Estrogen is an important hormone produced naturally in women. It is necessary for maintaining health and wellness and to prevent common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, dry skin and irritation. Estrogen may offer some protection against diseases in women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some possible benefits from estrogen including the potential to increase HDL and decrease LDL levels and indirectly confer some cardiovascular protection against heart disease. An imbalance of estrogen levels, either in increased production or deficiency levels, can cause many health-related problems in women. Certain herbs have the potential to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and are commonly used by naturopaths and herbalists to treat the estrogen imbalance and help bring the hormone levels back within normal ranges. More research is needed to validate the medical use and the side effects of herbal therapies. Please consult your medical doctor or health care professional before you start any herbal or alternative therapies.
Step 1
Eat or drink herbs that can help to elevate the estrogen levels in the body if there is an estrogen deficiency. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, MayoClinic.com, black cohosh may help control the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, dryness of the skin and vagina, and night sweats. Another herb shown to raise estrogen levels is red clover, also called Trifolium pratense. A study conducted by Cassia R. Overk and fellow researchers, published in July 2005 in the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry," concluded that red clover possess properties that can increase the estrogenic receptors of cells. The plant belongs to the legume family and has a sweet, cooling taste. Always consult your medical doctor before you start herbal remedies or therapies. The FDA does not regulate the use of herbs for treating medical conditions. Always be cautious about the type and amount of herbs consumed. More research and clinical studies are needed to validate the medicinal use of herbs for medical therapies and treatment
Step 2
Use herbs to decrease the levels of estrogen in the body if there is an overproduction of the hormone. Particular plants possess properties to help reduce the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, such as flaxseed. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are commonly used as a laxatives and to help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes. It has not been clinically or scientifically proven to possess medicinal properties, however. Care should be taken when deciding to start herbal treatments or herbal detoxification therapies.
Step 3
Learn about Chinese herbal medicine. Many varieties of Chinese herbs have potential medicinal properties that can affect estrogen levels. A common herb, dong quai, generic name Angelica sinensis, is commonly used to treat menstrual symptoms, such as cramping pain and menopause. It is used by herbalists and naturalpathic practitioners to stimulate the muscles in the uterus to relax. Herbs can potentially cause serious side effects or adverse reactions if the recommended dosage is not followed carefully. Always read the directions on the package label or follow the advice of a credentialed herbalist or health care practitioner.
Tips and Warnings
- Try various ways to consume herbs. Add them to fruit juices or sprinkle them onto cereals or soups
- Always consult a medical doctor before you start any herbal treatment or alternative therapy. Do not exceed the dosage or amount stated on the product labels. Herbs are not FDA regulated and currently there is limited clinical research data available to validate the stated medicinal claims. Avoid adverse reactions or drug-herb interactions by speaking with an herbalist or licensed Chinese medicine practitioner.
Things You'll Need
- Black cohosh
- Hops
- Red clover
- Dong quai
- Soy
- Flaxseed
References
- MayoClinic.com; Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa); December 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Flaxseed and flaxseed oil: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: dong quai; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2008
- "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry"; Comparison of the in Vitro Estrogenic Activities of Compounds from Hops (Humulus lupulus) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense); Cassia R. Overk; July 2005
- Cleveland Clinic: Estrogen and Heart Disease
