The main sex hormones produced in both genders are Estrogen and Progesterone. But these hormones are present in large quantities in females when compared to males. Estrogen is the sex hormone that is responsible for characteristics of sex and reproductive capacities; and Progesterone aids in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy period.
Normally, estrogen and progesterone hormone secretion gets low during menopause. That’s why women experience mood swings and sexual desires during that time. It is also responsible for bone health.
Estrogen is also present in animals and plants in phytoestrogen form. In women, Estrogen is produced by the ovaries. In men, it is produced by the Sertoli cells of the testes which aid to prevent the programmed death of sperm cells.
In Ayurvedic texts, hormonal imbalance is mentioned in gynecological disorders. Each and every person has different dosha imbalancing problems. Ayurvedic medicines give treatment to people based on distinct symptoms in their organs, tissue layers, and body channels.
Women with hormonal imbalance may experience overweight, swelling, and nausea. These symptoms show that Kapha (water & earth) elements get out of balance.
Here, the practitioner will recommend Kapha-reducing food, herbs, exercise, and lifestyle. It will help you to get rid of the doshas.
Ayurveda is the best medicinal practice that finds out the root cause of illness based on a person’s characteristics & circumstances and gives diet according to that.
Table of Contents
Estrogens
There are three types of estrogens which are naturally secreted in the human body, namely
Estrone – Secreted during menopause
Estradiol – Found in sexually mature younger women
Estriol – Secreted by the placenta during pregnancy
Importance Of Estrogen
Estrogen has possessed a major role in women’s life by enhancing vaginal lubrication, vaginal thickness, balance fat storage, improve sex drive, and growth of the lining of the uterus. It also boosts up the metabolism of the body, increases bone formation, and decreases muscle mass to give a feminine look.
The estrogen level gets low in women between the age of 40 and 60. In men, low estrogen levels will lead to osteoporosis and male impotence. Estrogen enhances bone mineralization, fertility, and inhibits apoptosis of sperm.
Symptoms & Causes Of Low Estrogen
In Women, symptoms of low estrogen level include
Weight gain
Hot flashes
Headaches
Fast pulse rate
Reduced sexual desire
Mood swings
Excess Sweating
Trouble sleeping
Vaginal wall thinning
Vaginal dryness
Osteoarthritis
Bloating
Wrinkles
Estrogen levels decreased a year before periods stopped. When estrogen levels reach a certain level, the menstrual cycle in women stops completely. And then one year after periods stopped, estrogen levels continue to decrease. The causes of low estrogen secretion are
Testosterone Insufficiency: In women, testosterone – the predominant hormone in men helps in the secretion of estrogen. It also treats hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and low sexual drive. Testosterone also prevents breast cancer and maintains heart health in menopausal women.
Poor Food Routines & Exercises: Healthy and fresh foods such as fruits, vegetable consumption will always make your body strong and maintain estrogen levels. But excessive consumption of unhealthy foods and alcohol will reduce estrogen levels. Normally, estrogen decreases muscle size and gives the women a feminine look. Women with insufficient body fat who do a lot of exercises such as athletes and bodybuilders will suffer from low estrogen levels and also they have a high level of testosterone which stimulates muscle growth.
Medical Problems: Infection in the Pituitary gland causes low synthesis of estrogen. The pituitary is a master gland of all glands which controls the quantities of estrogen produced by the ovaries. High levels of prolactin in the blood, incomplete sex chromosomes, and thyroid disorders lower estrogen.
Estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands above the kidney, and fat cells. The imbalance in estrogen level causes bloating, fatigue, hair loss, unbalance blood glucose level, and fertility problems. Progesterone is an important hormone apart from estrogen and also it should be balanced to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Low progesterone levels cause headaches, mood swings, anxiety, and irregular menstrual cycles. Progesterone level gets increased or decreased in proportional to the estrogen level.
How To Increase Estrogen Level
In the modern medicinal field, the Estrogen level can be increased by estrogen replacement therapy and hormone replacement therapy. This may cause various side effects such as blood clots, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and breast cancer to your body. Already we have seen that low estrogen also lower progesterone level. Progesterone may be increased through pills, shots, creams, and medications, but natural herbal medicine is always the best one.
Herbs That Improve Estrogen Level
1] Soybeans
Soybeans are a source of isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein which are a group of plant-based chemicals phytoestrogens. After eating the soy, bacteria found in your intestines break isoflavones into more active forms, and then it binds with receptors in the body as estrogen.
When isoflavones bind with the same estrogen receptors, they imitate the effects of estrogen. When they bind to other receptors, they inhibit estrogen. They may help to reduce hot flashes and breast cancer.
Soy is rich in protein and fiber which minimizes heart disease, lowers blood pressure, and improves bone health. It is also used in maintaining healthy skin and hair. The phytoestrogens in soy help to lower wrinkles, fine lines, and maintain skin elasticity by increasing estrogen.
2] Dried Fruits
Normally, Dried fruits and nuts are enriched with nutrient content which can be eaten as a delicious snack. It is also a source of phytoestrogens which increases estrogen level in the body. Dates, prunes, and dried apricots are dried food which has a high amount of phytoestrogens that are fresh one.
Nuts such as peanuts, chestnuts, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are also rich in estrogen content. Nuts with its various vitamins and minerals maintain a healthy body. Apart from this, it also prevents and treats various illnesses.
How to Consume
Mix nuts and dried fruits as per your choice with a bowl of milk. Consume it as a healthy breakfast or evening snack.
3] Licorice
Athimathuram is a valuable ancient medicinal herb that is used for its various medicinal values. The botanical name of licorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice Powder contains a good quantity of phytoestrogens that stimulate adrenal glands to produce estrogen. It is also used to treat menopausal and menstrual issues.
The root of Licorice used to treat digestive tract problems, cough, and arthritis. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, laxative, and antispasmodic properties which relieve menstrual cramps, pain, and constipation problems. Licorice removes toxic substances in the blood and acts as an excellent blood purifier.
Dosage: 1-5 g
How to Consume
Make a tea by boiling 3-5 grams of Athimathuram powder with 150ml of water, then filter it and drink it. Naturally, Athimathuram will give a sweet taste.
4] Fennel
The fennel plant is a perennial, aromatic herb with yellow flowers. Dried fennel seeds obtained from this plant are used in cooking as an anise-flavored spice. Fennel has the main estrogenic compound anethole which decreases the symptoms of menopause, balances the female reproductive system and treats irregular menstrual as a result of hormone imbalances.
Fennel is good for lactating mothers. It is a galactagogue spice that increases the secretion of milk in breastfeeding women. Intaking fennel will treat heartburn, intestinal gas problems, bloating, control blood pressure, fight against diabetics, and loss of appetite. It is also applied over the skin surface for excessive body hair growth in women and to prevent sunburn.
5] Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are enriched with a high amount of phytoestrogens. Ligans are the main phytoestrogens present in flax seeds which are main in estrogen metabolism by imitating things like estrogen. The amount of phytoestrogens present in Flaxseed are three times more than phytoestrogens present in soybeans. Ligans present in flax seeds is 800 times more than other plant foods. These phytoestrogens in flax seeds decrease the risk of ovarian, breast cancer in menopausal women.
Flax seeds are tiny golden-brown color seeds that are used for their health benefits. The other benefits include decreasing bad cholesterol levels, improving the digestion process, and promoting skin and hair health. Besides, it aids in the weight loss process. Helpful in irregular periods, heavy bleeding, headache, anxiety, and mood swings.
6] Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds have a rich source of phytoestrogens. It comes with two different colors which is white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. It also contains a high amount of lignans – the same phytoestrogens compound present in flax seeds. It also contains a good amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It is used in most Asian dishes.
In postmenopausal women, regular consumption of sesame seeds increases estrogen level, increases vitamin E, and improves bone health. It may also increase HDL cholesterol level, decrease LDL cholesterol, maintain diabetics, and decrease arthritis pain. It also improves overall strength, immunity levels, healthy cell and tissue development, mobility, and metabolic function. Sesame seed oil improves oral health.
7] Fenugreek Seed
Fenugreek is the best herb that is used to maintain the estrogen level. Fenugreek is enriched with phytoestrogens which imitate estrogen. This also helps in painful periods and improve libido (sexual drive) in women.
Intaking fenugreek seeds on an empty stomach will act as a coolant which decreases body temperature and decreases blood glucose level. In nursing mothers, it also used to increase the secretion of milk.
How to Consume
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and consume on an empty stomach to get better results.
You can also add fenugreek seeds or fenugreek seed powder as a spice to foods.
Applying fenugreek paste will reduce hair fall and makes your skin glower.
8] Dandelion Root
Dandelion roots are enriched with phytoestrogens – plant estrogens. It helps in regulating estrogen levels, eliminating toxic substances from the body, and makes your body healthier. It also prevents constipation problems, treats stomach and liver health issues. It helps to get rid of acne, eczema, high cholesterol, cancer, heartburn, and diabetes.
How to Consume
Boil a few grams of dandelion root powder or crush with a cup of water, then filter it and drink it.9] Spearmint
Spearmint aids in improving estrogen secretion. It also used to reduce the testosterone level in women which prevents and controls excess growth of hair. Mint helps in proper digestion, weight loss, relief from depression and headache, treatment of asthma, and memory loss. It also improves oral and skin hygiene.
How to Use
Boil a few leaves of mint or grams of spearmint powder with 150ml of water, then strain it and drink it twice a day to boost estrogen level.
Just chew a few leaves of mint to eliminate bad breath.
10] Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a traditional American herb that triggers the estrogen receptors and boosts estrogen levels. It is used to treat menopause and menstrual problems including hot flashes, moodiness, cramps, painful periods, and excessive sweating. This herb balances female hormones with its phytoestrogen compound by acting estrogen. Consult your doctor before consuming black cohosh if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
11] Red Clover
Red clover is an herbal product that is a rich source of phytoestrogens compounds isoflavones including biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein. Those isoflavones increase estrogen levels. It treats hot flashes, low bone density, heart disease, and balance hormone levels in women.
Dosage: 0.04 to 0.16 mg per day.
Wrapping Up
Balancing the hormone level plays a vital role in maintaining body health and in the creation of the next generation. There are many herbal products available in the market that boosts up female hormone levels. Before intaking any herbal medicines, always consult with your medicinal advisor.
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