Natural way to balance hormones

Today women appear to suffer more hormonal related health issues than ever before. The majority of women with hormonal imbalance are seeking relief from PMS, heavy bleeding or menopause symptoms and more often than not, their problems are aggravated by high oestrogen and long-term adrenal stress and fatigue. In these instances I tend to recommend the herb Vitex Agnus castus or chaste tree, known for its ability to increase progesterone production. It is also useful for treating irregular cycles, erratic ovulation, acne, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. For optimum results I use vitex in conjunction with the superior Ayurvedic herb, shatavari, commonly known as asparagus root.

Shatavari supports women’s vitality

Considered the ‘queen of herbs’ in Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is known for cleansing, strengthening and nourishing female reproductive organs and normalising hormones. It can be used throughout a woman’s reproductive life cycle, strengthening vitality and overall health and wellbeing. Its balancing effect means it is ideal for young women with painful, heavy periods which usually improved once regular ovulation commences. Shatavari also helps to build blood and support deep tissue, making it useful for preparing the uterus for conception. And it is also beneficial for post-menopausal women, including those who’ve had hysterectomies.

Transitioning from peri-menopause to menopause

I see women in my clinic who have typically had regular cycles, which become unpredictable, with heavy bleeding and ‘For women experiencing peri-menopause symptoms, I aim to get them to transition into a symptom-free menopause. Shatavari and vitex help balance the hormones, lighten the bleed and restore a sense of regularity until menstruation stops. Best of all, if Oestrogen is already elevated it won’t be raised further. Importantly, Shatavari will not extend the peri-menopausal period beyond what it would otherwise have been.

Searching to the best product for you

When it comes to hormonal imbalnce, it is not always easy to know what is the best product for you. While I am a big fan of vitex and Shatavari for women’s hormonal issues, if fatigue is also a factor, I would recommend in addition, around two grams daily of rehmannia, a herb which nourishes and supports depleted adrenal glands.

The final step in this general treatment plan – is the mineral zinc (around 24mg of elemental zinc daily.) Oestrogen excess is linked to high copper levels and adequate zinc levels can help counteract this. Sage can also be helpful if a women is experiencing hot flushes but I would normally advise you take this separately if it is needed so you can adjust the dosage required.

Words of Caution

In most instances you need to seek the advice of a healthcare professional as many of the PMS/menopause formulas available contain Oestrogenic herbs such as black cohosh, and for some people, this could exacerbate symptoms. In my practice I ind as many as 65 per cent of women over the age of 35 suffer from uterine fibroids, frequently the result of too much oestrogen. Often the only symptom of the fibroids is heavy bleeding, so many women are unaware they have them. I avoid recommending oestrogenic herbs and prefer herbs such as Shatavari, which has the added benefit of shrinking fibroids and lightening bleeding.

Case Story

Maggie is 45 and up until recetnlty has had regular, pain-free periods. Lately her period arrives without warning and is extremely heavy (requiring pad changes every two hours) and she is experiencing cramps like she had as a teenager.

I prescribed her an herbal hormonal balancing formula, one tablet four times a day for the days she was bleeding and one tablet twice daily fo rthe remainder of the month. The next time she had a period, the bleeding was markedly reduced and she found the cramping more manageable. By the third month, she was only having light periods which were pain free and these will probably continue until menstruation finally ceases of its own accord.

Health Benefits and other uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

We love apple cider vinegar – here are our top 12 uses for this centuries old remedy.

1. Digestive and weight loss aid: A 2005 Swedish Study showed how sipping apple cider vinegar

mixed with water during a meal, helped keep blood sugar and insulin levels lower, helping to reduce cravings and increase your level of fullness after eating. A 2009 study reported in Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry found consuming acetic acid (contained in apple cider vinegar) for 12 weeks led to significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, wait circumference and triglycerides.

Love your Gut

Over 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Today we know he was right! An unhealthy gut can be the basis of many health issues, so for the sake of your health and wellbeing, take steps now to look after your gut. Here’s how

Digestion begins when you eat food to access nutrients so you can absorb and employ them for a multitude of vital bodily functions. While it would be nice if everything ran according to plan, you often thwart the grand scheme by lifestyle influences such as unsuitable diet, taking medications, not staying well hydrated, not exercising enough and allowing too much stress into your life. Your emotional health plays a crucial part in gut function as your gut and brain work in tandem, constantly relaying messages back and forth.