How to Balance Hormones Naturally

Practical Advice for Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

May 11, 2009
Fleur Hupston

Menopausal Symptoms can be Debilitating - Talesin

Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries cease to function and typically takes place between 45 and 55 years of age. Symptoms can be both physical and psychological.

The concern most middle aged women have is how to cope with the debilitating signs and symptoms of menopause that affect their daily lives, most commonly hot flushes, fatigue, headaches, irritability, insomnia and depression, difficulty in concentrating or remembering and weight gain.

The debate about the advantages and disadvantages of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and/or natural hormone balance therapies continues and in the meantime, women need to research both options to make a choice that they fully understand. It is always advisable to seek the help of a professional in both fields who will give the pros and cons without pushing one form of hormone treatment over another.

Symptoms of Menopause and Exercise

Vigorous physical exercise is reported to help counter the effects of hot flushes and menopausal symptoms. “It is never too late for women to reap the benefits of starting a regular exercise program according to studies that show exercise can relieve the symptoms of menopause and improve quality of life”. [Jennifer Warner, Webmd Health News, March 24, 2006.]

Menopause and Diet

Eating a diet too abundant in refined carbohydrates and sugars is more likely to result in fatigue, irritability, depression and hot flushes. These are symptoms of menopause that can drain the body of energy.

Combining a low GI (Glycemic load) carbohydrate with a protein is a practical way to control dis-glycemia, for example a high-fiber cereal with nuts, seeds and a little fruit or wholegrain or rye bread with fish or beans and whole grains such as brown rice, millet, rye, oats and wholegrain bread.

Whole foods such as organic servings of dark green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, watercress and sprouts will provide foliate that the body needs. Do not overcook vegetables. Free-range eggs are an excellent source of protein.

Essential Fats and Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin C and E combined with berry extracts are said to help hormones to work. Good fats are essential in balancing hormones and mood swings. Flax, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin seeds are excellent sources and good supplements such as evening primrose oil, cod-liver oil on a regular basis can help control menopausal symptoms and aid in good health.

Fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon or fresh tuna should be eaten two or three times a week to help menopausal symptoms. Consume cold-pressed seed oils such as flaxseed or hemp oil as well as olive oil and avocado oil. Avoid any oils that have been produced through heat-extraction. Minimize intake of fried, deep fried and saturated animal fat, i.e. dairy products and meat. Avoid refined sugar and refined carbohydrates or foods with added sugar.

Black Cohosh Menopause

A natural herb used by Native North Americans for centuries, research has proven that Black Cohosh helps to relieve the signs and symptoms of menopause arising from declining estrogen levels in the body such as hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia and depression. Black Cohoshis also reported to raise serotonin levels, helping to relieve depression. Research in this field continues.

Natural Progesterone Cream

Progesterone is an essential raw material from which your body makes many of the other hormones vital for good health, including estrogen and testosterone.Progesterone is vital in balancing the endocrine or hormonal system in women. It is involved in reproduction and as long as a woman is ovulating, there should be progesterone produced in the ovaries of menstruating women.

For sufferers of menopausal symptoms, progesterone deficiency could be the reason and a sufferer may benefit from natural progesterone therapy.

Remedies for Menopause

Other remedies for menopause include taking phytoestrogens, which are plant chemicals that are naturally occurring forms of the female hormone estrogen. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen. They help to regulate hormones and can be used to relieve the unpleasant effects of menopause, they also enhance bone building and prevent the weakening of bones.

Trials have shown that intake of isoflavones have halved the incidence and severity of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. They are also effective as a cancer-protective unlike estrogen HRT. A diet rich in legumes, soya products or red clover supplements are good sources of Isoflavones.

For pre-menopausal or menopausal symptoms, there is good advice and help available and there is no need to suffer through this time alone. In all cases, it is always advisable to research carefully any treatment or supplement available and have a consultation with a medical practitioner or specialist.

References:

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About PREmenopause pg 25 – 40 – Dr. John Lee.
"Topical Progesterone Cream Does Not Increase Thrombotic and Inflammatory Factors in Menopausal Women " Blood, Volume 104, Issue 11, November 16, 2004.
What are Isoflavones