the estrogen level is low, phytoestrogens can provide similar effects providing relief from the symptoms and diseases associated with low estrogen and menopause.

On the other hand, when the estrogen level is higher than normal, phytoestrogens compete with estrogen molecules by occupying the estrogen receptors. This is specifically beneficial in preventing the growth and spread of hormone-dependent cancers.

Studies demonstrate that Phytoestrogens (genistein and daidzein) have positive impacts on cardiovascular health by Decreasing blood pressure, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Phytoestrogens perform strong antioxidant activity like vitamin C and E. Phytoestrogen Genistein has shown that can protect brain cells.

The results of several pieces of research have shown supplementing with genistein and daidzein provides higher bone mineral density. These phytoestrogens could easily be used instead of hormone replacement therapy to improve menopause-related bone loss in women.

Based on many studies natural phytoestrogens significantly reduce menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.

Black cohosh: has been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. It protects against bone loss. Also, it is shown to prevent the multiplication of breast cancer cells.

Dong Quai: is a Chinese medicine (female Ginseng) used for gynecological purposes. It is used to relieve painful menstruation and some other related symptoms.

Vitex (Chaste tree):the extract from leaves and berries of Agnus cactus (vitex) provides relief from both premenstrual and menopausal symptoms.

Licorice Root: is shown to improve testosterone production. Licorice's effects on serotonin improve mood and reduce menopausal depression.

DIM and I3C: 3,3’-Diindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) (found in cruciferous vegetables) provide a positive effect on estrogen metabolism.

I3C prevents the formation of 16-alpha-hydroxy estrone (cancer-causing type of estrogen); while, it promotes the production of 2-hydroxy estrone (cancer-fighting type of estrogen). This is in particular very promising in women with a history of breast cancer or at increased risk for breast cancer.

3,3′-Diindolylmethane or DIMis a compound derived from I3C during digestion. I3C is not active in the body until it is converted to DIM. This process requires the right amount of acid in the stomach. I3C is very unstable and could be converted to many other non-DIM substances during digestion, which does not provide the same estrogen balancing function. While DIM is very stable during storage and digestion. Usually higher doses of DIM are very well-tolerated and do not cause side effects.

D-glucarate: This compound is found in Orange, apple, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. d- glucarate performs to protect against cancer by its effect on detoxifying and removing harmful cancer-causing chemicals.

A study suggests a combination of I3C, Calcium D Glucarate, and lignans (Compounds found in fiber-rich sources like flax seeds, oat, vegetables, and fruits) along with other supportive supplements will decrease the risk of estrogen-related cancers.

EGCG (Polyphenol from green tea): provides antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Based on studies, EGCG is capable of prohibiting the growth and multiplication of breast cancer in humans. EGCG reduces vessel formation around the tumor cells ( angiogenesis) decreasing blood supply and food to the tumor.

Vitamin D: studies suggest that higher vitamin D levels potentially could reduce the risk of breast cancer by 70 %. Vitamin D prevents the mutant cells from changing into cancer cells. Human-based research has shown daily intake of 1000 IU of vitamin D reduces the risk of developing any kind of cancer by 60%. Moreover, Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract. Taking the Right amount of calcium and vitamin D prevents osteoporosis in menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Omega 3: High concentration of omega 3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve the cancer cells’ sensitivity to treatments, and reduce the spreading rate of some types of cancers.

To be able to treat, prevent, or improve any hormonal imbalance, the initial step should be gathering complete data from hormone panel testing. Based on the data your practitioner could choose which path to take toward balancing hormones. Researched proven nutritional supplements with improved lifestyle and diet help to optimize hormone metabolism and reduce the risk of associated disorders and cancer.

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