Oestrogen: the “Good” vs. the “Bad”

Oestrogen exists in different forms within the body in both
men and women. One of these oestrogen forms is good for
the body and is essential to reproductive health; the other
is less favourable and is associated with PMS and other
hormonal issues.

To stay in a healthy hormonal state, your body needs more
of the “good” oestrogen and less of the “bad” oestrogen.
When the body does not keep these two forms in the correct
balance, the body can develop an oestrogen imbalance,
which may be associated with conditions such as BPH and
breast enlargement in men, or endometriosis and uterine
fibroids in women. The following symptoms may also indicate
imbalances in oestrogen:

. Bloating or fluid retention . Heavy, or irregular periods
. Fatigue or lack of energy . Sugar cravings
. Weight gain . Mood swings and irritability
. Sleep disturbances . Night sweats
. Headaches . Loss of libido

You do not have to live with hormonal symptoms. Ask us
today about how to take control of your hormones.

Herbs and Nutrients - Our Hormone Heroes

Supporting healthy oestrogen metabolism can ensure we have
the correct ratios of “good” oestrogen and lower amounts
of the “bad” oestrogen. It is also important to assist in the
detoxification of less favourable oestrogen to create a healthy
balance. Particular herbs and nutrients have been shown to
support healthy oestrogen metabolism, including:

. Indole-3-Carbinol:
is found in broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage and brussels sprouts. Indole-3-carbinol is a
powerful ingredient that supports oestrogen detoxification to
maintain a healthy oestrogen balance.
. Soy isoflavones: have been found to have an oestrogen
modulating effect, increasing beneficial oestrogen levels
and decreasing the “bad” oestrogens.
. Curcumin: is the active component in the herb, turmeric,
which has been used traditionally for the management
of period pain. It offers potent antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory activity and also supports liver detoxification.
. Broccoli sprouts: contain two active ingredients,
glucosinolates and sulphoraphane which have antioxidant
properties and the ability to activate the body’s natural
detoxification system, aiding in the elimination of oestrogens
and toxins from the body.

Is the Change of Life Ruining Your Life?

As women near the end of their reproductive years and head
towards menopause, oestrogen levels start to drop as hormone
production from the ovaries declines. Symptoms such as hot
flushes, sweating, palpitations, low back pain, anxiety and
insomnia occur in varying degrees during menopause and can
greatly impact on many women’s quality of life. To help get
the most out of life in these later years, the herbs rehmannia,
Chinese yam, peony and zizyphyus have been found to
enhance hormone production in peri-menopausal women
and may help in the management of menopausal symptoms.
 

Do you suffer at the hand of your hormones? We can develop
a personalised treatment plan just for you

Diet and Lifestyle Tips

The following diet and lifestyle tips can help bring you and
your hormones back into a state of balance:

. Include healthy, low-fat protein (e.g. fresh lean fish, lean
beef, chicken, eggs, legumes and tofu) in your daily diet.
. Eat a rainbow of fresh fruit and vegetables daily.
. Enjoy nuts, seeds and oils daily. Eat fish on a regular basis to
ensure you get plenty of good fats in your diet.
. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as these can worsen
hormonal symptoms.
. Get moving. Enjoy a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate
exercise each day.
. Aim for eight hours of sleep every night and take time out to
rest and relax.
. Drink at least two litres of purified water daily. Clean, fresh
water is vital for all aspects of good health.

Healthy Hormone Balance

Don’t let your hormones rule your life. With the help of these
herbal and nutritional hormone heroes and by making simple
dietary and lifestyle changes, you really can help to manage
your oestrogen levels to bring you back to a state of balance.
Come in and speak to us today about how you can be the
master of your hormones.

*This is a copy of Wellness Review (monthly news letter)
by Metagenics

Email me -----> gc_naturopath@hotmail.com