As women age, the natural estrogen hormones the body produces begins to decline. This can lead to brittle bones, drier and more saggy skin and loss of energy. Although you can take synthetic estrogen to replace the hormones that you are losing, you may balk at taking chemical medication. One solution is to talk to your doctor or naturopath about trying a few natural herbs to help balance your estrogen production.
Herbal Options
A few herbs and supplements that are helpful in treating a reduction in estrogen hormone include black cohosh, dong quia, soy, wild yam and red clover. These herbs and supplements all contain phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic the natural estrogen the your body produces. Black cohosh, dong quia, soy, wild yam and red clover are available at any health food store or herbalist shop, and can be taken in a capsule, tincture or extract.
Benefits
Herbs containing phytoestrogens may help reduce hot flashes, slow bone loss and help balance out mood swings. swings, according to Tulane University. If you react to synthetic estrogen hormone, or you do not want to risk some of the possible side effects that can result from taking a synthetic hormone, using herbs with phytoestrogens can offer you an effective and alternative solution.
Considerations
It is helpful to research where the estrogen-mimicking herbs you are using were grown and how they were cultivated. Unless you buy organically-grown estrogen herbs, you may ingest residual chemicals from fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Organic herbs will be free of chemical treatments that could alter the herbs effectiveness.
Warnings
If your postmenopausal symptoms do not improve, or if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, redness or irritation on the skin, discontinue use of phytoestrogen herbs. Ask the advice of your doctor or naturopath to determine if estrogen-mimicking herbs are the right choice for you.
