Chiro-practical
Balancing Hormones Naturally
Menopause typically begins in the late 40s or early 50s and often is recognized by hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. Other symptoms include an increase in heart rate, headaches, dizziness, weight gain, fatigue, impaired concentration, and insomnia. While many hormonal changes occur, the primary focus is on the decrease in estrogen.
There's been a lot of attention in the past few years paid to the role of foods and, specifically, phytoestrogens as potential replacements for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Soy is high in phytoestrogens and has many noted health benefits. One cup of soy beans daily delivers close to the equivalent amount of conjugated estrogen as one tablet of Premarin. In studies with menopausal women, daily consumption of approximately 60 grams of soy protein was associated with a decrease in hot flashes. In addition to soy, fennel, celery, parsley, alfalfa, chickpeas, and other legumes also contain these constituents. The term "phytoestrogen" implies a plant or food that has estrogen-like actions. Eating foods high in these compounds also offer some protections against breast cancer, osteoporosis, and may benefit cardiovascular health. There are also herbs such as red clover, licorice root, Asian ginseng, and black cohosh that qualify as phytoestrogens.
An immediate and safe way to begin is by placing focus on healthy foods and eating habits before menopause. Changing your diet by avoiding refined sugars and processed foods and eating five to seven servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily is very beneficial. Exercising is very important because estrogen is stored in fat cells, so keeping your body fat down will help your body naturally maintain better balance. Acupuncture is also effective in treating symptoms of hormone imbalance because it enhances endorphin output, which is critical to proper functioning of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for control of body temperature, metabolic rate, sleep patterns, reactions to stress, libido, mood, and release of pituitary hormones.
Dietary, exercise, and lifestyle factors offer identical benefits to HRT without the risks. Natural hormone replacement options are available not only for menopause, but also for PMS, infertility, cysts, and fibroids. Many of these conditions can be managed naturally through lifestyle changes and proper supplementation. TPW
There's been a lot of attention in the past few years paid to the role of foods and, specifically, phytoestrogens as potential replacements for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Soy is high in phytoestrogens and has many noted health benefits. One cup of soy beans daily delivers close to the equivalent amount of conjugated estrogen as one tablet of Premarin. In studies with menopausal women, daily consumption of approximately 60 grams of soy protein was associated with a decrease in hot flashes. In addition to soy, fennel, celery, parsley, alfalfa, chickpeas, and other legumes also contain these constituents. The term "phytoestrogen" implies a plant or food that has estrogen-like actions. Eating foods high in these compounds also offer some protections against breast cancer, osteoporosis, and may benefit cardiovascular health. There are also herbs such as red clover, licorice root, Asian ginseng, and black cohosh that qualify as phytoestrogens.
An immediate and safe way to begin is by placing focus on healthy foods and eating habits before menopause. Changing your diet by avoiding refined sugars and processed foods and eating five to seven servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily is very beneficial. Exercising is very important because estrogen is stored in fat cells, so keeping your body fat down will help your body naturally maintain better balance. Acupuncture is also effective in treating symptoms of hormone imbalance because it enhances endorphin output, which is critical to proper functioning of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for control of body temperature, metabolic rate, sleep patterns, reactions to stress, libido, mood, and release of pituitary hormones.
Dietary, exercise, and lifestyle factors offer identical benefits to HRT without the risks. Natural hormone replacement options are available not only for menopause, but also for PMS, infertility, cysts, and fibroids. Many of these conditions can be managed naturally through lifestyle changes and proper supplementation. TPW