Hormone Imbalance
in most women today are the result of Estrogen levels becoming excessive
and / or Progesterone levels becoming deficient. Problems can begin
when the stored fat, fiber, water, and nutrient buildup (produced by
Estrogen) are not regularly and sufficiently eliminated. Eventually,
this can lead to problems such as bloating, water retention, weight
gain, depression, fibroids, etc. This phenomenon, known as Estrogen
Dominance, has become widespread in recent decades due to extreme changes
in the lifestyle and environment of women in the industrialized world.
As women of all
ages become increasingly aware of these problems, many are finding that
they feel healthier, more energetic and younger when they address their
Hormone changes with gentle, Natural Herbal Dietary Supplements.
Natural Progesterone
can be produced in the Body by intake of a Herbal Dietary Supplement
called Wild Yam. Wild Yam contains Diosgenin which when digested is
converted by the Body into Progesterone. Since the Body has its own
intelligence and knows how much Progesterone is required by it, there
is no chance of excessive Progesterone being produced and causing any
side effects in the Body. The use of Synthetic or Natural Progesterone
treatment is plagued by the problems of deciding the correct dose for
each day. Herbal Dietary Supplements like Wild Yam and Chaste Berry
do not have these problems as the Body itself regulates the digestion
and absorption of these foods and takes from them exactly what ever
it needs and the rest gets eliminated from the Body as waste matter
in due course.
Natural Progesterone
generated inside the Body can help to decrease the symptoms and discomfort
associated with Estrogen Dominance (and / or Progesterone deficiency).
Natural Progesterone produced in our Body is bio-identical and hence
better, safer, and does not have the side effects associated with Synthetic
Hormones or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The biggest risk of HRT
(besides their Carcinogenic effect on the human body) is that, whenever
any Hormone is administered, the Endocrine Glands which normally produce
it; and which have their own intelligence and regulatory mechanism;
ceases of function and atrophy with each passing month of HRT and finally
die. The downside being that once you start HRT or begin the external
application of Creams or Dermal Patches containing Hormones - natural
or synthetic, you will have to commit yourself to life long therapy;
like a Diabetic Patient on ever increasing doses of Insulin with each
passing year and suffer all the side effects of these chemicals. Yet,
because natural substances cannot be patented, pharmaceutical companies
choose to market the synthetic Hormones and Hormone Replacement Therapies
and Programs.
Biochemically, Natural
Progesterone provides the raw materials inside the Body from which all
other Hormones are made. It is the precursor for testosterone, DHEA,
cortisone, estrogen and aldosterone, etc. Natural Progesterone, therefore,
has a balancing effect on the entire body. As a precursor, it gives
the metabolism the flexibility it needs to create harmony in the dynamic,
fluctuating system of the body. Our metabolism can synthesize from Natural
Progesterone the other Hormones it needs on a minute to minute basis.
On the other hand, Synthetic Progesterone cannot act with the flexibility
of a precursor and this is one reason they produce side effects. Furthermore,
because Natural Progesterone can convert into Estrogen, it is often
the only Hormones that many women will need.
Recommended
Doses and use of Herbs:
Begin with Wild
Yam (Forte) 1 to 2 capsules one to two times daily. Start with
1 capsule per day and gradually increase to 4 capsules per day or till
symptoms of hormone imbalance reduce or disappear. It should approximately
take 4 to 6 weeks to begin seeing some reduction in the symptoms like
hot flashes, mood swings, anger ,irritability, etc. If you are presently
taking synthetic hormones, reduce this dose to half when you begin using
Herbs.
Switching from synthetic hormones to Herbs should be a very gradual
process where you begin to very gradually reduce your dependence on
chemical Hormones. Most women are able to totally reduce their dependence
on Hormone Replacement Therapy over a 3 month period. So begin tapering
off very gradually.
Chaste Berry (Forte) can also be used in conjunction
with Wild Yam. Once you have begun and found some benefits using Wild
Yam you can gradually introduce Chaste Berry beginning with say the
3rd week. 1 capsule to be taken once or twice (maximum) per day.
If you have a serious Estrogen deficiency, or have had a Hysterectomy,
you may find it beneficial to use Black Cohash as it
is helps to increase Estrogen levels. Introduce this herb around the
8th week of the program. 1 capsule to be taken once or twice (maximum)
per day.
Best is to begin experimenting with each Herb and seeing how your body
performs.