When To See A Doctor
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a hormonal change or imbalance should see a doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention may help prevent complications.
People should also see a doctor if their condition does not improve while taking a medication or herbal supplement, or if they experience side effects associated with these treatments.
Foods That Increase Estrogen Level
There are several estrogen-rich foods that may help boost your estrogen level. These foods contain phytoestrogen, which is a plant-based estrogen that mimics estrogen once it is processed by the body.
The following is a list of foods that are known for containing excessive amounts of phytoestrogens. It is important to keep in mind that estrogen rich foods may have unwanted effects in men.
Soybean products: Soy is a rich source of phytoestrogen and comes in a variety of easy to consume forms like soy milk, tofu, or edamame. Soy products are the greatest source of isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogen that can be easily consumed in your diet. Soy is also a great source of protein, making it an ideal meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians.
Flaxseeds: These little seeds contain up to three times the phytoestrogens of soybeans, but your body will not reap their benefits unless they are cracked or ground prior to consumption. Also high in fiber, flaxseeds will make you feel full and may aid in weight loss and in the reduction of cholesterol.
Sesame seeds: Whole seedsor even sesame oilcontain lignans that possess phytoestrogens. The seeds are also loaded with fiber and are a great source of minerals.
Beans: They are relativity high in phytoestrogens, but they dont get much attention. Beans are known for having a high fiber content, which helps to control cholesterol levels. Types of beans include peas, pinto bean, and lima beans
Also Check: How To Beat Hormonal Weight Gain
Get The Most Out Of Your Supplements
Herbs and other natural supplements work best when you take them regularly over time. Most herbs work by nourishing and rebuilding, which means they need some time to work their magic.
Also keep in mind that supplements are most effective when accompanied by other positive lifestyle choices. So, please, take care of your health in other ways as well, especially a healthy diet, getting to bed at a decent hour, and managing that stress level in whatever ways work best for you in menopause and beyond.
Recommended Reading: What Supplements Help With Hormonal Imbalance
The Most Common Menopause Symptoms
Women can experience a variety of symptoms and conditions related to changes in sex hormone levels and aging. Some of the most common menopause symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: As perimenopause begins , periods can come and go, plus get heavier or lighter at times. This can sometimes continue for several years during menopause
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depressive symptoms
- Vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive
- Increased abdominal fat and weight gain
- Insomnia and changes in sleep quality
- Changes in the uterus, ovaries and cervix
- For some, a higher risk for certain other age-related diseases
Lifestyle For A Lifetime
The most effective alternative to hormone therapy, however, doesn’t come in a bottle. Physicians say that preventing heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer often boils down to lifestyle, one that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet. A diet high in calcium along with weight-bearing exercise bolsters bones. Avoiding high-fat foods and participating in regular aerobic exercise keeps the heart healthy.
These habits can prevent the diseases studies have proven it over and over again. Consider it, Greenwood advises. “Those things are so much more effective than any pill you can put in your mouth.”
Nelson Watts, MD, director of the Osteoporosis and Bone Health Program at The Emory Clinic in Atlanta, and principal investigator at the Atlanta site of the Women’s Health Initiative, offers a word of caution. “Often, diet and exercise are not enough by themselves.” he tells WebMD. “A woman needs to first talk with her doctor about what symptoms she wants to relieve, and look at the treatment options.”
Show Sources
Don’t Miss: Does An Iud Affect Your Hormones
What Are The Risks Of Hrt
Breast cancer risk differs depending on the type of HRT and a womans personal history of breast cancer.
Based on results from the very large Womens HealthInitiative studies, combination HRT increases breast cancer risk and this increase in risk lasted for more than 10 years after the women stopped taking HRT.
Higher-dose combination HRT increases breast cancer risk more than lower-dose combination HRT.
Combination HRT also increases the likelihood that the cancer may be found at a more advanced stage. Combination HRT is linked to increased breast density, which can make it harder for mammograms to detect breast cancer.
Breast cancer risk appears to be higher with daily progesterone than with less frequent progesterone .
This increase in risk applies to bioidentical and natural hormone products as well as synthetic hormones. Bioidentical means the hormones in the product are identical to the hormones your body produces. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants, so theyre sometimes called natural. Synthetic hormones are made in a lab and are also chemically identical to thehormones in your body. Itâs important to know that many herbal and bioidentical HRT products fall outside the jurisdiction of the United States Food and Drug Administration and so arenât subject to the same regulations and testing that medicines are.
Causes Of High Estrogen
High levels of estrogen can develop naturally, but too much estrogen can also result from taking certain medications. For example, estrogen replacement therapy, a popular treatment for symptoms of menopause, may cause estrogen to reach problematic levels.
Your body may also develop low testosterone or low progesterone levels, which can upset your hormonal balance. If you have estrogen levels that are abnormally high relative to your progesterone levels, its known as estrogen dominance.
Also Check: Where Can I Find Testosterone
You May Like: What Doctor Can Check My Hormone Levels
S To Balance Hormones Naturally
Reviewed by
Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and insulin are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall health.
Conventional treatments for hormonal imbalances typically include synthetic hormone replacement therapies, birth control pills, insulin injections, thyroid medications and more. Unfortunately, for the majority of people suffering from hormonal disorders, relying on these types of synthetic treatments often does three things:
Is it possible to balance hormones naturally? The good news is: yes, in many cases it is. Below youll learn about some root causes of hormonal problems, as well as about treatment options to help you balance your hormones naturally.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy replaces the hormones that dip during menopause. While there are different types of hormone replacement therapies, the main goal is to relieve the symptoms of menopause by restoring hormone levels.
It is essential that these exogenous hormones are bio-identicali.e. exactly the same molecule the human body was producing pre-menopause, explains Charles Guglin, M.D., general surgeon at HyperFit MD Age Management Center in Milford, Connecticut.
Hormone replacement therapy can vary depending on which hormones are being replaced and how they are being delivered into the body.
Also Check: How Do I Get More Testosterone
Dr Sarah Brewer Msc Ma Rn
Dr. Sarah Brewer is qualified from Cambridge University with degrees in Natural Sciences, Medicine, and Surgery. She is an award-winnin Read Full Bio
**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.
*Result may vary. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or have a history of heart conditions we suggest consulting with a physician before using any supplement. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as a medical advice. Always consult your doctor before using any supplements.
Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are associate sales links.This means if you can click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive a commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.
Lead A Healthy Lifestyle
Menopause experts agree that eating a healthy balanced diet, with plenty of wholegrains and fruit and veg, can help your body cope with menopausal changes.
Exercise is important too. A large South American study found women exercising less than three times a week were 28% more likely to experience severe menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and low mood.
The researchers think getting active can help ease stress and depression, which allows your brain to cope better with menopausal symptoms. You could try yoga preliminary research found a regular class may ease hot flushes.5
Handpicked content: About stress and how you can manage yours
Read Also: What Is Botanicals In Melatonin
What Is Menopause And What Are The Symptoms
Starting in their 30s or 40s, women will produce less of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This stage is called perimenopause. Eventually, with the continued drop of hormones, menstrual periods will stop entirely. Once you havent had a period for a full year, menopause will officially begin.
Dropping levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone have wide-ranging and profound effects on everything from your blood vessels to skin, hair, brain function, and an increased risk of certain diseases and conditions. Menopause can last anywhere from 10-20 years, so identifying a way to ease the symptoms of menopause is critical to your long-term well-being and health.
As hormone levels fall, a woman often notices symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and changing moods. But what is very concerning is that they might miss the fact that the drop in hormones can also be putting them at risk for osteoporosis, stroke, cancers, and heart disease if the deficiency in hormones is not treated.1
Menopause medication replaces the hormones that are dropping, offers menopause symptom relief, and prevents disease development for many women. When looking at the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy , scientists have yet to identify a more effective remedy for menopause symptoms, specifically hot flashes and night sweats.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Menopause
It is important to understand that you dont just wake up one day and find yourself in menopause. It is a process that typically occurs over many years. In fact, once you actually reach menopause many of the unpleasant symptoms you may be feeling will likely go away.
The menopause transition can be a really confusing time for many women. Likely hormonal imbalances have left you feeling out of sorts. And juggling all of the responsibilities midlife brings your way doesnt give you much time to focus on yourself.
And if you do take the time to talk to your healthcare provider you may be frustrated by their lack of knowledge about treatment options for the management of the menopause and the menopause transition. Feeling awful and overwhelmed can make you vulnerable to misinformation and leave you confused about what you can do to feel better.
Perhaps one of the most confusing topics in the management of menopause and the menopause transition is the controversy surrounding the use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
You May Like: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Columbus Ohio
How Do The Hormones Used In Mht Differ From The Hormones Produced By A Womans Body
The hormones used in MHT come from a variety of plants and animals, or they can be made in a laboratory. The chemical structure of these hormones is similar, although usually not identical, to those of hormones produced by womens bodies.
Non-FDA-approved hormone products, sometimes referred to as bio-identical hormones, are widely promoted and sold without a prescription on the Internet. Claims that these products are safer or more natural than FDA-approved hormonal products are not supported by credible scientific evidence. The FDA provides more information about these products on its Menopause page.
Also Check: Metabolic Exercises For Hormone Type 1
What Are Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are processed hormones designed to mimic the hormones made by your bodys glands. Taking bioidentical hormones can help people who experience symptoms of low or unbalanced hormones. This is often the case for people experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.
Hormones are chemicals made by your endocrine glands. They are messengers that tell other parts of your body how and when to work. Hormones affect many systems and functions in your body. Even the slightest imbalance can cause symptoms that interfere with your day. Healthcare providers may recommend hormone replacement therapy as a treatment for these symptoms.
Bioidentical hormone therapy uses processed hormones that come from plants. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones.
Some prescription forms of bioidentical hormones are premade by drug companies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain types of bioidentical hormones. Other forms of bioidentical hormones are custom-made by a pharmacist based on a healthcare providerâs prescription. These are compounded bioidentical hormones.
The compounded forms have not been tested and approved by the FDA. Though it is often advertised that products that are made from plants are ânaturalâ choices, they are altered in a lab so are no longer natural when done with processing.
Conventional hormone therapy vs. bioidentical hormone therapy
Also Check: What Test Checks Hormone Levels
Hrt Does Not Cause Weight Gain
Weight gain at the menopause is related to age and lifestyle factors. An increase in body fat, especially around the abdomen, can occur during menopause because of hormonal changes, although exactly why this happens is not clear. Normal age-related decrease in muscle tissue, and a decrease in exercise levels, can also contribute to weight gain.
Most studies do not show a link between weight gain and HRT use. If a woman is prone to weight gain during her middle years, she will put on weight whether or not she uses HRT.
Some women may experience symptoms at the start of treatment, including bloating, fluid retention and breast fullness, which may be misinterpreted as weight gain. These symptoms usually disappear once the therapy doses are changed to suit the individual.
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Hormonal Hair Growth On Face
The Best Supplements For Menopause
Want to manage your menopause symptoms naturally?
Since ancient times, women have found ways to harness nature to help with the menopause and the discomfort it can bring.
Some herbal remedies for the menopause are anecdotal or based on traditional use, and others are backed by solid science.
A survey by the British Menopause Society found 95% of women would try natural remedies before hormone replacement therapy to help keep hot flushes, mood swings and other symptoms at bay.6
Either way, its your choice how you approach this time of change.
Read on to discover some natural menopause treatments that really work, plus the available evidence behind them.
Also Check: How Much Is Female Hormones
Prescription Menopause Relief Delivered
Healthcare providers can prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy or natural estrogen cream as a natural remedy for all of the symptoms, particularly vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. HRT is far superior to the home remedies that are sometimes used to relieve menopause symptoms. Not only is HRT safer and more effective, but it also has many benefits both long and short term.
Unfortunately, many women try a quick fix like over-the-counter natural estrogen cream or herbs for relief. Typically OTC is inexpensive, fast, and easy to access, but the true benefits of OTC natural estrogen creams are not scientifically proven, and there is little evidence to suggest that they have any real benefit.
Prescription vs. Non-prescription Natural Estrogen Creams
Estrogen is the hormone that most people talk about when they are discussing menopause. Best known for its role in reproduction and the menstrual cycle, estrogen also helps regulate mood, cardiovascular health, bone density, and the look and feel of your skin. HRT made by Winona is made from yams, provides the estrogen that your body is making less of during menopause, and is considered to be natural.
But lets be clear about what natural means. Estrogens produced within the body are called endogenous estrogens, while estrogens that are given as a medication or treatment are called exogenous or synthetic estrogen. Estrogen that is made or altered in the lab is synthetic, and that includes OTC products.1
How To Choose The Best Menopause Supplements
- Manufacturer When choosing top-rated menopause supplements, make sure that the product manufacturer is reliable and trustworthy. You can easily determine a manufacturers trustworthiness by looking at their website. The more information was given, the higher the possibility that you are dealing with a responsible company.
- Ingredients When choosing a menopause supplement, look for ingredients such as black cohosh, red clover, and saint johns wort. Menopause supplements also contain phytoestrogens from soy and other plants, but their efficiency is unknown. Because the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, it can be hard to tell if the ingredients in your product are safe.
- Safety Some products are manufactured in an FDA-approved facility and by the Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines, which is a sign that a product is safe for use. Look for products offering a money-back guarantee as this also shows that the manufacturer has your safety and satisfaction in mind.
- Dosage Consider the number of capsules youll need to take daily in addition to the quantity of the ingredients listed.
Recommended Reading: How To Know If I Have Hormonal Imbalance