How's the low estrogen treating ya' ladies?

Lady Gen Xers are you experiencing low estrogen levels? Or are you experiencing these symptoms related to low estrogen:

• Insomnia, Hot flashes and night sweats

• Vaginal dryness and thinning, Breast tenderness, Irregular or missed periods, Joint pain, Thinning hair,

• Panic attacks, Memory lapses, Mood swings, Low self- esteem

Below are some methods to possibly increasing estrogen naturally.

First the vitamins & supplements: These supplements and vitamins have some positive research with increasing levels of estrogen

• Boron, a mineral that helps your body absorb testosterone and estrogen

• Vitamin B, which helps your body create and use estrogen

• Vitamin D, which functions as a hormone in the body and helps with estrogen production

• Vitamin E, vitamin E may help reduce hot flashes and insomnia.

• Black cohosh: People use this Native American herbal remedy to treat menopause symptoms associated with low estrogen. One small study shows it to be especially effective in treating hot flashes.

• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): A synthetic version of this naturally occurring hormone — available as pills, powders and topical treatments — can help produce other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

• Red clover: shows this herbal supplement is effective at alleviating hot flashes in menopausal women. Further study is needed to determine if red clover increases estrogen.

Second the food choices: The right foods can be very beneficial and possibly lead to increasing estrogen levels. Foods with phytoestrogens, (are naturally occurring plant compounds that, due to their structural similarity to the human hormone estrogen, can mimic its effects in the body, potentially leading to both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic actions.)

• soybeans, lentils, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, split peas

• sesame seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts

• cherries, apples, papaya, pomegranates, plums, strawberries, peaches, tomatoes 

• sprouts, eggplants, celery, yams, carrots, alfalfa, parsley

Third the life habits for the better: Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep, moderate exercise, low if not completely cutting out alcohol consumption (1-4 glasses per WEEK) and completely cut out smoking nicotine.

Finally the way of the Far East: The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) way through herbs has been a way to treat ailments and deficiencies for centuries. Here are some of the herbs the far east uses to treat low estrogen.

• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis):

  • A commonly used herb in TCM, often used for menstrual problems, dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms. 

  • Some believe it has estrogen-like effects, though research is ongoing and results are mixed. 

  • May help regulate menstrual cycles and relieve hot flashes. 

  • WebMD notes that various combination products containing dong quai seem to reduce menopausal symptoms. 

• Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora):

  • Known for its ability to nourish yin and blood, and regulate menstruation. 

  • May help relieve pain and improve symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. 

• Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium):

  • Another herb with potential estrogen-like effects. 

  • May help with menopausal symptoms and bone health

While all these methods maybe very helpful, it is best to consult with a physician or a a trusted professional in the health and wellness world.