What Medications Treat Low Estrogen
Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for low estrogen, especially during menopause and postmenopause. With HT, you take synthetic forms of estrogen and/or the hormone progesterone to boost your levels. There are two types of HT, estrogen therapy and estrogen progesterone/progestin hormone therapy . Providers prescribe the lowest doses possible to treat your symptoms while preventing side effects.
The only FDA-approved reasons for body-wide hormone replacement therapy are low bone mineral density and hot flash treatment, typically in the form of pills or patches. Vaginal estrogen in the form of rings, creams, and vaginal inserts are formulated to treat vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Sometimes “body wide” estrogen can affect the vaginal tissue. Sometimes it doesnt. Vice versa, vaginal estrogen is not approved for the treatment of hot flashes.
Its not unusual to need vaginal estrogen in addition to body-wide estrogen if youre experiencing hot flashes and painful sex.
Estrogen therapy
Youll take estrogen supplements only, with no progesterone. Your provider will only prescribe this therapy if you no longer have a uterus .
Estrogen progesterone/progestin hormone therapy
HRT isnt without risks. Research has shown that long-term use of combination therapy may increase your risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart attacks and stroke.
How Nava Health Can Help
At Nava Health, we understand that hormone imbalance is a real constraint to wellbeing. But it doesnt have to be like that. Were dedicated to finding the root cause of the issue and building a custom plan to relieve your symptoms and improve your overall wellness so you can live a healthy life at any age.
Bioidentical estrogen treatment is just one of those solutions.
Our holistic and functional approach to medicine addresses the problem from its root to help you find long-lasting relief instead of a temporary fix for your estrogen imbalance.
In addition, Navas BHRT doctors will prescribe the best delivery method suited to your needs, combining protocols and hormone supplements so that you can uncover your best version today.
Schedule a consultation and discover our bioidentical hormonal replacement treatments.
How To Increase Oestrogen And Progesterone
We have talked about various superfoods, herbs, and medical ways to increase oestrogen in the female body. These scientifically proven ways maintain sufficient levels of oestrogen in the body.
However, another hormone, one that is equally important for the female body, is progesterone. Your progesterone levels may be lowered due to low levels of oestrogen. This happens during menopause because as women age, many hormones in the body drop severely.
Again, there are medical ways like medicines and creams to increase hormones. However, there are also various natural ways to maintain progesterone. Some of them include:
- Consuming chaste berry as a supplement
- Eating vegetables, nuts, and whole grains
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress
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Take Herbal Supplements That Contain Phytoestrogens
Some herbal supplements may be able to help increase your estrogen levels, such as:
- Black cohosh â Black cohosh is an herb that has historically been used in Native American traditions to treat menstrual and menopausal issues.
- Red clover â Red clover contains isoflavones, which are the same type of phytoestrogens found in soy. Some research indicates that red clover supplementation may increase estrogen levels.
- Dong quai â Don quai is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menopause. Some research has shown that dong quai may stimulate estrogen production.
- Chasteberry â Chasteberry is another traditional treatment that may be able to help with PMS symptoms. Chasteberry contains the phytoestrogen known as apigenin. In certain doses, chasteberry has been shown to induce estrogenic effects in the body.
Keep in mind that many herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Before you start supplementing with any over the counter supplements, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
Boosting Your Natural Estrogen Levels
If your natural estrogen levels are too low, there are several ways to boost the natural estrogen production in your body. Some women suffer estrogen deficiencies, which can lead to mood swings, insomnia, depression, and rapid weight loss.
Keep in mind that too much estrogen production can be harmful. Your body needs estrogen to regulate your menstrual cycle and sexual organs, but too much estrogen can lead to long-term health deterioration.
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What You Will Learn In This Article
- Why we need estrogen as women
- Why dirty estrogens are the real issue
- Symptoms of low estrogen
- Importance of correcting low estrogen
- What to eat to raise estrogen
- Herbal solutions for increasing estrogen
While many women suffer from estrogen levels that are too high, there are plenty of us out there whose estrogen levels have fallen too low. That especially applies as we approach perimenopause and menopause. Many women opt for hormone replacement therapy for symptoms of low estrogen, like hot flashes and night sweats. Is HRT the only way to correct your low estrogen levels? Maybe , but not necessarily. Especially so if you prefer to choose more natural options first.
Many women think twice about traditional HRT. In 2002, the National Institutes of Health announced that HRT did more harm than good and actually increased the risk of both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease in women. Trials were stopped early because of that announcement. Later, the research was reevaluated, and it was found that starting age and the use a premarin were the culprits.
However, HRT is still very controversial and many women are seeking out natural alternatives to HRT.
While research doesnt currently support replacing HRT with phytoestrogen-rich foods and herbs, the good news is that theres no downside to consuming these plant-based estrogens in normal dietary amounts. They may certainly also help to boost declining estrogen levels.
Foods That Increase Estrogen
Estrogen is essential for maintaining good health and plays a significant role in a womans body. Sometimes doctors advise that someone needs to increase estrogen to get pregnant. Although research is ongoing on the effects of dietary estrogen, preliminary studies have indicated they can mimic or enhance estrogens natural effect, making foods that naturally increase estrogen a viable strategy for managing your hormone levels.
Some foods contain phytoestrogens naturally occurring nutrients derived from plants that are similar to estrogen. While the jury is still out, the majority of research has linked phytoestrogens to a variety of health benefits. Foods that increase estrogen levels in females may help offset health problems associated with low hormone levels.
The best dietary sources of estrogen can be found in the following foods:
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Menopause Diet: How What You Eat Affects Your Symptoms
Menopause is a natural transition in a womans life as her menstrual cycles come to an end.
Its confirmed 12 months after your last period. However, the transition and symptoms associated with menopause can last for several years .
While menopause is linked to many uncomfortable symptoms and increases your risk of certain diseases, your diet may help reduce symptoms and ease the transition.
This article discusses how what you eat may affect your symptoms.
1 ).
Declining estrogen levels negatively impact your metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain. These changes may also affect your cholesterol levels and how your body digests carbs (
Fortunately, making changes in your diet may help relieve menopause symptoms.
Summary
Menopause is a natural transition in a womans life as her menstrual cycles come to an end. Changes in hormones can cause symptoms like hot flashes and poor sleep and may negatively affect metabolism and bone density.
There is evidence that certain foods may help relieve some symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, poor sleep and low bone density.
Foods To Increase Estrogen For Sexual Desire
Certain diets have been shown to promote healthy estrogen levels while significantly increasing sex drive in women. In this article, we will explore these foods to increase estrogen for sexual desire.
Uses and Function of Estrogen in Women
Estrogen is a female hormone thats responsible for the reproductive development of women. It is made mostly in the ovaries with adrenal glands also make a small amount of estrogen.
In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, uses of estrogen include maintaining the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.
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Estrogen Gut Health And Diet
Your gut is home to a huge population of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, known as your gut microbiome.
The good microbes in your gut are critical for digestion and immune health. Without a diverse microbiome, your body cant absorb and use phytoestrogens.
Some research shows a link between gut microbiota diversity and estrogen levels in women who have been through menopause.
At ZOE, our scientists recently found that, following menopause, you are more likely to experience unhealthy blood sugar and blood fat spikes after eating. These spikes are important health markers that are often overlooked in people who seem otherwise healthy.
With the ZOE at-home test, you find out which microbes you currently have in your gut, including how many good and bad ones, and what the best foods for your body are at your current life stage.
You can take our free quiz to find out more.
Follow A Balanced Diet
Cut down on refined sugars and carbohydrates and instead ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of protein, fruit, and vegetables. Incorporate healthy fats into your diet and aim to have three meals a day, including healthy snacks if you become hungry. Balancing your hormones also depends on balancing your portion sizes. Try not to let yourself get too hungry throughout the day, as this may promote overeating following the release of a hunger hormone called ghrelin.
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Take Care Of Your Thyroid
Estrogen dominance and estrogen imbalance can also increase your risk of thyroid issues. I recommend that you work with a functional health practitioner to test your thyroid levels. If you have thyroid issues along with estrogen imbalance, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my other book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick.
How To Increase Your Estrogen Level Naturally
This article was co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND. Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 18,125 times.
Concerns over the potential increased cancer risk from prescription estrogen has led more people to seek natural alternatives. Raising estrogen levels naturally is possible, mainly by making dietary changes. There are also some over-the-counter herbs and supplements that you can try, but keep in mind that research is limited on the effects of herbal supplements, so its best to discuss taking them with a doctor first. Also, talk with a doctor if low estrogen levels are causing you discomfort or menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, or vaginal dryness. A functional medicine or naturopathic doctor may also be able to help by checking for conditions that can mimic low estrogen, such as low progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA.
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Herbs To Increase Oestrogen
Having food rich in oestrogen will help in maintaining hormone levels. However, this may not be possible every day. So, here is yet another answer to how to increase oestrogen naturally? Herbs! Various herbs mixed in your home-cooked meals can help increase hormone levels. Some of them are as follows:
Why You Need Estrogen
Estrogens main function is to control reproductive changes in women, but it serves other roles in both male and female bodies, including:
Each of these phytoestrogens has antioxidant properties. This means that in addition to the nutrients potential health benefits, they fight cell damage in our bodies linked to a wide range of chronic diseases.
The best dietary sources of phytoestrogens include:
1. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are the richest dietary source of lignans . Researchers believe they lower breast cancer risk. You can sprinkle flaxseeds on many dishes, bake them into bread and cookies, or blend them into smoothies and spreads.
2. Soy
Soy contains high levels of isoflavones, phytoestrogens that may mimic estrogens effects and reduce the risk of both breast and prostate cancer. Soy is also rich in a range of essential vitamins and minerals. It can support heart health as an alternative to red and processed meats. Its also extremely versatile you can include soy in your diet with foods like tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soymilk.
3. Peaches
Because of their high lignan content, studies show that eating two servings of peaches or nectarines a week reduces a womans breast cancer risk. Researchers find similar effects from consuming blueberries and strawberries.
4. Garlic
5. Red Wine
6. Sesame Seeds
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How Can I Increase My Estrogen Naturally
Foods and supplements that contain ingredients similar to estrogen may help boost your levels. Speak to your provider before starting any regimen to increase your estrogen.
Foods that contain phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogens. Some studies suggest that eating foods that contain phytoestrogens helps with menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Some phytoestrogens may help promote heart health, bone health and skin elasticity. More research is needed to know for sure.
Foods that contain phytoestrogens include:
Supplements that contain phytoestrogens
The FDA doesnt regulate the safety and effectiveness of supplements, so its important to check with your provider before taking supplements. Some supplements contain phytoestrogens similar to the ones found in foods and may help manage symptoms associated with low estrogen:
Does Food Play A Role
Some have suggested that menopause was much easier for Asian women than for Westernersat least while women followed traditional, mostly plant-based diets. Hot flashes have been reported by only about 10 percent of women in China,1 17.6 percent of women in Singapore,2 and 22.1 percent of women in Japan.3 In contrast, it is estimated that hot flashes are experienced by 75 percent of women over the age of 50 in the United States.4 Whether these differences might be partly due to reluctance in reporting symptoms among Asians is not entirely clear. And as Asias diets gradually westernize, these differences are likely to disappear anyway.
But we do know that, throughout their lives, Western women consume much more meat, and about four times as much fat, as women on traditional Asian rice-based diets, and only one-quarter to one-half the fiber. For reasons that have never been completely clear, a high-fat, low-fiber diet causes a rise in estrogen levels. Women on higher-fat diets have measurably more estrogen activity than do those on low-fat diets. At menopause, the ovaries production of estrogen comes to a halt. Those women who have been on high-fat diets then have a dramatic drop in estrogen levels. The drop appears to be less dramatic for Asian women who have lower levels of estrogen both before and after menopause. The resulting symptoms are much milder or even nonexistent.
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Natural Solutions For Dryness
At menopause, vaginal blood flow falls. Dryness and irritation can occur, and bacteria infections that pass to the urinary tract are more likely.
What is to be done? First of all, even after the ovaries stop, the adrenal glands and the fat tissue continue to contribute to estrogen production after menopause. In addition, phytoestrogens in plants provide weak estrogen effects. Soy products, such as tofu, tempeh, and miso, contain huge amounts of these natural compounds.
The plant-derived estrogen and progesterone creams described above can be helpful. Used on a regular basis, these creams maintain a moist vaginal lining. However, please note that they should not be used as a sexual lubricant. Estrogen cream is a medication, not a lubricant, and it goes through any skin it touches, including mens. Many women prefer to avoid hormone creams entirely and use ordinary lubricants or moisturizers instead.
Use Certain Essential Oils
To balance your hormones naturally, its important that you eliminate toxins in your body by avoiding conventional body care products that are made with potentially harmful chemicals, including DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. A better alternative is to use natural products made with ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, shea butter and castor oil.
The Environmental Working Group evaluated tens of thousands of products and ranked them in an easy-to-understand guide to make sure you have a resource to keep your family safe. Check out EWGs Skin Deep Cosmetic Database today for recommendations for which products to use and avoid.
To replace toxic body care and cleaning products, use these hormone-balancing essential oils:
Clary Sage
Clary sage helps balance estrogen levels because it contains natural phytoestrogens. It can be used to regulate your menstrual cycle, relieve PMS symptoms, treat infertility and PCOS, and even reduce the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.
It also serves as a natural remedy for emotional imbalances, like depression and anxiety. Diffuse three to five drops of clary sage to help balance hormone levels and relieve stress.
To ease cramps and pain, massage five drops of clary sage with five drops of coconut oil into your stomach and any other area of concern.
Fennel
You can rub two drops of fennel into your stomach or add one to two drops to a class of warm water or tea to take it internally.
Lavender
Sandalwood
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