If you have experienced irregular menstruation, fibroids, menopausal symptoms or miscarriage, you may have a hormone imbalance. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones necessary for menstruation, conception, pregnancy and healthy menopause, and problems can occur if they are not properly balanced. Using herbs, or phytotherapy, may help you restore hormonal balance naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for phytotherapy hormone imbalance work in several ways. Hormone normalizers affect your endocrine system to maintain a normal ratio between estrogen and progesterone. They will raise or lower levels of these hormones, depending on whether you have an excess or a deficiency. Uterine tonics and bitter herbs also restore balance through general toning and strengthening effects on your reproductive system. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for hormonal imbalance.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, is a perennial shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is a hormone normalizer and uterine tonic, and herbalists use the berries to treat a range of gynecological problems. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, explains that chaste tree can normalize your progesterone levels. It works on the pituitary gland to increase dopamine and reduce the hormone prolactin. This leads to an increase in the production of progesterone. Menstrual disorders like PMS and painful periods can be due to excess estrogen and progesterone deficiency. Chaste tree may help balance these hormones and relieve your symptoms. Do not use this herb during pregnancy and consult your medical provider for advice about herbal treatment.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, is a climbing vine found throughout Central America. Traditional healers use the rhizomes as a remedy for rheumatism, colic and coughs. The active ingredients include steroidal saponins, and the plant has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend wild yam to regulate the ratio between progesterone and estrogen, and to treat painful periods, irregular menstruation, infertility and miscarriages. Check with your doctor before using this herb, and do not use it during pregnancy.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a North American perennial with tall spikes of white flowers. Herbalists use the roots and rhizomes to treat menstrual and menopausal disorders. Black cohosh is rich in isoflavonoids and triterpenoids, and has estrogenic action. Naturopathic doctors Hershoff and Rotelli note that black cohosh is a natural alternative to estrogen therapy during menopause, when estrogen levels drop. It helps your body produce estrogen and will correct the low estrogen levels that cause menopausal symptoms. Consult your doctor before using, and do not use this herb is you have a hormone-dependent cancer.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
