I wanted to give a few herbal ideas on a big subject about which
advanced science is still learning much about. Latest studies are
showing more long-term side effects from Hormone Replacement Therapy.
While realizing there are women with severe imbalances that can benefit
from the manufactured hormones, there are many women who I believe can
look to some of the traditional herbs for aid in coming back into
balance.
In an ideal world in which herbs can truly work with the body, women
would use herbal aids before things get too far out of whack. It is a
little harder to expect an overnight success with herbs when one has
been suffering from various symptoms for many years or have been on the
Pill for many years. Which doesn't mean that herbs may not aid, but that
long-term imbalances of the hormones takes a little time to work with.
There are so many factors that effect our hormones, and these should
be considered first, for there are some that we can have control over
ourselves. Our emotions and thoughts and stresses all effect the
hypothalamus which works with the pituitary gland in regulating the
bodies hormones; stress alone can cause cessation of the menses, a case
which clearly shows the connection. Since estrogens are stored in body
fat, too much or too little body fat can effect hormone levels. A woman
falling too far below her ideal weight can have the menses cease.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause problems. Be aware that Soy,
which the medical world had started to embrace for hormone balance, can
cause certain nutrient deficiencies and thyroid symptoms in certain
folks if overdone. Hormones and hormone mimickers in meat, milk,
pesticides and plastics are, I believe, what has caused increasing
problems for the hormonal systems of both men and women. Candida
infection and various allergies can cause problems.
A first line of defense would be in helping reduce stress with nerve
relaxant and restorative herbs. Especially during hormonal fluctuations a
tea or extract of chamomile (cranky, agitation, darting pains) or lemon
balm (moodiness, mild depression), may be just the thing. Skullcap or
Valerian for calming and stress. Green Oats extract for long-term stress
with low energy and frayed nerves. Motherwort has long been used for
calming, as well as calming heart palpitations. A little American
Ginseng for flagging adrenals and low energy can be tried; Licorice is a
nourisher for the adrenals as well. As menopausal changes progress,
there is a greater need to nourish the adrenals, as they will be taking
over in the production of a woman's hormones as the output from the
ovaries slows down. Don't overlook the value of reducing stress. At the
same time, it is my belief that at times of hormonal changes, and at the
menopause, women who are thought of as moody or sensitive may be
dealing with things they need to get out or express in constructive
ways. They can speak a lot of truth if those around them will hear.
Since the liver has to work overtime in breaking down hormones, herbs
that aid the function of the liver should be used along with balancing
herbs when dealing with hormonal highs and lows. Dandelion Root and
Yellow Dock are two that can be used as aids. Both can also aid in
anemic conditions.
In approaching the herbs that are traditionally used for hormonal
balance, I would first remind that herbs do not contain the actual
hormones; they either stimulate the body's own production of hormones or
provide building-blocks, or pre-cursors of hormones that trigger their
release. Even scientists will speak of the hormones in herbs, but
actually know (or should know) better. One should keep in mind that it
is not usually the case that one is attempting to choose one hormone
over the other; even most HRT now combines hormones. In the body, the
ovaries produce both estrogen and progesterone, and while herbs may tend
to promote one or the other hormone, it does not usually do so at the
risk of suppressing other hormones, but bringing levels to a balance.
The traditional herbs are thought to provide a number of benefits
besides just triggering hormones; some are uterine tonics as well,
bringing circulation and energy to the female organs; others aid the
nerves as well. As far as their hormonal effects, a number herbs are
classified as to their net hormonal effects on either estrogen or
progesterone balance in the body, though I believe many act as overall
balancers.
Herbs that are generally thought of as promoting estrogen balance
include Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Fennel, Fenugreek, Ginseng,
Hops, Licorice, Red Clover, Sage and Wild Yam.
Herbs believed to promote progesterone balance include: Chaste Berry,
False Unicorn, Black Haw, Lady's Mantle, Yarrow, and Wild Yam.
By informing herself on the wide range of uses of each of the herbs
(see our website under "Single Herb Extracts" for many traditional herb
uses), a woman can choose a single herb ally. Others will want to
balance with herbs from both categories. By being informed about the
symptoms associated with surges or lows of these two hormones (as well
as the andorgen hormones), a woman can vary the herbs she uses according
to the cycles of her life and health. In general women who have dealt
with functional amennorhea (absence of menses) or nervous symptoms or
cramping with the onset of the menses with will tend toward the
estrogenic herbs; those with PMS in advance of the menses and/or
irregular or prolonged or heavy periods will tend toward the
progesteronic herbs, as well as those dealing with conditions aggravated
by excess estrogen (endometriosis, fibroids, fibrocystic breast,
history of breast cancer).
Unlike artificial, high dose hormones, the herbs produce mild
changes; some need to be used over several months to obtain their full
benefits. Any excess will be broken down by the body, which gives some
room for experimentation. A woman who is in touch with her body should
soon be able to tell if an herb is aggravating or aiding certain
symptoms associated with the hormones. Again, women who are sensitive to
medicines should begin with one or two herbs, or at least a pretty
simple formula.
Most medical authorities will warn women with a history of breast
cancer to steer clear of any of the herbs that are thought to promote
estrogen. There are studies that suggest they tend to promote beneficial
estrogens that bind to receptor sites (as in breast tissue), that
actually prevent harmful estrogens from binding. I believe a woman can
still be safe using a balanced formula, with the above provision of
listening to the body. Others will want to stick with the progesteronic
herbs, especially if other symptoms call for such herbs.
By being informed of the changes that are likely to come, a woman can
be informed that, for instance many pre- and peri- menopause symptoms
call for progesteronic herbs; it is usually later in menopause that
estrogen levels begin to steeply decline. Women who have been on birth
control pills can be aided by the hormonal herbs, especially
progesteronic herbs, to nudge the body to produce the hormones it has
forgot to make on its own. Associated conditions to consider:
For some women an herb like the Chaste Berry can give relief; others
turn to Black Cohosh, especially at the stage in menopause when estrogen
levels start to decline more rapidly. Motherwort is valuable for some
women. Sage, with its nervine, estrogenic and astringent properties has
been used for night sweats. Maca has made a big difference for easing
cycles of hot flashes, especially for women with low thyroid function.
Two cooling herbs that I have seen help in "cooling down" (which made a
big difference) are Chickweed and Elder Flower.
Many women have given positive feedback on Maca for low sexual interest
and low energy; several have seen other symptoms greatly eased with the
use of this root.
A look at what women are most at risk for osteoporosis can give an idea
of how to prevent this condition: Women who have less body fat than they
should, or have suffered from anorexia. Those with low estrogen levels
through life. Women who do not do much weight-bearing exercise (walking, tennis, dancing, etc.), and such exercise can act as both
prevention and aid in reversing osteoporosis. Women who use much
caffeine, alcohol or smoke. Certain drugs can leach calcium and other
vitamins and minerals from the system; antacids (even with the "calcium"
added), cortisone, thyroxin, tamoxifen and diuretics. Women who have
malabsorption problems. Lack of Vitamin D (get some sunlight!). There is
also a genetic pre-disposition for some.
Weight-bearing exercise 20 minutes, 3 times a week is number one. A
calcium/magnesium supplement can be used; although foods and herbs rich
in minerals are to be preferred as more assimilable and usable.
Horsetail herb is widely used for its absorbable calcium and magnesium,
as well as silica that aids in assimilation. Nettles is another to use
as herbal food. Raspberry Leaf is high in minerals, and a uterine tonic.
For high-risk cases the use of the Wild Yam/Progesterone creams may be a
good compromise.
Women should not suddenly go off of hormone therapy. For some women it
will be a matter of several months while they reduce the amount hormone
taken and add the herbs; as the body goes through its changes, the
hormone may have to be temporarily raised again while the body adjusts
to the herbs and re-learns how to balance its own hormones. Again, the
liver herbs will help to adjust levels.
A few notes on some of the herbs traditionally used for hormonal
balance and menopausal symptoms will give an idea of what traditional
herbalists see as the versatility of herbs in general, beyond what is
usually brought out in articles and books based strictly on narrow
scientific studies:
An herb used as an alternative to estrogen-replacement therapy. Giving
relief in symptoms such as hot flashes and water retention. Menstrual
pain. It can promote energy while having a calming action on the nerves.
Symptoms of sadness, weeping, and very gloomy depression are sometimes
dramatically improved. Black Cohosh's anti-inflammatory and
anti-spasmodic properties have made it a pain-reliever in arthritis and
rheumatism and some types of headaches. Breast tenderness. Uterine and
bladder prolapse and incontinence. Not used where there is severe
flooding or severe symptoms of estrogen excess. Tends to lessen
luteinizing hormone.
Not a lot of research has been done on this bark of the Haw tree, but I
have found it to be invaluable in many female conditions. It has
anti-spasmodic and calming properties; while acting on the ovaries to
regulate hormones. Menstrual pain and cramp. Heavy or prolonged menses.
Muscle cramps in general. Ovarian pain and conditions. Irritable bowel.
Gently lowers blood pressure. For generally promoting well-being and a
smooth transition through the change of life, I believe it to be one of
the prime herbs.
The micro-nutrients in Chaste Berry stimulate the production of hormones
by acting on the pituitary gland. In general it promotes progesterone
and reduces effects of estrogen (and FSH) excess. Women whose hot
flashes are due to excess estrogen will benefit. PMS with moodiness,
anxiety (not with depression though). Menstrual irregularities. Flooding
and spotting from corpus luteum deficiency. Endometriosis and fibroids
(must be used over a year or more). Uterine/ovarian cysts (with small
doses of Thuja). Acne that is hormonally related. Fibro-cystic breasts.
Reduces prolactin levels. To establish menstrual regularity after coming
off the pill, after pregnancy, to enhance fertility (all combined with
False Unicorn or Black Haw).