Estrogen Balance

Hormones play a vital role in every woman’s health and well-being. Very often when women are in a bad mood, you will find that they, or their partners, blame it on their hormones. When hormone levels fluctuate, this can affect your mood, sexual desire, fertility and ovulation. In other words, the imbalance of hormones may impact negatively on how your reproductive system responds.

Every month, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced. When estrogen and progesterone levels do not balance, this may have a dramatic effect on your health. The gonadotrophin releasing hormone, also affects the functioning of the hypothalamus which in turn affects the pituitary gland, which then affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.

There are a few things you can do like changing your diet. In general, maintaining a balanced diet will also help you maintain balanced hormone levels. Zinc is known to aid in the production of testosterone. Foods high in zinc include dark chocolate, peanuts, and many meats, including beef, veal, lamb, crab, and oysters. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats create healthy cell membranes, allowing hormones to reach their destinations within the body. Good foods to include are walnuts, eggs, and many types of fish, including sardines, trout, salmon, tuna, and oysters. Get more fiber into your diet. High-fiber foods include whole grains, raw fruit, and raw vegetables. Fiber binds itself to old estrogen, clearing it out of the system and leading to better overall balance. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol. Studies suggest that excessive use of either product can contribute to premenstrual hormonal imbalance. And lastly, exercise more often. Aerobic exercise has been known to release chemicals that improve mood, which can help balance out mood swings caused by a lack or excess of female reproductive hormones.

Below are natural herbs that will help balance the estrogen in your body along with managing menopausal symptoms.

Raspberry leaf is naturally high in magnesium, niacin, calcium, selenium, magnesium, thiamine, potassium, iron, vitamin C and B vitamins, which make it helpful for leg cramps, nausea, improving sleep, hot flashes and may prevent anemia. This specific combination of nutrients, found in Raspberry leaf extract, make it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system. Minerals in Raspberry leaf also help to strengthen the nervous system, and the vitamin C is important. In addition, the calcium contained in the leaves may be useful for those who are susceptible to osteoporosis, as estrogen levels drop. It may also help heavy or erratic periods, night sweats, moodiness, insomnia and other symptoms of menopause. 

Black Cohosh stimulates the body's ability to produce its own hormones and only what it actually needs. It has been used to relieve hot flashes, excessive sweating, and depression, and reduces dryness in the vagina.Obtained from the root of the plant, Black Cohosh has been used for dysmenorrhea, to enhance bone formation and coronary heart disease in early postmenopausal women.

Valerian root is valued for its sedative properties. It has been used to for menstrual cramps, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. Its anti-spasmodic properties also help for relaxing uterine smooth muscle, as well as mood related symptoms like nervousness, anxiety and insomnia.  Valerian root tincture contains many active compounds such as valerenic acid which has been said to prevent the degradation of GABA, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for muscle tone and nerve impulses.  Valerian directly binds to GABA receptors in the brain, resulting in feelings of mental calmness and relaxation.

Blessed thistle has been used to increase appetite, stimulate saliva, bile flow and assist in digestion. It has also been used as an anti-inflammatory, breast-stimulant, menstrual flow stimulant and antioxidant. Blessed Thistle contains primary nutrients consisting of calcium, magnesium, potassium, niacin, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, and vitamin C and zinc. It is also useful during menopause for problems with heavy bleeding, as well as the headaches of women experiencing menopausal discomforts. 

Damiana Leaf has been shown to be effective in balancing menstrual irregularities such as cramps and excessive bleeding. It has a long history, used for centuries for its healthful effects in helping to maintain the body's hormonal balance. This action is due to its ability to bind progesterone receptors that assist in alleviating symptoms of hormonal balance and its testosterone-like elements, according to the University of California's online journal, as well as the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. It has also been used to address the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, inflammatory issues and weight loss.

Herbal Tea combined of Red Raspberry Leaf, Black Cohosh, Valerian Root, Blessed Thistle Herb, Damiana Leaf. Mix equal parts and use 1 tsp per 1 cup of boiled water.

You can purchase this herbal tea for estrogin balance here or purchase in an herbal tinture form here.