Hormonal Imbalance
Are you at the mercy of your hormones?
Our hormones undoubtedly have a major influence on our lives;
however there is no need for us to be at the mercy of our hormones!
Women in particular know all too well how hormones can affect
mood and energy, but how many of us really understand how
important hormones are for health and wellbeing?
Hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol are vital
for our health and wellbeing. If these hormones become out
of balance we may experience many undesirable symptoms.
Each hormone has a very specific job to do in the body, for
example:
• Cortisol – helps our body deal with stress;
• Oestrogen – vital for maintaining female reproductive health;
• Testosterone – vital for maintaining male reproductive health.
Oes trogen: A vital part of female health at
every stage of life
Oestrogen is essential for healthy female reproductive
function. This hormone plays a part in every stage of a
woman’s life; from early childhood development through to
puberty, followed by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth
and finally, through the menopausal years.
Oes trogen: Th e “good” and the “bad”
Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries and exists in different
forms within the body. One of these forms is good for the
body, and is essential to female reproductive health; the
other is not, and is associated with PMS, menopausal
symptoms and other female hormonal issues.
In order for the body to stay in a healthy hormonal state
there needs to be more of the “good” oestrogen and less
of the “bad” oestrogen. When the body does not keep
these two forms in the correct balance, the body can
develop what is known as “oestrogen dominance” which
may result in the following symptoms:
• Bloating or fluid retention
• Heavy, irregular menses
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Sugar cravings
• Weight gain
• Mood swings and irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Night sweats
• Headaches
• Loss of libido
Hormonal harmony may be achieved through
natural medicine
Luckily there are many natural substances which may help to maintain
a healthy oestrogen balance, including:
• Flaxseed – Flaxseed supports the production of the “good”
oestrogen, which is essential to female reproductive health, whilst
reducing the production of the “bad” oestrogen.
• Polygonum and Kudzu – These herbs contain constituents that can
help regulate the effects of oestrogen on the body.
• Turmeric – Turmeric offers potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
activity and also increases general detoxification within the body.
• Folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 – These vitamins assist
with the processing of oestrogen in the body.
Mum was right, broccoli is good for you!
Broccoli and other members of the Brassica vegetables, like cauliflower,
cabbage and Brussel sprouts, contain a powerful ingredient known
as indole-3-carbinole which also helps to keep a healthy balance
between the “good” oestrogen and the “bad” oestrogen.
Don’t bec ome a slave to your hormones - take control
of them today!
As well as theses great natural supplements, the following dietary and
lifestyle changes will also help keep your oestrogens in balance:
• Consume a diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables;
• Increase the good fats in your diet, especially those from nuts, seeds
and oily cold-water fish;
• Drink at least 1-2 litres of water a day;
• Increase exercise and keep active;
• Limit salt and saturated fat intake;
• Reduce or avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption;
• Lose excess fat;
• Stop smoking.
Every woman at every stage of their life should
use these diet and lifestyle ideas and the natural
medicines discussed as an ongoing supp ort for
healthy hormones .
To help achieve a healthy hormonal balance, all of
these herbs and nutrients are now available in a
convenient supplement form – just ask us today!
If you are concerned about your hormones, then
come and see us to discuss the range of options
available to help you achieve hormonal harmony.
