There is a directly proportional relationship between hormone imbalance and women’s health. As long as hormones are in adequate levels, cells, tissues, organs and systems will function properly and the body will be able to combat stress, fight disease and recovery better. There are several natural methods to help attain optimum health by balancing hormones. Here’s how.
Herbal Treatment
Chaste tree berry or vitex agnus castus, monk’s pepper or hemp tree is considered by many as the most important herb in treating PMS or premenstrual syndrome. It is known for its positive effects on alleviating symptoms such as breast pain, painful menses and irregular menses. The herb primarily acts on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. The fruit of the plant specifically has contents with dopamine-like activity that inhibits the release of prolactin thereby increasing progesterone production during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen dominance can be avoided and treated.
Wild yams contain diosgenin which manufactures natural progesterone efficiently. The hormone is actually plant-derived but has exactly the same chemical properties as the ones naturally produced by the body. Estrogen dominance during the luteal phase is suggested to be the leading cause of PMS symptoms so taking adequate amounts of the herb can correct the problem.
Evening primrose oil or oenothera biennis comes from the seeds of the plant and is known for its essential fatty acid content. The important oils in the herb are gamma-linoleic acid or GLA and linoleic acid. The conversion of linoleic acid to GLA is generally impaired in most women exhibiting PMS symptoms. Evening primrose oil can improve levels of GLA to improve PMS.
More Methods
Other herbs that are known to alleviate menopausal syndrome include Dong Quai or Angelica sinensis which helps with cramps, weakness and irregular menses, licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra which helps increase progesterone levels, Black Cohosh or Cimicifuga racemosa which exhibits estrogen-like activity, Kava Kava or Piper methysticum which relieves anxiety and stress and Valerian or Valeriana officinalis which helps improve sleep and rest.
Try alternate methods that relieve stress and boost hormone production such as aromatherapy, massage, therapeutic touch, acupuncture, acupressure, hypnotherapy and mental imagery. Stay away from alcohol and tobacco since these can aggravate PMS symptoms. Eat more nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals especially iron to alleviate bleeding problems. Exercise regularly by doing mild to moderate cardiovascular activity at least three times per week. Sleep well each night and rest for at least 7 to 8 hours.
Menstrual Problems
There are three common menstrual disorders namely dysmenorrhea which is excess menstruation, menorrhea which is less menstruation and amenorrhea which is absent menstruation. Scanty menstruation may be caused by vitamin B, vitamin C or potassium deficiency. In some cases hyperacidity and flatulence may also cause the problem so women need to eat healthy and high-fiber diets to ease discomfort and pain. Primary amenorrhea can be related to genetic links while secondary amenorrhea is basically caused by stress or illness. Hydrotherapy, steam baths, acupressure and massage can alleviate the symptoms.
As for PMS, patients can try deep breathing exercises 2 to 3 times each day. To fix hormone imbalance for women’s health, individuals need to consume more raw fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and soups. Supplementation especially iron and calcium are also recommended. Women may also want to try naturopathic treatments which are proven to be safe, natural and reliable.