A-Z hormone health Articles

Estrogens are a group of hormones that are produced in the ovaries in females, and small amounts in the male testicles. Estrogen is also produced in very small amounts by the adrenal gland. Throughout a woman’s life span, the production and balance of female hormones change significantly. These changes can be normal or pathological, depending on the woman’s age and resulting symptoms, thus affecting her overall health and vitality. Both high and low levels of estrogen (otherwise known as an imbalance) are associated with health problems. Luckily there are natural ways to help balance your estrogen levels.

Different Forms of Estrogen: Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol & Xenoestrogens

There are a few different forms of estrogen, which is important for one to understand when talking about ‘healthy’ estrogen levels. 

Estrone

One form, estrone, is produced in the fat cells of both men and women. Estrone is strong in terms of its stimulation of the body and must be kept in check by having adequate levels of the other estrogens, estradiol and estriol. High estrone increases the risk of heart disease, unhealthy cell growth, polycystic ovaries and PMS. Estrone becomes more abundant in women who are obese. 

Estradiol 

Estradiol is the most abundant estrogen in women of reproductive age. The benefits of estradiol are many, including a decrease in osteoporosis, decreased risk of unhealthy cell formation in the colon, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and general cognitive decline. It also has the overall benefit of slowing the aging process. Estradiol promotes healthy genital tissue and soft (wrinkle-free) skin. It decreases the risk of diabetes, and macular degeneration, and prevents tooth loss with aging by promoting a healthy oral mucosa. High levels of estradiol cause the same problems as high levels of estrone. 

Estriol

Estriol becomes important in postmenopausal women but it only stimulates the body a little as compared to estrone and estradiol. Optimal levels of estriol protect women from complaints of aging like heart disease, loss of hair, skin wrinkling and bone loss.

Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are synthetic or natural chemical compounds that imitate estrogen in living organisms. BPA is one widely known compound with these effects. Natural xenoestrogens include phytoestrogens (more on these later). High exposure to xenoestrogens has been linked to precocious (or early) puberty, infertility and other disorders of the reproductive system.

Yes, there are many theories about how and when to get the most accurate picture of hormone levels. Blood levels are accurate, but very specific, meaning that they will tell you your levels are on the day and time that you have the testing done. In cases of infertility, many doctors choose to check specific hormones on specific days in the cycle, to find out if levels are peaking and declining as they should be (in this case to support pregnancy). Your MD or ND can order these tests.

The Benefits of Estrogen

Estrogen, it's not all that bad. Estrogen protects a woman’s body in many ways. The benefits of estradiol are many, a few of the most important are:

• Decrease in Osteoporosis
• Decreased Risk in Unhealthy Cell Formation in Colon
• Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Protects Against Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline
• Slowing or Preventing Aging Process

Estradiol promotes healthy genital tissue and soft skin with decreased wrinkling. It decreases the risk of diabetes, and macular degeneration, and prevents tooth loss with aging by promoting a healthy oral mucosa.

Understanding Healthy Estrogen Levels

“Healthy” Estrogen Levels

In a healthy middle-aged woman (before entering peri/pre-menopause), estradiol should increase throughout the first half of the cycle, peaking just before ovulation. A drastic drop in estradiol is actually what signals ovulation. Throughout the last half of the cycle, estradiol rises and falls again, but only to about half of what it does in the first part of the cycle. Once again hitting a low at the end of the cycle, menses begins.

“High” Estrogen

As with every ‘healthy’ state in the body, hormone health is all about BALANCE. In this sense, high estrogen can mean one of two things: estrogen is high, OR progesterone is low, and therefore estrogen is unopposed, or high relative to progesterone levels. This is referred to as relative estrogen dominance. Both of these patterns can result in the same conditions/symptom picture, as seen in PMS (breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches, cramping, acne, water retention), fibrocystic breasts, estrogen-dependent breast cancers, thyroid dysfunction, irregular cycles, etc.

“Low” Estrogen

Abnormally low levels of estrogen can be responsible for early menopause, delayed menstruation and more. 

Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, etc.) could be related to declining estrogen levels, or relative estrogen dominance, as progesterone declines both earlier and at a much faster rate than estrogen.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: What You Need To Know

In 2002, A Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study was cut short when preliminary results showed that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), as a combination of estrogen and progestin, had a higher rate of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke than women taking placebo. This study changed the way that HRT was recommended. 

Now, HRT is generally used with more caution, and generally recommended as a short-term treatment only. What women should know is that there is one huge exception to the HRT-with-caution-rule, and that is in the case of hysterectomy. In women who have had a hysterectomy, there is convincing research showing that (estrogen-only) HRT may be responsible for significant protection against heart disease, blood clots, stroke or early death. 

Estrogens are available only by prescription in Canada. They can be taken orally, by injection, or applied topically as a cream.

Natural Alternatives To Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy

Natural ways to enhance the body’s production of estrogen without taking estrogen itself, are several natural options to boost estrogen production. By supporting the function of the ovaries the body can optimize its estrogen levels, relative to a woman’s age. Supporting adrenal function is another natural way of supporting estrogen, as this is the only alternate sight of estrogen production in women, once ovarian function begins to decline.

Fats and Protein For A Natural Estrogen Boost

Essential fatty acid and protein intake is important. Essential fatty acids are used to make steroid molecules, the precursors to hormones like estrogens. Primrose and borage oil are two sources of essential fatty acids that have a particular affinity for balancing female hormones. Protein is what the body uses to build connective tissue, bone and fetal tissue under the direction of hormones, like estrogen.

Natural Vitamins/Minerals For Estrogen Balance

Vitamins and minerals that support sexual gland function include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, zinc, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Key Plant Medicine For Natural Estrogen Support

Herbs can support estrogen production by containing plant estrogens (phytoestrogens); compounds that look similar to human estrogen and can interact with estrogen receptors in the human body. The important thing to remember is that these plant estrogens only stimulate the receptors a fraction of the amount that the hormone estrogen would. Therefore they can be used to treat conditions of high estrogen activity, by blocking the activity of the hormone estrogen. It can also treat conditions of low estrogen activity by binding to vacant receptor sites and causing a low level of hormonal stimulation. Some examples of plants that contain phytoestrogens are dong quai, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra), red clover and soy.

As we age, our gonads begin to release less and less reproductive hormones. In men, this means they produce less testosterone as each year goes by. In fact, after the age of 30, it is estimated that men lose 1% of their testosterone per year. Stigma about the "loss of manhood" with the reduction of testosterone has kept andropause in the limelight, despite its wide-reaching health implications. Let's explore low testosterone support options from conventional treatments to supplements and lifestyle changes.

The Role of Testosterone

DHEA, or Dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced by the adrenal glands, the ovaries and the testes and is a precursor to the production of testosterone as well as estrogen. Testosterone is responsible for libido (sexual drive) in both sexes as well as maintaining many other bodily processes – some of which include mood, metabolic regulation, blood production and male characteristics. Testosterone plays an important role in the growth of all body tissues, like our muscles, skin, bones and hair. In men, testosterone is important for sperm production and controlling puberty.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

• Loss of energy
• Depressed mood
• Lowered sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased fat stores
• Loss of bone density

There is some preliminary evidence that low testosterone in men is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Simple blood tests can examine your blood testosterone levels to see where you fall relative to the normal range. It is important to keep in mind that each person is unique, and your natural levels may not fall within the "normal range". It is more important to examine whether you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above.

Low Testosterone Support

Conventional Support for Low Testosterone

The conventional treatment is to directly supplement testosterone to overcome the limited production in the body, and it is available only by prescription in Canada. It can be used orally or topically, as a cream. Unfortunately, this supplementation can have unintended side effects and may increase the risk of prostate cancer over time.

Natural Support for Low Testosterone

Many strategies can help boost natural testosterone levels. Some therapies target symptoms without increasing hormone levels. 

Exercise raises testosterone quickly and effectively. Exercise intensity and duration influence hormone production. Short, intense workouts stimulate testosterone production. Long endurance sessions can lower testosterone levels. Focus on weight training and cardio sessions under one hour. Exercise also supports healthy blood sugar, body composition, and cardiovascular health. 

Diet plays a major role in testosterone production. Moderate protein intake supports anabolic hormones, including testosterone. Healthy fats and moderate cholesterol provide building blocks for hormone synthesis. Fish oil and coconut oil supply beneficial fatty acids. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports overall health. 

Stress increases cortisol production and suppresses testosterone levels. Healthy coping strategies can help manage stress. Breathing exercises and guided imagery promote relaxation. 

Drinking more than three alcoholic beverages daily can reduce testosterone production. Limiting or avoiding alcohol may help maintain testosterone levels. 

De-Stress
In today's fast-paced lifestyle, stress just seems to be a common fact of life. Unfortunately, long-term stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol, which is also produced by the adrenal glands. When you are producing cortisol, you are not producing testosterone. That is why it is extremely important to take the time to reduce whatever stress you can in your life, and work on positive coping mechanisms for the things you can't fix. Simple activities like breathing exercises and guided imagery are easy ways to help reduce stress levels.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day is associated with a reduced production of testosterone. Limiting or eliminating your drinking altogether can help to promote healthier testosterone levels.

Low Testosterone Supplement Support

There is a wide variety of supplements that can help alter your testosterone levels for the better. In general, natural therapy supports healthy hormone synthesis, prevents cortisol production, and reduces the breakdown of testosterone already present. In order to balance the adrenal gland and sex organs, there are a number of beneficial supplements. These support the production of the precursor DHEA and prevent the production of cortisol; there are a number of beneficial supplements.

Vitamins and minerals that support sexual gland function include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Selenium
• Zinc

Vitamins and minerals can be taken that support the production of hormones in the adrenal gland include:

• B vitamins, especially B5
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

Herbs that support testosterone production by containing molecules that look like steroids and can stimulate the body in a similar way to hormones, like testosterone, include:

• Tribulus (puncture vine)
• Damiana

Adaptogenic herbs help the adrenal gland optimize its functioning. The adrenal gland releases precursor hormones that go on to form testosterone. Many different herbs and mushrooms are used for adrenal support, including:

• The ginsengs
• Astragalus
• Licorice
• Rhodiola
• Ashwagandha
• Withania

In order to prevent the conversion of testosterone to other competing hormones, such as estrogen, certain supplements target the enzyme responsible for this conversion (aromatase). Supplements that can inhibit aromatase are:

• Chrysin
• Resveratrol
• Quercetin
• Other plant isoflavones.

There are a number of testosterone-boosting supplements that contain a combination of the above ingredients.

Important Information

The use of hormone-regulating herbs is not recommended when you are suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions, as there is a risk of aggravation. Consult your healthcare practitioner to ensure you are treating your hormonal imbalance in the correct way.