Estrogen is a hormone produced by a woman's ovaries. As a woman ages, estrogen levels usually decline, but in some cases throughout the child-bearing years, a woman may experience high estrogen levels. Chronically high estrogen levels have been associated with an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer that are estrogen-driven, like breast cancer. Additionally, women who have survived an estrogen-driven cancer are often advised to avoid certain medications or foods that can raise estrogen levels. Fortunately, there are several herbs and foods that can also help reduce your estrogen levels naturally. Check with your doctor before making any dietary changes or adding an herbal supplement to your diet.
Step 1
Increase your consumption of whole-grain products like whole-wheat bread and pasta. According to dietitian David Grotto at BreastCancer.org, the fibers in whole grains can help block the absorption of estrogen. The fiber is able to bind with the estrogen molecules and carry them out of the body, reducing the amount of estrogen you have. Additionally, obesity is associated with increased estrogen levels, because your body stores excess estrogen in fat. It is especially important for women approaching menopause to attain and maintain a healthy weight, to prevent excess estrogen storage that can increase the risk of some kinds of cancers.
Step 2
Take the herb black cohosh daily in capsule form, according to manufacturer's directions. According to Holistic Online, black cohosh provides your body with a substance that acts as a precursor to estrogen. This means that if your body needs more estrogen, it can manufacture it and not rely on supplemental estrogen that can cause health problems for some women. Black cohosh is also used to treat symptoms of menopause, including balancing hormonal levels that may be fluctuating significantly at that time.
Step 3
Eat more cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and especially, broccoli. Penny Block, co-founder and executive director of the Block Center says on BreastCancer.org that cruciferous vegetables contain substances that have been shown to block the growth of breast cancer. These vegetables can be consumed in a variety of ways to get the health and taste benefits, including juiced, fresh, steamed and pureed into a soup. Cruciferous vegetables are also high in dietary fiber, which helps you feel fuller so you eat less and decrease the risk of obesity and estrogen-driven diseases.
Step 4
Use the herb licorice root in capsule form to help when symptoms of a hormonal imbalance occurs. Holistic Online says that licorice is indicated for short-term use, because it can cause elevations in blood pressure and other problems if taken indefinitely. It can however, be used to both reduce estrogen and increase your progesterone levels. If you are using licorice to reduce estrogen, increase your intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas and raisins to offset licorice's tendency to lower potassium levels.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your doctor before using any herbal supplement or making significant changes to your diet.
