Menopause Hormone Support
As a clinician, one of the most common client demographics I work with is women in peri-menopause and menopause. Many of these women are experiencing a living hell as their hormone s are all over the place. Often they complain of low libido, hair loss, weight gain, sluggishness, mood issues, hot flashes, and insomnia. After years of research, I have come up with specific strategies to help women who are struggling with these hormonal imbalances. Healthy lifestyle principles are the foundation and a unique research-based herbal nutritional complex is often the x factor for many of these clients. The Balancing Act Between Estrogen & Progesterone: Both estrogen and progesterone decline naturally through the aging process. From the age of thirty-five to fifty years of age, there is a 75% reduction in the production of progesterone in the body. During that same age range, estrogen-only drops by about 35% (1). So by menopause, the body maintains about half the amount of estrogen but has around a quarter the amount of progesterone it once had. This reduction in progesterone creates a hormonal imbalance and a state of estrogen dominance. This is a common condition for women in peri-menopause (mid-forties) and menopause. What Are The Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance During Menopause? What Are Some Specific Herbs And Nutrients To Support Healthy Hormonal Balance? Many natural herbal compounds work to balance estrogen and progesterone levels. These herbal compounds are called sex hormone modulators as they can coordinate the release of major sex hormones based on conditional needs. The following combination of herbs has a unique synergy that acts to powerfully down-regulate the formation of bad estrogen metabolites and balance sex hormone production and utilization. Korean Ginseng: Ginseng has been given the Greek name, Panax, which means "all curing" as it has remarkable adaptogenic qualities that benefit individuals no matter what phase of life or stressors they are encountering. Research has shown that ginseng can stabilize blood sugar by improving fatty acid metabolism.(2) This reduces stress on the adrenals and improves stamina, energy, and physical performance. The compounds in ginseng also improve oxygenation throughout the body and support the immune system. (3) Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh is a species of flowering plant of the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to eastern North America from the extreme south of Ontario to central Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas. Black cohosh contains triterpene glycosides that have estrogen-modulating impacts on metabolism (4). These components have been shown to improve estrogen-deficient type symptoms without the adverse risks of estrogen replacement therapy. Black cohosh has been shown to decrease hot flashes, increase blood flow to the pelvic area, relieve spasms, and improve hormone-related mood depression (5). This substance does not stimulate the uterine tissue and promotes the formation of fibroids the way estrogen replacement does (6). This is a very safe and natural compound to use in support of estrogen balance. Don Quai: This is an herb otherwise known as Angelica Sinensis, that can modulate the way the estrogen receptor functions. It is believed to have compounds that have estrogenic expression but in significantly reduced potency as human estrogens in the ratio of 1:400. This herb helps to ensure optimal estrogen expression in the body. In estrogen-deficient cases, it can bind and influence the estrogen receptor to improve estrogen interaction with the tissue cells. In estrogen-dominant patterns, it competes with estrogen receptor binding and lowers the potency of estrogen in the bodily tissues. This is because its potency is so much lower than human estrogen (7). Dong Quai also improves iron absorption in anemic cases and can assist in a healthy inflammatory response (8). It also supports cardiac function and increases vaginal lubrication (9) Wild Yam 10:1 Extract: Wild yam contains a key nutrient, diosgenin, which helps the body to produce various steroid hormones, such as estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA). The root and the bulb of the plant are used as a source of diosgenin, which is prepared as an “extract,” a liquid that contains concentrated diosgenin. Wild yam is known as a weak phytoestrogen that helps to balance estrogen and progesterone levels and protects against the proliferation of estrogen-dominant breast cancers. A 2009 study showed that wild yam extract increased the activity of the progesterone receptor in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells (10). This extract can help relieve symptoms such as cramping, uterine pain, hot flashes, and other issues related to estrogen dominance. Kuduzu Based Isoflavones: Kudzu is a very fast-growing and invasive vine native to Asia that is known to take over entire areas when left uncontrolled. It has been used as both food and in oriental medicine for centuries. This plant contains estrogen-protective isoflavones that selectively modulate estrogen receptor sites. These isoflavones can exert both agonistic and anti-agonistic effects on estrogen receptor sites depending upon the circumstance. When estrogen levels are low they appear to have an estrogenic effect on the receptor sites and they have an anti-estrogenic effect on the receptors when estrogen is abundant (11, 12). These compounds have also been shown to modulate estrogen metabolism by impacting sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (13) SHBG binds to the cell surface receptors and regulates the bioavailability and activity of hormones. They can have a positive effect on stabilizing blood sugar, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and enhancing fat burning (14). They also support a healthy inflammatory response and may have anti-oxidant properties (15). Trans-Resveratrol: Scientists have been astonished by the remarkable health benefits associated with resveratrol. This unique nutrient found in grape skins has a powerful effect on the genetic expression of the mitochondria within every cell. By positively affecting mitochondrial function, resveratrol has been shown to support the immune system and cardiac health as well as other metabolic functions (16). Resveratrol has been shown to activate a group of mitochondrial proteins in the sirtuin family and in particular (SIRT1) (17). Several studies have shown that this sirtuin activation results in an increased level of mitochondria in the body. This plays a big role in energy production, fat and sugar metabolism and blood sugar stability. With improved blood sugar the body is better able to regulate insulin and estrogen levels. This process helps to reduce inflammation and improves fat burning. Boron: Boron is a vital trace mineral that is required for the normal growth and health of the body. Many dangerous conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis are naturally managed by Boron, and it helps to reduce menopausal symptoms as well. It is believed that boron improves the natural ability of the human body to absorb calcium and magnesium. A 2011 study found that boron supplementation decreased estradiol levels, increased free testosterone levels, and reduced three major inflammatory cytokines (18). Another 2013 study found that boron supplementation improved metabolism and fat-burning by increasing T3 (active thyroid hormone) levels in the plasma and improving insulin and leptin sensitivity (19). Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA): PABA, as part of the coenzyme tetrahydrofolic acid, aids in the metabolism and utilization of amino acids and is also supportive of blood cells, particularly red blood cells. PABA supports folate production by the intestinal bacteria. PABA is important to skin, hair pigment, and intestinal health. What Is Menopause Hormone Support? Menopause Hormone Support™ is a unique combination blend that is formulated to provide nutritional targeted nourishment for women during menopause. It features specially selected herbs and nutrients that support the adrenal glands’ adaptive response as well as support circulation, relaxation, and overall well-being. Featuring a non-soy derived source of isoflavones, Menopause Hormone Support beneficially influences estrogen receptor function. As a clinician, I see so many men and women struggling with estrogen dominance and the related symptoms. This supplement gives me confidence as a practitioner that I can help these individuals get over these issues much quicker than by simply making lifestyle changes. What Is The Recommended Dosage? Normal Dosage: 1 capsule – 2x daily Advanced Dosage: 2 capsules – 2x daily When introducing a new supplement, we recommend taking the lowest dose for 2-3 days. As tolerated, increase the dose until you have reached the recommended normal or advanced guidelines. Reduce to a tolerable dosage if adverse effects occur.
