A-Z women's health Articles

Breast health is an important part of women's well-being. Breast cysts are fluid filled masses that most commonly occur in women ages 30 to 50. They are benign growths that change in size and tenderness with the monthly cycle and are usually worse right before menstruation. They are not dangerous in themselves, but they make it more difficult to assess breast tissue for any other masses.

What Causes Breast Cysts?

There are several factors that contribute to the formation of breast cysts.

One of the main contributing factors to breast cysts in women is hormone levels. Low progesterone and high estrogen can play a role in increasing both the size and amount of milk-producing glands. Sometimes these will form cysts. Another cause of cysts is the consumption of methylxanthines.

Low iodine levels can lead to cyst development and are common in those who have hypothyroidism. Even wearing bras that may restrict circulation in some way offers a contribution to the formation of cysts.

Whar Are Conventional & Natural Support Options For Fibrocystic Breasts?

There are both conventional and natural therapies for fibrocystic breasts. Conventional therapies use medications that target the thyroid or alter hormone production, and natural therapies aim to balance hormones in order to naturally prevent and treat breast cysts.

Detoxification For Hormone Balance

The liver is the organ that is responsible for processing hormones. The bowels are responsible for excreting processed hormones.

Performing regular liver and bowel cleansing will help to rid the body of excess hormones like estrogen. See the section on detoxification for more information.

Topically, castor oil packs applied to the abdomen every other day help to detoxify the liver. Raw cabbage leaves can be placed in the bra to decrease swelling and tenderness of the cysts. Wear properly fitting bras to promote circulation in the breasts.

Dietary Considerations For Breast Health

When looking to support your breast health naturally, dietary sources of estrogens should be minimized. These foods are red meat, chicken and dairy products. Coffee, black tea, colas and chocolate contain methylxanthines and must be eliminated because they stimulate cyst formation. Vegetarian women excrete more processed estrogens than women who eat meat.

Therefore, a vegetarian diet is recommended to decrease fibrocystic breasts. Foods that should be eaten include soy products. Soy contains plant estrogens that help to balance estrogen levels.

Use essential fatty acids, found in flax, walnut and sunflower seed oil, because they are anti-inflammatory and decrease cyst formation. Eat foods high in vitamin E, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and wheat germ, because vitamin E softens and reduces breast lumps. Increase iodine consumption by eating sea vegetables, like kelp and nori.

It takes approximately 10 years for cervical dysplasia to develop into cancer, still one of the most common cancer deaths in women. A yearly PAP test is the most important prevention strategy a woman has. Cervical dysplasia is treatable if caught early and in its initial non-invasive stage.

What is Cervical Dysplasia?

Not all cervical dysplasia progresses to cervical cancer. However, squamous cell cervical cancer almost always follows dysplasia. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes nearly all cervical cancers and dysplasia cases. HPV does not always cause cancer or dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia results from sexually transmitted HPV infection.

At puberty, the cells lining your cervix change from columnar cells, which line the rest of the uterus, to squamous cells. Metaplasia commonly occurs at the squamocolumnar junction. This area marks where two cell types meet. It is highly vulnerable to dysplasia. The basal layer contains immature squamous cells with large nuclei. The thickness of the basal layer determines the severity of the dysplasia (mild to severe dysplasia). In the case of Carcinoma "in situ", the immature basal cells extend all the way to the very top of the tissue thickness. As the severity of the dysplasia increases, so does the risk for cancer.

What Are Risks Associated With Cervical Dysplasia?

HPV has a number of subtypes that vary in terms of aggressiveness and risk of developing dysplasia. HPV 16 and 18 are considered to be the most aggressive, accounting for the largest percentage of cervical cancer cases. 

Besides HPV, other risks for cervical dysplasia include:

• Prior Chlamydia or HIV infection
• Obesity
• Birth before the age of 22
• Cigarette smoking
• Multiple sexual partners
• Poor nutrition
• Low socioeconomic status
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Use of oral contraceptive medication

A weakened immune system may increase cervical dysplasia risk. A strong immune system can clear dysplasia effectively. Spontaneous regression occurs in many cases when immunity functions well.

Atypia often appears on Pap smear results. Cells appear between normal and abnormal states. Atypia frequently resolves without treatment. It may indicate tissue repair or early abnormal change. Monitoring helps track any progression.

Cervical Dysplasia Treatment & Prevention Protocols

Diet

There are a variety of nutritional habits and supplements that can be used to prevent HPV or treat this condition and prevent the development of cervical cancer. Diets high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the persistence of the HPV virus. Tomatoes, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and papaya are all great sources of these nutrients. As cervical dysplasias can be an estrogen dominant concern, consuming cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and kale, all high in Indole-3-carbinol, are useful in the prevention of cancer of cervical cancer. This has been shown to help to ensure that estrogen metabolism is being altered in such a way as to reduce the carcinogenic metabolites.

Supplements

Sometimes it can be difficult to ensure adequate fruit and vegetable intake to provide all required nutrients and antioxidants, so a supplement can be beneficial for your health maintenance. Effective supplements for cervical dysplasia include vitamin A, E and C, and mixed carotenoids; look for Indole-3-carbinal as a supplement. Homocysteine is associated with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and can be produced by vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. You can supplement these vitamins orally as well as through an intramuscular injection. Additionally, you can take green tea extract as a supplement or topically, which has shown some promise in cervical dysplasia treatment.

Lifestyle

In terms of lifestyle goals to treat and prevent cervical dysplasia, a goal to quit smoking should be at the top of your list. Smokers are 2-3 times more likely to develop dysplasia than non-smokers. Again, stress plays a significant role in disease development and immune function. Use stress-reducing techniques and exercises every day to more effectively deal with stress. Young women should also be counselled about sex and the increased risk that unprotected sex, as well as sex with multiple partners at an early age, can have on the development of HPV. Last but not least, there is evidence suggesting that long-term contraceptive use can predispose women to developing a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma called adenocarcinoma. Women on oral contraceptives should be aware that long-term use (of 12 years or more) may have a negative impact on overall health.

HPV Vaccine

The recently developed HPV vaccine has been shown to effectively decrease the incidence of HPV. One must always keep in mind that HPV does not always lead to cervical dysplasia, and the vaccine is not aimed at preventing cervical dysplasia or cancer, only the precursor of HPV.

The chaste tree berry received its name from the ancient Greeks and Romans because they believed it decreased the female libido, thus ensuring chastity. Historically, it has been eaten and worn by Monks to promote celibacy. However, it is now known that chaste tree berry triggers a gland in the brain that produces hormones that in fact, stimulate sex hormones.

How Does Chaste Tree Support Health?

Its modern medicinal uses are also related to sex hormones. Active ingredients of chaste trees have been noted to affect the pituitary gland. This gland is located in the brain and produces hormones that stimulate the production of sex hormones in other areas of the body. It also contains chemicals that have the ability to stimulate human progesterone receptors and favour the production of luteinizing hormone over follicle-stimulating hormone. These hormones are used in the female body to support pregnancy and lactation, but their effects can also help other female complaints.

Modern Medicinal Benefits of Chaste Tree Berry

While there are many medicinal and historical uses for this nutrient, natural health practitioners recommended chaste trees for conditions such as PMS, acne and menstrual cramps; hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms; insufficient milk production and first-trimester miscarriages.

Chaste Tree Berry Supplement Varieties

Purchasing a quality chaste tree berry supplement is important to ensure potency and purity. Chaste tree comes in many supplement varieties and the format is up to individual preference. It can be purchased as a loose herb, tincture or encapsulated herb. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains chaste trees and contains active properties. The berry contains the greatest concentration of active ingredients.

Potential Side Effects

Although natural health practitioners may recommend it to pregnant women, chaste trees may induce menstruation and should be used cautiously. It may alter hormonal cycles and theoretically can interfere with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. It alters dopamine levels and may affect drugs for seizures, Parkinson’s and mental disorders.

Ongoing hormonal and inflammatory issues can significantly reduce energy, comfort, and quality of life. Balanced nutrition, lifestyle support, and targetetd strategies help you regain control of your health. Many people now use endometriosis supplements to support hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and improve daily comfort. Let's explore effective ways women can support their bodies and feel their best. 

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells grow outside the uterus instead of within it.

These cells most often grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus surface, intestines, and pelvic lining. In sever cases, they spread to the vagina, bladder, or abdominal cavity. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. Outside of the uterus, these cells are referred to as endometriomas or endometriosis implants.

Whar Causes And Risk Factors Are Associated With Endometriosis? 

Endometriosis risk factors are numeroud, but heredity plays the largest role. Women with an immediate relative have six times higher risk. Endometriosis most commonly affects women between ages 24 and 40. However, endometriosis can present itself at the beginning of menstruation or near menopause. Women face higher endometriosis risk with longer periods, shorter cycles, and elevated estrogen levels. Lack of exercise, IUS use, childhood abuse history, and high-fat diets also increase risk.

Evidence now suggests that an immunological deficiency plays a large role in the development of endometriosis. The immune system may fail to detect pelvic abnormalities and cannot prevent endometrial cell growth in improper locations. Studies have shown a correlation between suppressed immunity and a higher number and greater area of implants.

What Are Symptoms of Endometriosis?

The severity of symptoms associated with endometriosis varies between individuals. Almost all women with endometriosis experience a classic triad of symptoms, including pain with menses (dysmenorrhea), pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) and infertility. For some women, menses can cause such excruciating pain that they are unable to leave their homes, go to work or carry on activities of daily living. A labour-like, severe cramping or bearing down type pain usually begins just prior to menses and can last a couple of days into bleeding. Some women experience nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or even fainting during this time. The severity was once thought to depend on the number of cells that grew in abnormal places, but we now know that it is actually the depth of the cells, how deep they grow into the other tissue, that seems to correspond with the degree of pain a woman experiences.

Diagnosing Endometriosis 

The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is via one of two procedures. A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a scope is inserted through one of two very small pelvic incisions. A laparotomy is a more major surgical procedure.

Supplements & Lifestyle Support For Endometriosis 

Lifestyle Habits

There are many nutritional and lifestyle recommendations that can both prevent and help to treat and decrease the symptoms of endometriosis. Simply ensuring that you are getting more than sufficient green leafy vegetables and fruit into your daily diet is a great start. Try to make them organic when and if possible. Liver-friendly fruits and vegetables, like carrots, beets, dandelion greens, kale, cabbage and lemon, increase the detoxification ability of the liver, thus decreasing the amount of excess or exogenous estrogen. Increasing fiber also increases transit time and helps to bind excess hormones. Decreasing intake of red meat has also been shown to drastically decrease the risk of developing endometriosis. Even lean meat protein can promote inflammation and pain. Many healthcare practitioners encourage women with endometriosis to try to incorporate more vegetable proteins, almonds, soy and even fish into their diet instead. Limiting refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol has also been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing endometriosis. Regular exercise is also key in preventing endometriosis, as well as minimizing stress.

Endometriosis Supporting Supplements

There are many supplements that may be beneficial in preventing the onset or reducing symptoms of Endometriosis. For the most part, we want to keep in mind our objective of supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and pain, supporting and aiding the liver in detoxification and removal of excess hormones, and combating free radical damage. Any combination of these.

Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in how you feel day to day, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to metabolism and overall well-being. When estrogen levels become imbalanced, it can disrupt this delicate system and affect multiple areas of health. As a result, many individuals are turning to estrogen balance supplements to help support hormone regulation, promote detoxification, and restore a sense of balance.

In this article, we'll explore natural ways to support healthy estrogen levels and optimize your overall wellness.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a sex hormone present in all humans. In men, the estrogen levels are much lower and are dwarfed by testosterone production. For women, estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and alternate with progesterone. In general, estrogen is responsible for everything associated with the first half of the menstrual cycle, including building up the lining of the uterus and preparing for ovulation. Estrogen levels are balanced in the body by progesterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining the uterine lining and holding the body in a pregnancy-ready state. A drop in both of these hormones results in menstruation, the shedding of the lining of the uterus. Excess estrogen can be due to high estrogen levels or due to low progesterone levels, resulting in a relative excess of estrogen.

What Are The Forms of Estrogen?

There are several forms of estrogen that affect the body. Endogenous estrogens originate inside the body, and exogenous estrogens originate outside the body.

Exogenous estrogens come from chemical compounds called xenoestrogens or plant-derived phytoestrogens. Xenoestrogens include industrial chemicals that mimic estrogen activity. Phytoestrogens come from plants and influence hormonal balance.

Endogenous estrogens are mainly formed in the ovaries. However, the liver and adrenal glands also produce small amounts. Additionally, fat cells secrete estrogen, so excess body fat may contribute to hormonal imbalance.

Women produce three main estrogens called estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). E2 acts as the most active form during reproductive years. E1 becomes dominant during menopause. E3 plays a supporting role throughout hormonal shifts.

Nutritional Information

Phytoestrogens come from plant sources and influence estrogen receptors in the body. They exert weaker effects than endogenous estrogens but still help regulate balance. When estrogen levels rise, phytoestrogens block receptors and reduce activity. When estrogen levels drop, they mildly stimulate receptors. This dual action helps hormonal balance in women.

Xenoestrogens include industrial compounds that disrupt endocrine function. They bind to estrogen receptors and mimic natural hormones. Examples include PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), BPA (bisphenol A), and phthalates. Regulatory agencies have restricted many of these compounds due to health concerns.

Estrogen Receptor

These chemical estrogen disruptors are linked to developmental abnormalities in babies and hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and uterine cancer. They also associate with infertility in male wildlife exposed to contaminated environments. Researchers suggest similar risks may affect human males exposed to these chemicals.

Estrogen and Mood

Estrogen plays a significant role in women's mental health. Sudden estrogen drops are associated with depressed mood, postpartum depression, and menopausal mood swings. Excess estrogen can also contribute to hormonal imbalance symptoms. Excess estrogen can also cause problems in women, like:

Nutritional Information

Estrogen Metabolism

Estrogen metabolism determines many risks linked to estrogen dominance. Harmful effects often come from estrogen breakdown products. Healthy liver and colon functions support proper estrogen clearance.

Estrogen Balance Support & Supplements

There are a number of supplements that can help the body to naturally rebalance its own estrogen levels. Ensuring sufficient fibre in the diet to prevent reabsorption of excreted estrogen, and herbal support to help the body balance hormones naturally, can both help to keep hormonal balance in the body. See the list below for supplements that may help to regulate female sex hormone balance. If excess estrogen might be a problem for you, see the estrogen detoxification article using the link above for more information on supporting proper estrogen metabolism.

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. Low progesterone levels can mimic the effects of excess estrogen. Consult your healthcare practitioner to ensure you are treating your hormonal imbalance in the correct way.

Once treated by mainstream medicine as a disease, menopause is a normal transition in a woman’s life from an age of fertility to one of wisdom. Like anything important in a woman’s life, this transition can sometimes be a challenge. With the recent revelation that standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the relief of hot flashes caused a significant increase in the risk of cancer, a course of action for menopausal support can be confusing. But there are effective and safe alternatives to HRT.

Understanding Menopause

Clinically, menopause is complete when one year has passed since the cessation of menstruation. The perimenopausal period can last for several years. During this time, women experience gradual cycle changes like more or less bleeding and variations in cycle length. Anemia can occur due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Another way to experience menopause is through the removal of the ovaries. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause or after ovary removal cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, urinary incontinence, dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches and mood swings. Factors that aggravate symptoms are poor diet, stress, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and spices.

Around menopause, hormone release occurs sporadically and produces symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, urinary incontinence, dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches, irregular cycles, irregular bleeding and mood swings. Estrogen receptors are located on non-reproductive cells, too. Therefore, menopause affects the aging of a woman’s whole body. Skin cells need estrogen to stay smooth and moist. The thyroid gland uses estrogen to maintain body temperature. Proper bone formation requires estrogen. The arteries and heart require estrogen for maintaining their functioning.

Progesterone and testosterone levels also decline in menopause. Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system, and menopausal women may suffer from anxiety, depression or other emotional concerns. Testosterone regulates the libido and contributes to a decrease in sex drive, often reported by menopausal women.

Menopausal Symptoms

Synthetic hormone replacement therapy can relieve common perimenopausal aymptoms. It may also support heart and bone health. Some studies suggest hormone therapy may carry health risks, regardless of the source. Talk to a health professional about the benefits and drawbacks of hormone replacement.

The relief of these symptoms and natural support for the increased risk of other health concerns aggravated by menopause should include some or all of the following: balancing of hormones (sex hormones as well as adrenal and thyroid hormones), reducing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, supporting bone health, and supporting heart health. Natural support of the menopausal woman involves supporting the whole body because at menopause, women lose the protective effect of estrogen on the body. The skeletal and cardiovascular systems are especially susceptible to degeneration due to low estrogen levels.

Understanding Women's Hormones During Menopause

Hormones are very powerful substances that regulate bodily functions and cause dramatic changes in our health. Estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause. These changes can trigger menopausal symptoms. Some herbs contain plant compounds that may support hormonal balance. They may offer a natural alternative to conventional hormone therapy. Some of these herbs include: Vitex, dong quai, black cohosh, damiana, soy extracts, licorice and others. Use standardized extract versions of these plants as they are stronger than the raw versions and contain a consistent amount of active ingredient. Progesterone levels can also be optimized with the essential fat supplements primrose oil or borage oil. Both of these contain the essential fat GLA, which your body needs to produce progesterone. Both of these work well combined with vitamin E. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is largely the reason why women experience hot flashes and an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Other hormones, such as thyroid and adrenal gland hormones, can also fluctuate during menopause & perimenopause, causing symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Menopausal Symptom Support

Supporting thyroid health may help reduce symptoms. Kelp, tyrosine, and iodine can support thyroid function. Stress can also affect the adrenal glands during this transition. The adrenal glands manufacture hormones that help our bodies deal with stress effectively. When you are under long term stress, they can become exhausted and fatigue and a feeling of uncontrollable stress results. Support your adrenal glands with vitamins C and B (in particular B5).

Also use an herbal adrenal support formula with some or all of the following herbs: licorice, Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, and astragalus.

If you or your practitioner suspect estrogen dominance, follow the above recommendations for increasing progesterone production, in addition to taking supplements to balance excess levels of estrogens, especially estrogen analogs in the form of toxins from the environment. Use the supplements D-glucarate, I3C (indole – 3- carbinol), and milk thistle to help your liver break down xeno-estrogens.

Menopausal Hot Flashes, Insomnia & Anxiety Support

Many women find relief from hot flashes, insomnia, depression, and vaginal dryness. For sleep support, consider valerian, calcium, magnesium, or melatonin. For depression and mood swings, St. John’s wort is effective in relieving mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Vitamin E and aloe can be applied topically to help relieve vaginal dryness.

Menopausal Bone Health Support

Osteoporosis is a major concern for many menopausal women. Calcium and magnesium form the foundation of a bone-support supplement program. Experts often recommend 1,500mg of elemental calcium and 750mg of magnesium daily. However, calcium absorption varies by form. Calcium carbonate, commonly found in drugstores, is less bioavailable than chelated or citrate calcium. These forms improve absorption and support bone health more effectively. Calcium microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (CMHA) is another therapeutic form. CMHA contains the same mineral structure found in bone. Clinical studies show it can increase bone mass and reduce bone loss. Healthcare professionals typcially recommend CMHA for people with diagnosed osteoporosis.

Synergistic nutrients can improve calcium absorption and support bone health. Calcium can be difficult for the body to absorb efficiently. Magnesium, zinc, silica, manganese, copper, boron, and potassium help increase calcium bioavailability. Magnesium and zinc support calcium absorption in the gut. Boron and silica help the bones incorporate calcium into new bone tissue. Maintaining an alkaline pH also supports bone health dueing menopause. Excess acidity can cause the body to draw minerals from the bones. Over time, this process may contribute to bone loss. Green food supplements and potassium-rich foods can help maintain alkalinity. Regular pH monitoring can help guide dietary and supplement adjustments.

Heart Health & Menopause

An increased risk of heart disease and stroke is also a concern for menopausal women. While heading towards age sixty usually carries with it an increased risk of heart attack and stroke for most people, declining levels of healthy estrogens accelerate this risk for menopausal women. Several supplements can help you to optimize your heart health during menopause. One of the best supplements proven to help maintain heart health is Coenzyme Q10. COQ10 helps the heart use oxygen and energy effectively, and its highest concentration in the body is found in the heart. Use 60-120mg daily of COQ10. Hawthorn berry contains bioflavanoids that have proven blood pressure reducing properties and that also act as a heart tonic.

It is important that you stay active during perimenopause and menopause. Exercise has many benefits for menopausal women, including reducing the risk of osteoporosis, heart attacks and strokes. Stress can also be managed with exercise and enjoyable activities.

Dietary Support During Menopause

Dietary support during perimenopause consists of a diet high in whole grains, nuts, seeds, cold-pressed nut and seed oils, vegetables, fruits, eggs, yogurt and nutritional yeast. These foods provide vitamin E, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, essential fatty acids and B vitamins. These nutrients enhance estrogen production and regulate estrogen levels in the body. Soy products should be consumed because they contain plant estrogens. Eat foods that are high in calcium, such as green leafy vegetables, eggs, shellfish and fermented dairy products. Drink 2L of filtered water daily to hydrate the skin ands mucus membranes. Avoid coffee and alcohol because they increase calcium excretion and exacerbate symptoms. Avoid animal products because they contribute to hot flashes and increase calcium loss.

One and a half to two litres of filtered water or herbal tea should be consumed daily to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which increase fluid loss. There are three aspects to a bone building diet. Bone-forming minerals, including calcium, must be taken in. Accessory nutrients that help calcium utilization must also be available. Finally, the body must become alkaline because an acidic environment causes calcium to be drawn from the bones in order to buffer the acidity. Dietary changes for heart health include maintaining adequate fibre intake and lowering the fat and cholesterol content of your foods.

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced by the ovaries along with estrogen. These levels rise dramatically at ovulation, falling when and if fertilization does not occur. This sudden fall in this hormone is what signals menstruation and another cycle to begin.

How Pregnancy Effects Progesterone

If fertilization of an egg does occur, progesterone levels continue to rise, and it is this rise that prevents shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation), preserving the embryo. Eventually the placenta takes over for the ovaries and produces the higher amounts of this hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy for a full nine months. If for one reason or another a woman fails to ovulate, progesterone also fails to be produced and estrogen is unopposed.

Progesterone vs Estrogen

Progesterone not only plays a big role in pregnancy and fertility, but what is also important to understand that it constantly keeps estrogen in balance. That is, it essentially works at opposite times and stimulates opposite processes to estrogen. Estrogen, for example rises at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, stimulating ovulation, and declines when progesterone takes over for the last half of the cycle.

Symptoms of PMS and Menopause are often blamed on high levels of estrogen or estrogen dominant conditions. But, if we want to look at it from another perspective, these are also progesterone deficient processes. The body innately uses this hormone to oppose the power of estrogen, but if for one reason or another our bodies are unable to produce progesterone in adequate amounts, estrogen is free to run wild and wreak havoc on our bodies. Estrogen dominant hormonal imbalances play a role in the development of everything from PMS to some female cancers.

Menopause & Hormone Levels

During Menopause, estrogen levels decline to about 40% of their original levels, thus inhibiting ovulation, and also causing a decline in progesterone levels, in some women down to 0%. Once again, this allows estrogen to dominate unopposed and most likely is responsible for some of the more common menopausal complaints such as hot flashes, insomnia and irritability.

Whether it be due to the normal process of menopause or another abnormality in these hormone levels, both pre and post menopausal women may benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement.

Boosting Progesterone Levels, Naturally

Natural progesterone is available in both an oral (oral micronized progesterone) and cream form. Less common forms include vaginal or rectal suppositories and injection. Only the cream form is available without a prescription.

Natural progesterone is derived from extracts of Mexican wild yam or soybean and the hormone molecules that result from a manufacturing process are identical to the ones produced by a woman's own ovaries. It is important to understand that it is a laboratory process and an individual cannot ingest wild yam or soybean and expect the body to convert these to progesterone.

Benefits of Natural vs Synthetic Products

The benefits of natural progesterone versus the synthetic version (progestins) is that they are often better tolerated. Breast tenderness, edema, irritability and abdominal cramping are all frequent complaints from individuals using synthetic progestins.

Natural varieties have the added benefit of maintaining the patency of coronary arteries and improving cholesterol panels. Both natural and synthetic versions are highly recommended for every woman on estrogen therapy (unless you have had a hysterectomy) to protect the uterus from hyperplasia and cancer.

Oral forms of this hormone are more effective and more widely used with women on estrogen therapy due to these protective effects. Progesterone cream is more widely used with women who are not on estrogen therapy and who are looking for relief from either PMS or menopausal symptoms, especially those not improving with lifestyle changes alone.

When buying a cream variety, it is important to look for wild yam creams with bio-identical progesterone added. There is a wide range in dosage. Higher concentrations, up to approximately 400 mg/per ounce seem to be more effective. Base your dosage on the severity of your symptoms and always consult a healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are using both the oral and cream forms properly in order to ensure the best results.

The pretty flowering tops of the red clover are the medicinally active part of the plant. It is a phytoestrogenic agent. This means that it contains plant estrogens, 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.

Red Clover Health Benefits

Red clover 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 bit of hormonal stimulation. It may be used to help menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, anxiety and depression, and PMS. A liquid extract format is popular in Europe as a detoxification agent that targets the kidneys and liver.

Choosing Quality Supplements

Red clover supplements can be purchased as encapsulated herb, loose herb or liquid extract. Be sure to purchase a product that has been standardized to the isoflavone content. This is an assurance that the product contains red clover and has some active properties. It can also be found in formulas for hormonal balancing and detoxification.

Cautions & Considerations

Red clover should not be used concurrently with blood thinners or NSAIDs. Individuals with active bleeding or blood disorders should not use this herb. Breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women and those with a history of estrogen sensitive tumours should not use it. Discontinue use of this supplement 14 days prior to surgery or dental work. Theoretically it may alter levels of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement medication.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign growths of muscle tissue in the uterus. They are very common among women from age 30 until menopause. At menopause, decreasing hormone levels cause the fibroids to shrink. Many women have asymptomatic fibroids, and the severity of symptoms does not correlate with the number or size of the fibroids.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids grow when high estrogen levels stimulate them. Anything that increases estrogen can worsen fibroids. For example, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, high stress levels, a diet high in meat, a diet high in saturated fat and obesity can stimulate fibroids.

Key Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Symptoms of fibroids include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual cramps
• Abdominal bloating
• Spotting between periods
• Anemia
• Pain during intercourse
• Constipation
• Bladder irritation

How Can I Treat Uterine Fibroids?

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional treatment is only recommended if the fibroids are large or the symptoms are severe. Several different techniques can be used to remove the fibroids, but unless estrogen levels decrease, there is a 50 percent chance that they will return. Natural therapies are aimed at decreasing estrogen levels to shrink fibroids and prevent their recurrence.

Natural Treatment Options

Two important organs tasked with processing and regulating hormones are the liver and the bowels. Our bowels are responsible for removing excess hormones – so to optimize the bowels and liver's functioning, it’s important to cleanse and detoxify regularly. Another option is to apply castor oil packs to the abdomen on alternating days so as to ease fibroid symptoms and increase hormone processing.

You can also minimize estrogen through diet. Limit red meat, chicken, and dairy products, as well as coffee, black tea, chocolate, and cola, the latter of which contain methylxanthines and promote fibroid growth.

Foods that should be eaten include soy products. Soy contains plant estrogens that help to balance estrogen levels. Foods rich in vitamin K should also be eaten to reduce excess bleeding. These foods include leafy greens and seaweeds. Use essential fatty acids, found in flax, walnut and pumpkin seed oil, because they are anti-inflammatory and decrease cramping.

The vagina is a mucous membrane in the female body with a delicate balance. The inside of the vagina is quite acidic, with a pH of around 3-4. There are a number of different species of bacteria that naturally colonize the vagina and help to protect it against infection. The amount and type of bacteria present are essential to the health of the vagina and the overall health of the woman, and that's why finding quality vaginal probiotics can be beneficial to women's health.

Commensal Bacteria

The bacteria that colonize the vagina are similar to those that colonize the digestive tract. In fact, many of the bacteria present there originated in the digestive tract.

This is how oral supplementation of vaginal probiotics can promote proper colonization of the vagina. The most common species present in the vagina are Lactobacillus. Another common "good" bacteria present in the vagina are Bifidobacteria, particularly B. bifidus, and B. longus.

Menstrual Effects on Vaginal Health

The flora present in the vagina changes slightly with the hormonal shifts that occur during the menstrual cycle. The act of menstruation also causes changes in the local bacterial species, and can cause a reduction in the number of beneficial vaginal flora. This can leave the woman vulnerable to infection by pathogenic organisms that cause vaginitis. Vaginitis is an infection of the vagina by organisms such as Gardnerella, and Trichomonas, which causes inflammation and can often cause foul-smelling discharge. The vaginal flora also protects against overgrowth of Candida, which causes yeast infections.

Vaginal Probiotics Anti-Infection Protection

There are a number of probiotics that can be useful in protecting the vagina against infectious organisms. The most commonly used species are: B. bifidus, B. longus, L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus. Supplementing with these strains has been shown to reduce the risk of getting a vaginal infection and has also been shown to speed healing should an infection occur.

How Can I Take Vaginal Probiotics?

Much like the probiotics targeted at the gastrointestinal tract, vaginal probiotics can be supplemented orally and they will naturally migrate to the vagina as well. This is a great way to combine improved digestion and improved vaginal health with one treatment. During acute times of infection, vaginal probiotics can be directly inserted into the vagina using a suppository. Some oral supplements can be used inside the vagina, but some will cause irritation if used as a suppository. There are vaginal probiotics that come in a form intended for insertion into the vagina and these can be used for acute treatment during infection to help relieve symptoms more quickly. Be sure to read the package carefully and ask your healthcare practitioner if you are unsure if you can use your supplement internally.

PMS, menopause, pregnancy, stress, breast health, sexual health and emotional well-being are all major health concerns for women. Some are frustrating, like PMS, while others, like pregnancy, can be wonderful. What each has in common is a large hormonal component. Hormones can fluctuate drastically depending on diet, nutritional status, toxicity level, and other factors such as job and family stress. Let's explore how women's hormone balancing can improve women's health and the strategies you can implement to achieve this.

How Do Hormones Affect Women?

Hormones, or chemical messengers, are produced by the endocrine glands and are released into the bloodstream.

Most people know that women's primary hormone is estrogen, and it is responsible for signalling the starting and stopping of processes related to sexual and reproductive health. Estrogen also has specific roles during different life stages for females. However, the female body has more hormones than just estrogen. Other women's hormones include:

• Progesterone
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Testosterone

All of these hormones play important roles in the maintenance of health and fertility. High or low levels of these hormones can cause different complaints, depending on the age of the affected woman. In addition, normal hormone levels protect other body systems from breaking down, for example, the cardiovascular and skeletal systems.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalances in Women?

Some conditions associated with female hormonal imbalances include:

Infertility

Hormone imbalances can cause infertility because hormones play an important role in female reproduction, especially the ones regulating menstrual cycles. Hormones must be able to signal and regulate egg growth and the release of the egg into the fallopian tube, as well as the thickening of the uterine lining for implantation. However, not all the responsibility is on the woman's body; the man's hormones must also be balanced so the sperm can be healthy enough to fertilize the egg. Once the egg is fertilized, it travels to the uterus for implantation. 

Hormonal imbalance, whether it's the absence or an irregular quantity of one or more hormones, can delay or prevent any of these processes from occurring, making pregnancy difficult. Some common conditions that can affect hormone balance include: anovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hyperprolactinemia. 

An absence or irregular quantity of one or more hormones can delay or prevent any of the above processes from occurring, making pregnancy difficult to achieve.

Menopausal Symptoms

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect how women feel both physically and emotionally. As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and eventually decline, symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats often become more common.

With age, the ovaries produce less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and the pituitary gland produces more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in hopes of stimulating the ovaries. With the onset of these imbalances, symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and insomnia kick in. 

PMS (Premenstrual Symptom)

Hormonal imbalances can affect PMS because whether there's an excess of estrogen or a deficiency in progesterone, differences in these hormones can drastically impact symptoms associated with menstruation. Disruptions in these hormones can impact neurotransmitters like serotonin, leading to mood swings. They can also cause bloating because when estrogen is too high, it triggers fluid retention along with tender breasts. A deficiency in progesterone actually has a calming effect; however, this doesn't necessarily mean relaxation. In the second half of a woman's cycle, this can actually lead to heightened anxiety, poor sleep, and more mood swings. 

Estrogen Balance in the Body

A hormonal imbalance directly impacts estrogen by creating a dominance or deficiency in this hormone. Because there needs to be a delicate balance amongst the network of hormones, an imbalance in one can lead to a disruption in the production, processing, or clearance of estrogen in the body. 

Women's Hormone Balancing Tips

What Is Hormone Balancing?

It's important to each of these health concerns (and many others) that hormones be maintained at a healthy level. This optimizes production, but also ensures the breakdown or detoxification of excess or unnecessary hormones. The body is a delicate balance; too much of any hormone is just as harmful as too little.

How Do I Do A Hormonal Detox?

The liver and bowels are important organs for women's health because they are responsible both for processing hormones and for excreting those hormones after processing.

Performing liver and bowel detoxification will help to reduce most women's health concerns by ensuring proper function in these organs and thereby regulating hormone levels. Sexual function is regulated by a team made up of the thyroid, adrenal glands and ovaries. Imbalance in one member of the team will force the others to overcompensate to maintain balance, and then those organs become strained. This explains why other medical concerns such as hypothyroidism, stress, depression and malnourishment can lead to infertility.

Tips On Improving Hormone Balance in Women

A diet high in animal products inhibits the excretion of excess estrogens from the body. Animal protein also slows intestinal transit time, allowing the resorption of hormones. Toxins must be processed by the liver and take away from the liver's ability to process substances like hormones. Stress leads to a buildup of acidity in the body. When the body's pH is acidic, detoxification processes do not run as quickly as they could. Stress also depletes vitamins, such as the B complex, which are needed by the liver.

Optimizing Hormonal Balance

• Decreasing your consumption of animal products
• Limiting exposure to environmental toxins
• Reducing stress and implementing a stress-management program
• Using appropriate supplements for detoxification and stress management

Key Supplements That Help Hormonal Balancing

Supplemental programs for detoxification and stress management include B vitamins, lipotropic factors, liver supportive herbs, like milk thistle, and adrenal supportive herbs, like Siberian ginseng and licorice.