For some women, oestrogen can dominate their lives. Although its responsible for a lot of good bodily effects, it can also create havoc when it gets out of control. But there are easy steps you can take to keep your hormones in order.
In women, oestrogen is a 'feminine youth' hormone. Oestrogen is what gives you feminine shape and form; youthful skin, strong bones. It even promotes the growth of skeletal muscle. But the full effects of what oestrogen had been doing for you doesn't become evident until after menopause, when your oestrogen levels naturally fall.
Then, your bones may become more brittle as oestrogen isn't promoting the formation of new bone cells (unless you're stimulating their growth with weight-bearing exercise). Your muscles may shrink (unless you're deliberately stimulating their growth with resistance training exercise). Your skin may become dry too.
During your fertile years, too much oestrogen can cause problems as well. Oestrogen promotes the movement of fluid into tissues, which is why some women report feeling 'bloated' just before their period. Excessive oestrogen can also bring on mood swings. This is where 'pre menstrual syndrome' comes from.
There are actually different types of oestrogen: E1(oestrone) and E2 (oestradiol). The third type of oestrogen, E3 (oestriol) occurs as a result of the first two oestrogens. Each type of oestrogen has different effects, and can cause different problems when out of balance. When assessing your hormones, the balance between these three varieties, as well as your progesterone and testosterone levels is just as important. Assessing balance as well as absolute amounts is the key.
There are some very natural ways to promote a healthy oestrogen balance in your body.
1. The most important? Fitness. Exercise automatically balances your body systems, including your hormones. If you're feeling 'hormonal' and moody, one of the best things you can do for yourself is head out for some vigorous exercise. After middle age, regular resistance training is essential to promote growth of your skeletal muscle. This will not only help you look more toned, but will keep your metabolism running faster too – now its easier to maintain your weight.
2. A high fibre diet is another key strategy. Flaxseed (linseed) is a great fibre supplement, as it contains lignans, a natural substance that will help your body balance hormones. Legumes are a girls best friend when it comes to fibre supplements, as they're a complex carbohydrate packed with vitamins and minerals. Leafy green vegetables and a little soy will provide a phyto-estrogenic boost.
3. Taking time out for yourself is the third strategy. Why? Because stress will very effectively disrupt anyone's hormones. A gentle walk in nature, or meditation, is an effective way to help reduce your stress levels. We all have stressors in our lives – its how we deal with them that will make the difference for you.
When balancing your hormones, its 'back to the basics' first. If you're exercising, eating a high fibre diet and engaging stress reduction strategies, and your hormones still aren't in balance, mother nature has herbs, homoeopathics and nutritional remedies to help bring everything gently back into balance.
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