Low Estrogen and Hormonal Imbalance

Posted by on 09 Jun 2010 | Tagged as: Estrogen



Let’s take a look at the problem of low estrogen and hormonal imbalance.  This would be indicated by two things:  Firstly, you are experiencing the symptoms of low estrogen and hormonal imbalance which include hot flashes, night sweats, dry vagina, urinary urgency, memory loss, brain fog and perhaps feelings of depression and irritability.  With these symptoms you should first visit your bioidentical doctor to get your hormones tested.  When the results arrive, he will then write an individualized prescription for bioidentical hormones.

There are also some natural supplements that you can take that will help solve the worst of your symptoms.  These natural herbal supplements for menopause will help deal with low estrogen and menopause symptoms.  Phytoestrogenic herbs such as Angelica, Black Cohosh, Red Clover Extract, licorice or sage can be used to boost healthy estrogen levels.  Choose one of the following.  You can purchase these at the health store.

Angelica:

Angelica has been used for hundreds of years to combat the symptoms of menopause and a lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), and PMS.  Angelica has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and can also help with painful menstruation.  It is also beneficial in that it counteracts menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.  Usually, a naturopath will recommend that you 400 mg. one to three times per day without food.

Black Cohosh:

Black Cohosh is another traditional herb for the treatment of menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, urinary problems, etc.  Taken without food, take a 40 mg tablet, two times a day is the usual recommended dose.  However, always check with your doctor or naturopath for the exact dose for yourself.

Red Clover Extract
:

Red clover extract contains isoflavones which are natural estrogens found in plants.  It may help with menopause symptoms – there is conflicting research on red clover extract.  Some reports say that it helps with such problems as bone loss, improves blood pressure, increases good cholesterol, thereby reducing heart disease risk.  The best product for red clover extract is Promensil which has been researched the most.  Take 80 mg. per day and see if it helps first with your hot flashes.

Licorice:

Licorice is an herb which contines phytoestrogens and can help with stress and burnout.  Only take it before 3:00 in the afternoon because it is a stimulant.  Recommended dose is 300 – 900 mg. per day, but check with your naturopath for the dosage that is right for you.

Sage:

Sage will assist with hot flashes and night sweats if these are your main issues. This will help restore estrogen balance. Take without food, 400 mg per day.

The above are the best herbal supplements for menopause if you are not taking bioidentical hormones.  As always, we highly recommend that you visit a naturopath or a doctor experienced in supplementing with herbal supplements to explain your symptoms so they can assist you.

Make sure also that a healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol intake and stress reduction are included in your daily life.  Neither bioidentical hormones or natural supplements are going to work very well if you don’t live a healthy life style.

Natural Progesterone

Posted by on 31 May 2009 | Tagged as: Bioidentical Hormones, progesterone



Natural Progesterone is considered to be one of the most important of all hormones found in the body of both men and women. This hormone is necessary for maintaining good health by ensuring proper functioning of various organs. The importance of progesterone as a hormone can be gauged from the fact that it is popularly referred to as the ‘mother of all hormones’ and also known as the “hormone of pregnancy.” Decreased levels of progesterone can lead to many health complications in men and women.

Hormonal imbalance is something that every man and woman experience during the time of menopause for women and andropause for men. Increased levels of another hormone, estrogen is known to cause many of the symptoms associated with menopause in women such as night sweats, hot flashes, low libido and depression. Progesterone is known to be the only solution to tackle this problem. It is known to provide relief from most of the symptoms of menopause and andropause. It is known to be a good antidepressant, has diuretic abilities and also increases sex drive. It is known to end mood swings and improve overall health and fitness.

Hormone replacement therapy is finding an increasing number of followers these days. Men, as they age usually need to supplement both progesterone and testosterone. Women may need to supplement with progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Natural progesterone can be supplemented in the body using bioidentical hormone therapy. In fact, the introduction of bioidentical hormones is known to correct the balance of hormones in the body, leading to improvement in the overall health and wellbeing of a person.

Plants are the basic source for natural bioidentical hormones. Since they are natural, they are considered much safer than the conventional synthetic preparations such as Premarin and hence, their popularity. Anyone wanting to undergo natural hormone replacement therapy is given a hormone test by the doctor. Based on the results, the amount and the type of hormones are then decided by the doctor. You can then obtain your bioidentical hormone prescription at a compounding pharmacy that will make up the cream for you with the levels of hormones you require.

A decreased level of progesterone is something that can be addressed by hormone replacement therapy. Increasing the levels of this hormone helps in effectively checking the rise in the levels of estrogen, which results in many health benefits.

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