Supplements For Natural Hormone Health

There is a HUGE array of supplements on offer for healthy hormone balance. But which to take?

Although the best source of vitamins and minerals is through a well balanced diet, many foods today are depleted in these vital trace elements. Most of us need to supplement our diet with some of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function optimally.

Any treatment for hormonal disorders is best used for a minimum of three months for optimum results.

The following list are helpful for natural hormone health.

• A good multivitamin and mineral supplement as an ‘all rounder’. Take a woman’s multivitamin and mineral formula, preferably one containing vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium.
• B vitamins are important for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. B vitamins are also important for energy production, fat burning, digestion and hormone imbalances, including your thyroid gland and metabolism. B vitamins are beneficial for your nervous system and adrenals and can helpful in times of stress. They also help boost energy, and ease anxiety and irritability. B vitamins are needed by the liver to convert excess oestrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms. B vitamins are of benefit in times of stress and help with nervous system activity and provide energy. Specific B vitamins used in the stress response include B2, B5 and B6.
• Vitamin B6 in particular has been found to increase progesterone levels and inhibit the excessive production of prolactin. Vitamin B6 levels may be reduced due to the contraceptive pill. Vitamin B6 can be helpful for high prolactin, depression, anxiety, fluid retention and breast tenderness.
• Magnesium balances blood sugar levels, is essential for energy production and is involved in the nervous system and in the relaxation of muscles. It can be used to help relieve irritability, fatigue, period cramps, cravings, blood sugar problems and fluid retention. There is a strong link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance.
• Zinc is essential for hormone balance and tissue repair. It also helps with appetite control and is necessary for the correct action of insulin, hence a healthy blood sugar balance. It also functions together with selenium and vitamins A and E in the manufacture of thyroid hormones. Because zinc is an essential mineral used for wound healing and the normal oil gland function of the skin, it is an excellent mineral for skin problems.
• Calcium is an important mineral for cramps, headache and pelvic pain. Calcium is essential to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Make sure you choose a calcium supplement which also contains vitamin D, magnesium and manganese for maximum absorption.
• Iron is an important supplement for women experiencing heavy periods. A loss of iron can lead to anaemia, which can cause extreme fatigue and weakness. Iron may be needed if you are bleeding heavily and your iron levels are low. NB. Inappropriate use of iron supplements can interfere with zinc uptake. Iron should be taken with vitamin C and away from tea, calcium, zinc and some herbs (e.g. chamomile, fenugreek, milk thistle, lime flowers, peppermint, rosemary and vervain).
• Omega 3 oils (EPA & DHA) found in oily fish and flaxseeds but also as a supplement are helpful for dry skin, vaginal dryness, fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, weight problems, memory problems, blood sugar imbalances and cellular health. Research has shown that women with low intakes of Omega 3 oils have more painful periods than women who have a good intake
• Evening primrose oil can be helpful for breast tenderness, dry skin and vaginal dryness
• Vitamin A is an immune system booster, antioxidant and important for wound healing and skin conditions such as acne. A Vitamin A deficiency has been found in women with heavy bleeding. One study showed that 92% of women who are prescribed supplemental vitamin A found that their heavy bleeding was either cured or alleviated. Beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A in the body.
• Vitamin C is well known for helping boost the immune system and provide resistance to disease. It is also used for tissue repair. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is shown to help reduce hot flushes. Vitamin C helps build up collagen, which gives skin its elasticity. It is also helpful in preventing and treating vaginal dryness (which can cause discomfort when the vagina loses some of its 'stretch'). It can also help retain the elasticity in the urinary tract and prevent leakage or stress incontinence, which is common during menopause. Collagen is also important for your bones. Vitamin C when combined with bioflavonoids is also helpful with period pain because the combination helps relax smooth muscle and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin E plays an important role in tissue repair and healing and is an antioxidant. Vitamin E is effective for reducing hot flushes and helping with vaginal dryness.
• Selenium, when taken together with vitamin E, has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with endometriosis, as well as boosting the immune system. Selenium together with zinc is also important for healthy thyroid gland functioning. It also assists in removing toxins from the body. Many agricultural areas are extremely deficient in selenium, so a supplement form of selenium is highly recommended.
• Iodine is necessary for healthy thyroid gland function and the development of the baby's nervous system. Many countries routinely provide iodine supplements for the duration of the pregnancy.
• L-tyrosine (together with iodine) produces thyroid hormones that control the body’s metabolism. A deficiency of tyrosine leads to hypothyroidism and low adrenal function.
• Chromium is essential for insulin’s response on blood sugar, and helps with cravings, hunger and weight loss/fat burning. Since chromium helps to relieve blood sugar imbalance, it may help to alleviate symptoms of sugar and carbohydrate cravings.
• Co-enzyme Q10 is a nutrient that assists with energy production and oxygen carrying capacity in our bloodstream. Coenzyme Q10 also assists normal carbohydrate metabolism (the way our bodies break down the carbohydrates we eat to turn them into energy.
• Folic acid (folate) supplementation is routinely recommended prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is testimony to the growing support for preconception nutrient supplementation. Folic acid reduces the risk of congenital diseases such as spina bifida and may prevent miscarriages. Many common household foodstuffs are now also fortified with this nutrient. Folic acid is essential for the formation of genetic material (DNA, RNA). Supplementation of 400mgs per day in early pregnancy may reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by 48-80%.
• Bromelain is an enzyme contained in pineapples which has been found to be extremely useful for treating painful periods. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps as a natural blood thinner.
• DIM (Di-indole methane) helps the liver convert oestrogen into a healthier form. It is beneficial for conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis & fibroids. DIM also helps correct androgen (e.g. testosterone) excess, a common cause of acne, especially sore, cystic acne. The dose is dependent on body weight.
• Amino acids for liver function; glutathione, glutamine and sulphur containing amino acids aid in liver detoxification.

NB. For best results, try these recommended supplements for a period of three months. These supplements are best taken under the care and guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

Herbs for Natural Hormone Health

• Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) is one of the most important herbs for female hormone problems. It helps stimulate and normalise the function of the pituitary gland, which controls and balances the hormones in our body. Chaste tree helps to:
  - Regulates periods
  - Restarts periods which have stopped
  - Helps with heavy bleeding
  - Reduce the symptoms of PMS including skin breakouts (acne), moods and pre-menstrual mouth ulcers
  - Increases the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen by balancing excess oestrogen.
• Dong Quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years for menopause, especially hot flushes. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens). These natural plant oestrogens compete with the oestrogen in the body for binding sites. The phytoestrogens in Dong Quai produce oestrogenic activity when the body’s oestrogen levels are low, as is the case in menopause, and the ability of the phytoestrogens to occupy oestrogen receptor sites also helps reduce high oestrogen levels.
• Black Cohosh is effective for balancing hormones and alleviating symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
• Tribulus is a popular and successful herb used in Europe for menopausal symptoms.
• Other herbs that are very effective for menopausal symptoms include St John’s Wort, lavender, red clover, sage, Shatavari, wild yam and Zizyphis.
• Horsetail, Ladies Mantle, Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow, Cransebill, Witch Hazel, Tienchi Ginseng, Beth Root and Golden Seal are astringent herbs that help regulate excess bleeding.
• Paeonia (peony) & Licorice together are beneficial for oestrogen dominant conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids & PCOS.
• Cramp bark and Wild Yam are herbs that help to reduce pain and spasm associated with period pain.
• Blue Cohosh, False Unicorn Root, Ladies Mantle, Feverfew, Calendula, Ginger and Shatavari are other herbs that may be prescribed by your naturopath or medical herbalist for hormone imbalances.
• Adrenal adaptogen herbs such as Siberian Ginseng and Withania help improve your ability to cope with stress and improve energy, vitality and wellbeing.
• St Johns Wort can help relieve mild to moderate depression and anxiety associated with PMS. It is important to take a standardised extract three times daily.
• Milk thistle, Schizandra and Rosemary improve liver detoxification, optimising hormonal balance.
• Bladderwrack is a herb traditionally used for an underactive thyroid gland. It contains high amounts of iodine which may be responsible for stimulating production of thyroid hormones.
• Gymnema is beneficial for sugar cravings and blood sugar balance fat burning.
• Blood purifying herbs for skin complaints include Echinacea, Blue Flag, Clivers, Red Clover, Burdock, Oregon Mountain Grape and Yellow Dock.

NB. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.

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1. Simply Click here to order you superior quality, practitioner-only supplements or repeat prescription items.
   
   
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Read More on Natural Hormone Health

• The Natural PCOS Diet
  
  
• Supplements for PCOS
  
  
• Endometriosis
  
  
• Fibroids
  
  
• Menopause
  
  
• Natural weight loss
  
  
• Prescription Supplements
  

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