There is a directly proportional relationship between hormone imbalance and women’s health. As long as hormones are in adequate levels, cells, tissues, organs and systems will function properly and the body will be able to combat stress, fight disease and recovery better. There are several natural methods to help attain optimum health by balancing hormones. Here’s how.
Herbal Treatment
Chaste tree berry or vitex agnus castus, monk’s pepper or hemp tree is considered by many as the most important herb in treating PMS or premenstrual syndrome. It is known for its positive effects on alleviating symptoms such as breast pain, painful menses and irregular menses. The herb primarily acts on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. The fruit of the plant specifically has contents with dopamine-like activity that inhibits the release of prolactin thereby increasing progesterone production during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen dominance can be avoided and treated.
Wild yams contain diosgenin which manufactures natural progesterone efficiently. The hormone is actually plant-derived but has exactly the same chemical properties as the ones naturally produced by the body. Estrogen dominance during the luteal phase is suggested to be the leading cause of PMS symptoms so taking adequate amounts of the herb can correct the problem.
Evening primrose oil or oenothera biennis comes from the seeds of the plant and is known for its essential fatty acid content. The important oils in the herb are gamma-linoleic acid or GLA and linoleic acid. The conversion of linoleic acid to GLA is generally impaired in most women exhibiting PMS symptoms. Evening primrose oil can improve levels of GLA to improve PMS.
More Methods
Other herbs that are known to alleviate menopausal syndrome include Dong Quai or Angelica sinensis which helps with cramps, weakness and irregular menses, licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra which helps increase progesterone levels, Black Cohosh or Cimicifuga racemosa which exhibits estrogen-like activity, Kava Kava or Piper methysticum which relieves anxiety and stress and Valerian or Valeriana officinalis which helps improve sleep and rest.
Try alternate methods that relieve stress and boost hormone production such as aromatherapy, massage, therapeutic touch, acupuncture, acupressure, hypnotherapy and mental imagery. Stay away from alcohol and tobacco since these can aggravate PMS symptoms. Eat more nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals especially iron to alleviate bleeding problems. Exercise regularly by doing mild to moderate cardiovascular activity at least three times per week. Sleep well each night and rest for at least 7 to 8 hours.
Menstrual Problems
There are three common menstrual disorders namely dysmenorrhea which is excess menstruation, menorrhea which is less menstruation and amenorrhea which is absent menstruation. Scanty menstruation may be caused by vitamin B, vitamin C or potassium deficiency. In some cases hyperacidity and flatulence may also cause the problem so women need to eat healthy and high-fiber diets to ease discomfort and pain. Primary amenorrhea can be related to genetic links while secondary amenorrhea is basically caused by stress or illness. Hydrotherapy, steam baths, acupressure and massage can alleviate the symptoms.
As for PMS, patients can try deep breathing exercises 2 to 3 times each day. To fix hormone imbalance for women’s health, individuals need to consume more raw fruits and vegetables, fruit juices and soups. Supplementation especially iron and calcium are also recommended. Women may also want to try naturopathic treatments which are proven to be safe, natural and reliable.
By: Dr. Raj Banerjee
Posts Tagged ‘Pms Symptoms’
How to Fix Hormone Imbalance For Women’s Health
April 20th, 2010PMS: The Latest Insights on Its Causes and How to Reduce & Even Eliminate It
November 22nd, 2009
To the medical community, PMS (or premenstrual syndrome) is still a largely mysterious phenomenon that affects women during the one or two weeks before menstruation.
But for the women who face PMS each month (estimates of exactly how many menstruating women get PMS vary widely and go as high as 80 percent, but the American College of Obstetricians says it’s up to 40 percent), the physical, emotional and psychological symptoms are all too familiar.
Each woman’s symptoms vary, and they vary for each woman from month to month, but can include any of 180 symptoms that have been identified to date including some of the common ones below:
Some Common PMS Symptoms
* Breast swelling and tenderness
* Fatigue
* Trouble sleeping
* Upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
* Headache
* Food cravings (especially for sweet and salty foods) and changes in appetite
* Joint or muscle pain
* Tension, irritability or mood swings
* Uncontrollable crying
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Backache
* Trouble concentrating
* Acne breakouts
* Aggressiveness
* Changes in libido
* Uterine cramps
* Weight gain
* Fluid retention
* Swelling of feet and ankles
* Forgetfullness
What Causes PMS?
There has been no single cause of PMS identified or accepted by the medical community. But because the changes that happen during PMS coincide with changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, the most widespread theory about PMS is that it’s related to changes in female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone (though how it’s related isn’t clear).
Other theories have been suggested including that PMS could:
* Be related to hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar levels) or hypothyroidism (abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones).
* Be related to pituitary hormones, prostaglandins and neurotransmitters in the brain.
* Be due to a diet lacking in B vitamins, calcium or magnesium.
If there were to be a consensus among experts, however, it’s likely to be that PMS is due to a variety of factors, including the physiological ones listed above, but also because of genetics, environment and lifestyle factors like nutrition and stress.
What About PMDD?
There’s a lot of controversy about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and whether it’s a real “disorder.” PMDD includes all of the symptoms of PMS but to the extreme-where a woman who has PMS may feel sad, a woman with PMDD may feel suicidal. It’s said to affect anywhere from 3 percent to 9 percent of women.
“It’s a real biological condition for which women seek treatment–and for which effective treatment is available,” says Jean Endicott, PhD, director of the premenstrual evaluation unit at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
However, for each expert who believes in PMDD, there’s another who says it isn’t real, and that it could drive women to take a medication when what they really need is to get at the underlying issues.
As Joan Chrisler, PhD, a psychology professor at Connecticut College and president of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, said, “We’re conditioned to want a pill. Instead of something you might need more, like a nap or a divorce, or the ERA.”
And according to Paula Caplan, PhD, author of “They Say You’re Crazy,” “There is no evidence [that PMDD exists], though people have to find such evidence … It is really appalling that using PMDD for women who want recognition for discomfort is a very clear message that goes something like: ‘OK, OK, we’ll believe you are feeling bad if we get to call you mentally ill for feeling bad.’”
Seven Ways to Help Reduce PMS Symptoms
Though PMDD symptoms may be so severe as to require medical or psychological help, the symptoms of PMS can usually be dealt with on your own. Here’s what can help:
* Exercise: According to Carol Watkins, MD, “Women who exercise regularly have fewer PMS symptoms.” Regular exercise is typically considered to be at least three to five times a week.
* Eat Better: Nutrient deficiencies and poor nutrition could make PMS symptoms worse. The top dietary culprits to avoid during PMS include:
o Salt
o Sugar
o Caffeine
o Alcohol
* But at the same time you’re avoiding the “bad” foods, it’s important to get plenty of the “good” vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Most women should consider a high-quality supplement such as the widely recommended Ultravite, an all-natural multi-mineral and vitamin supplement specifically formulated to relieve and prevent the symptoms of PMS.
* Get plenty of sleep. We highly recommend you read the “Stress Keeping You Awake?” article under Recommended Reading below if you have sleep issues!
* Manage stress in your life. How you choose to manage stress is up to you-you may feel better from taking some time alone with your journal or going for a long walk outside. Others may prefer to call a close friend or listen to music.
* Another exceptional way to relieve stress that many are not aware of? Stretching!
* Don’t smoke.
* Seek out a “support group,” whether it be a friend, sibling or significant other, who will be understanding if you’re not feeling like yourself.
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Sources
American Psychological Association
PMS Resource Center
The National Women’s Health Information Center
Dealing With PMS
Intelihealth: Premenstrual Syndrome
By: B. Williams