Hormones are powerful chemicals that affect many processes in the body, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and mood. Female hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Certain herbs may be helpful for balancing female hormones. Note that herbs can have strong effects on the body and can interact with prescribed medications, including birth control and other hormone replacement. Before taking herbs, consult with a botanically trained health care professional for proper diagnosis and personalized advice on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, also known by its Latin name Vitex agnus castus, is a Verbena-family shrub native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. It has narrow leaves and small violet flowers. The dried fruit is used medicinally, and it has a pungent taste. According to Drs. Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, naturopathic physicians and authors of the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," chaste tree increases the body's production of luteinizing hormone and shifts the balance of estrogen and progesterone in favor of progesterone. This effect is thought to be indirect; in other words, the plant does not act directly as progesterone. Also, Drs. Pizzorno and Murray report that chaste tree modulates the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Chaste tree has historically been used to treat a wide variety of female reproductive tract ailments, such as lack of ovulation, lack of menstrual periods, heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods, hyperprolactinemia--excess secretion of the hormone prolactin--infertility, periodic breast pain and menopausal hot flashes. Chaste tree berry may be taken as an infusion, dry liquid extract, tincture or capsule.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is also known as rattleweed and black snake root, as well as by the Latin names Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa. It's a member of the Buttercup family and is native to eastern North America. The rhizome is used medically and its taste is sharp, bitter and spicy. Black cohosh is used to alleviate menstrual abnormalities and menopausal complaints. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," black cohosh seems to act as a phytoestrogen, meaning it influences estrogenic activity in the body. It also suppresses the luteinizing hormone surges associated with menopausal hot flashes. Dr. Tilgner states that black cohosh is especially beneficial for menstrual headaches associated with low estrogen levels. Black cohosh may be taken as a decoction, dry plant liquid extract, tincture or capsule.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, also known by the Latin name Serenoa repens, is palm native to the southeastern region of the United States and the West Indies. The berries are used medically and their taste is sweet and soapy. Saw palmetto is frequently used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a condition that affects men over age 40. Saw palmetto is thought to interact with testosterone metabolism to affect prostate growth. Women also have testosterone in their bodies, although at considerably lower levels than men. Abnormally elevated levels of testosterone in females can lead to reproductive problems. According to Dr. Tilgner, saw palmetto may be helpful for women experiencing polycystic ovaries, male-patterned body hair growth, lack of ovulation and menstrual irregularities. It's also thought to function as an aphrodisiac. Saw palmetto may be taken as a decoction, dry liquid extract, tincture or capsule.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hormones
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. & Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
