Managing oestrogen is part of having a healthy female reproductive function. Every stage of your life – from early childhood to puberty, throughout menses, pregnancy, childbirth menopause, estrogen is what makes us “tick”. Sometimes regularly as a clock, sometimes erratically, and sometimes like bomb waiting to go off!
There are several kinds of oestrogen; the “good” oestrogen form is essential to reproductive health, while the “bad” type is associated with PMS and other hormonal problems.
Sometimes the body can develop an oestrogen imbalance, which may be associated with conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids in women and even breast enlargement in men.
What are the warning signs of hormonal imbalance?
The following symptoms can indicate imbalances in oestrogen:
- Fluid retention (bloating)
- Loss of libido
- Subfertility
- Insomnia and / or night sweats
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Sugar cravings
- Weight gain
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Mood swings and irritability
- Headaches
How can hormonal imbalances be treated naturally?
Herbs and nutrients can be used to support healthy oestrogen metabolism to ensure the correct ratio – with proper levels of “good” oestrogen and lower levels of “bad” oestrogen.
Look for:
• Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts as they contain Indole-3-carbinol which supports oestrogen detoxification (lowering “bad” oestrogen levels).
• Sprouts (broccoli in particular) have two additional active ingredients, glucosinolates and sulphoraphane. These boost the body’s natural detoxification system, helping to get rid of “bad” oestrogen as well as lingering toxins in the body.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, a well know pain management herb for women who have painful periods. It is also an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory and can promote liver detoxification.
• Soy isoflavones can have an overall oestrogen modulating effect, both bringing up “good” oestrogen levels and decreasing amounts of “bad” oestrogen.
Are you worried you might be heading towards menopause?
As we age, sadly our oestrogen levels start to drop because the ovaries reduce hormone production, we head into peri-menopause as long as 10 years before actual menopause hits, usually in our 40’s, but for some it can come much sooner. You can experience hot flushes, sweating, lower back pain, palpitations, anxiety and insomnia, which may make you feel that every day is a battle. If you haven’t had your baby yet, these symptoms scare you like nothing else. There are various blood tests and scans that I can refer you for which assess your hormone levels and fertility potential. Knowing these results help you with your family planning and when and where to seek further help.
A change of lifestyle can help the symptoms
A little bit of attention to what you eat and do can help if you are suffering from hormone imbalances:
• Make sure you get enough protein. Salads are good for you, but your hormones will balance more readily if you have some form of healthy protein (fresh wild fish, lean beef, chicken, eggs, legumes and tofu).
• Taste the rainbow! Get plenty of seasonal, fresh, organic fruit and vegetables daily.
• Experiment with healthy oils. You can get these from nuts, seeds and fish.
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intakes these intensify your symptoms (aim for zero if TTC).
• Boost your intake of pure water.
• Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. If you can’t get 30, try for ten. Anything is better than nothing!
• Attempt to get eight hours of sleep every night. If you wake up and can’t fall asleep again, don’t lie there and toss and turn – get up, read a book, or even take a warm bath to get yourself sleepy again. Don’t let your hormones rule (or ruin!) your life. With a few simple dietary and lifestyle changes plus some herbal supplements, you can manage your oestrogen levels and get back to a happy, healthy fertile you.