Managing Healthy Oestrogen Balance

Oestrogen is a hormone that is essential for a healthy female reproductive system. It plays its role right from early childhood development to puberty, through the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and finally though menopause. Many women in the recent times suffer from symptoms relating either excess or less of oestrogen. However it is not only females, but also men that are affected by oestrogen. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in men due to imbalances in oestrogen metabolism. Make your appointment today to check out how this hormone can be managed in your body.

Oestrogen: The “Good” vs. the “Bad”

For both women and men oestrogen is present in different forms in the body. There are good and bad oestrogens. The good oestrogen is essential for the reproductive health and the other is associated with PMS and other hormonal issues.

Both the forms must be kept in the correct balance. When the body develops an oestrogen imbalance it can develop an imbalance resulting to BPH, breast enlargement in men, endometriosis and uterine fibroids in women. Some of the symptoms below indicate oestrogen imbalance:

• Bloating or fluid retention
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Weight gain
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches
• Sugar cravings
• Mood swings and irritability
• Night sweats & loss of libido

Herbs and Nutrients – Hormone Heroes

A “good” and “bad” oestrogen balance can be ensured with healthy oestrogen metabolism support. The less favourable oestrogen is also essential for the body to maintain the healthy oestrogen balance. Some herbs and nutrients intake support healthy oestrogen metabolism:

Indole-3- Carbinol: It helps support oestrogen detoxification and maintain a healthy oestrogen balance. It is widely found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

Curcumin: It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that supports liver detoxification and used for management of period pain. It is a herb that is found in turmeric.

Broccoli Sprouts: It contains glucosinolates and sulphoraphane which helps activate the body’s natural detoxification system due to its antioxidant properties. Thus, eliminating oestrogens and toxins from the body.

Is Menopause of life ruining your life?

During menopause at the end of reproductive years, Oestrogen levels in women start to drop. This is due to the decline of hormone production from the ovaries. Hot flues, sweating, palpitations, low back pain, anxiety and insomnia are some of the symptoms that impact greatly on women’s quality of life. To manage these menopausal symptoms and enhance hormone production – the herbs Rehmannia, Chinese yam, peony and Zizyphyus are essential.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips For Hormones

Some diet tips can bring your hormones into a state of balance:

• Intake of healthy, low fat protein on a daily basis is essential. Fresh lean fish, lean beef, chicken, eggs, legumes and tofu are some food that are protein rich.
• Enjoy a plate full of colourful fresh vegetables daily.
• Include nuts, seeds and healthy oils while cooking. Fish has a plenty of good fats, ensure you have it on a regular basis
• Caffeine and alcohol intake must be reduced or avoided, as these can worsen hormonal symptoms.
• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.
• Drink at least 2 liters of purified water. Water eliminates the toxins in the body and is vital for overall good health

Healthy Hormone Balance

Take control of your body and don’t let your hormones rule. Get in touch to get the help you need. Read more on Nutritional medicine or Naturopathy.