Female Health - How to balance hormones

As women approach the 40s they start experience certain symptoms of discomfort. Some women go through emotional ups and downs and complain about sudden weight gain while others don’t seem to be as affected by the gradual changes.

Just before, during and after menopause the testosterone levels in women can rise significantly but how high it rises varies from woman to woman. Balancing hormones can become quite tricky. Hormonal replacement therapy used to be a popular form of balancing hormones but it came with some unpleasant side effects. This has caused women to find alternative ways, natural ways to balance hormones.

Testosterone is linked to male sexuality. An abundance of this hormone in women can stimulate hair growth in places not common for women. It can deepen the voice, increase muscle mass and cause weight gain. High testosterone levels can also be linked to certain conditions such as ovarian tumor, adrenal gland disorder, Cushing’s disorder, etc.

A blood test will determine your testosterone levels. Once you know they are high due to the menopausal changes you are going through, there are different ways on how to lower testosterone levels the natural and most effective way.

Lower testosterone levels by eating ph-balanced nutrition. Reduce protein in your diet, especially that of animals. Less animal protein will help you lower your testosterone levels. In addition avoid refined sugars and saturated fats. Consider lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as your main ingredient, meat, rice and pasta as your side dishes.

Exercising is natural therapy to balance hormones. It will release endorphins which will raise mood and decrease the chance of depression. It balances your overall well-being. As long as it is not freezing cold outside, consider walks or bike rides. The fresh air and the sunlight will be beneficial to your physical as well as mental health.

In addition to changing our eating habits and exercising there are some health supplements that we can take that will help balance hormone levels. I have taken a look at several different options which I have narrowed down to four different medicinal herbs.

Saw Palmetto is an effective medicinal herb to lower testosterone levels in women as well as in men. Native Americans used to treat urinary problems with it. Today it is being used by men with prostatic problems. Prostatic enlargement shows an abnormal amount of testosterone, and Saw Palmetto can lower its concentration, easing pain and discomfort. In female health it has shown to be an affective medicinal herb in reducing symptoms associated with high testosterone levels.

Black Cohosh is a very efficient remedy in relieving hot flashes, PMS, acne, osteoporosis. It makes it a suitable alternative to hormonal placement therapy. It may even alleviate pains associated with arthritis. Black Cohosh has also been prescribed to control anxiety. Women who are on hormonal replacement therapy or on any other hormonal prescription shouldn’t consume Black Cohosh. Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have had breast cancer in the past or whose close family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer shouldn’t use Black Cohosh.

Red Clover can be found all over Europe, Asia and Northamerica. It is a nutritious medicinal herb noted for its greatest benefits in female endocrine health. Its plant estrogen helps to balance estrogen levels associated with menopause. In addition, it was discovered that red clover also increases cardiovascular health by lowering high cholesterol levels. A study done with red clover also showed an increase in bone density in menopausal women.

Some side effects of red clover can be headaches, nausea, vaginal bleeding but are not a daily occurrence. Women who have been diagnosed with conditions and diseases of the reproductive system such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or cancer should not take red clover as this could worsen the condition.

Maca Root is a medicinal herb that grows in the Andes of Peru. Natives of Peru have been eating maca root for thousands of years to increase their stamina, endurance and overall health. Maca root is rich in B vitamins which give us energy. Further, it provides us with minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The Maca Root is one of the most effective medicinal herbs in balancing hormones. It stimulates the hypothalamus gland and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is the link between the pituitary gland and brain. The pituitary gland then releases hormones according to the body’s needs. This means that it controls the other glands and establishes balance. Maca Root is also a fertility enhancer. It increases one’s libido, and is often referred to as Nature’s viagra. The only known side effect to Maca Root is that it can cause insomnia. This is mainly because it is a medicinal herb that gives energy. For that reason it is best to take dosages in the morning and early afternoon.