The sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone are the driving force behind every woman's transitional phases of life — puberty, reproduction and menopause. Transitions that are often endured rather than embraced, phases that often invoke profound emotional responses and physical changes. So what exactly are these dynamic and remarkable compounds doing for you?
Embracing the benefits of your hormones
Together, oestrogen and progesterone induce ovulation and when conception occurs promote growth and glandular development to provide nourishment and protection for the embryo. However, their positive actions reach far beyond the reproductive system.
Oestrogen hormones regulate the deposition of fatty tissue and help maintain bone density and structure of skin and blood vessels. Clinical observation that high blood pressure is more common in males and postmenopausal women suggests cardiovascular protection may be an additional role.
Whilst oestrogen is often considered the “protective” hormone, this responsibility is equally borne by progesterone. Like oestrogen, progesterone supports healthy bones through promoting bone formation1, is a precursor hormone to corticosteroids which help your body resist biological stress, inflammation and insulin resistance and counter-balances excess oestrogen and testosterone.
Testosterone, the hormone that displays its effect most spectacularly in men at puberty is also the hormone responsible for regulating and enhancing female libido. (Take a look at Radiance® Man-Power, this fantastic herbal formula is great for boosting female libido too!).
Understanding hormonal imbalance
Reviewing the role of these hormones demonstrates their importance in reproduction as well as general health and wellbeing. Yet oestrogen and progesterone are often negatively associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, infertility, menopausal symptoms and breast and endometrial cancers. Such conditions may arise when the complimentary balance between these two hormones is disrupted.
The hormonal system is like an ecosystem, minor adjustments to the environment may create major imbalance within the system. Lack of nutrients, excess stress, inflammation, genitourinary infections, dysfunctional hormone receptors, poor liver and bowel function and environmental toxins may all play a role in disrupting hormonal balance. Hormonal fluctuations can be a natural part of life, for instance menopause is a natural decline in oestrogen and progesterone, however, prolonged imbalances may also be the cause of many hormone related disorders.
Oestrogen dominance
Oestrogen dominance can occur through having low progesterone levels compared to oestrogen, leaving you experiencing symptoms such as premenstrual syndrome (especially the irritable, unhappy kind!), breast pain, fibroids and endometriosis. It is estimated that 75% of women suffering such symptoms do so due to oestrogen dominance.
If you, like so many other women, are experiencing oestrogen dominance symptoms Vitex agnus-castus could be just the herb for you. This potent herb exerts a progesterogenic effect through helping the body maintain a normal healthy balance in the pituitary's production of hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Natures Way® Femaprin® supplies a researched and standardised dose of vitex, together with vitamin B6, the “women's vitamin” that is particularly helpful for “hormonal” irritability. Femaprin® may also be useful for maintaining regular menstrual cycles, menstrual bleeding, fluid balance and androgenic hormonal imbalacnce which may lead to excess facial hair and acne.
When considering oestrogen dominance you must also consider oestrogen metabolism, a process that takes place primarily in the liver. The breakdown of oestrogen may take two metabolic pathways, the first one produces 2-hydroxyestrone, a non-toxic, protective substance. The second pathway produces 16-hydroxyestrone, the “bad” oestrogen, a toxic substance that exerts potent oestrogenic activity, promoting inappropriate cell growth and damage to genetic tissue. What causes the production of “bad” oestrogen is unknown, however, its formation has been linked with xenoestrogens, alcohol and a diet high in saturated fat. Xenoestrogens are chemical compounds found in pesticides, herbicides, paints, adhesives, plastic softeners and environmental metabolites of oral contraceptives, all of which may exert inappropriate oestrogenic activity. They are resistant to biodegradation, can accumulate in body tissue and have been linked with breast cancer in men and women.
To support your healthy oestrogen balance, include Radiance® DIM® as your liver's little helper in maintaining hormonal health. DIM® containing the cruciferous vegetable extract diindolylmethane, helps support and maintain favourable metabolism of “protective oestrogen”.
Feel young, feel alive — everyday
Energy and nutrients depleted through daily stress and hormonal fluctuations may be replenished using Radiance® Multi For Women, a therapeutic blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs designed to nourish and support a woman's special needs. This superb formula includes the adrenal tonic Siberian eleuthero; dong quai, vitex and wild yam for reproductive support; isoflavones, phytoestrogenic compounds that balance oestrogen levels; a full range of vitamins and minerals, plus spirulina and royal jelly for that feel good factor to help you get through the day. Be it the turbulence of puberty, the stress of keeping up with a busy family and/or career or the fluctuations of menopause, let Radiance® Multi for Women help support you everyday.
Another objective may be introducing revolutionary nutrients such as those in Radiance® Resveratrol into your daily wellness regime. Described as “the energy powerhouse of the cell” this potent plant-based antioxidant is deemed the “modern elixir of youth”, mopping up free radicals and preventing oxidative damage associated with aging. Through research on people living healthy lives beyond 100 years, it is now thought that unique nutrients such as resveratrol may be key factors in helping others, even those not genetically blessed at birth with “good long life genes”, to live a longer healthier life. Other exciting research has also found that Resveratrol may protect cells against oxidative damage associated with “bad oestrogen” through reducing reactive, damaging oestrogen metabolites2, signifying its potential as the ideal antioxidant for women.
A lifelong regime of healthy dietary habits, exercise to build muscle tissue and maintain your weight and moderation of unhealthy lifestyle activities like smoking and excessive alcohol, plus supplemental use of natural, supportive supplements such as Radiance® DIM®, Radiance® Multi for Women and Radiance® Resveratrol may help you maintain optimal health, energy and youthful oestrogen metabolism and hormonal reserves.
1. Prior, J. C. Progesterone as a bone-trophic hormone. Endocrine Reviews. 11(2):386-398, 1990. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
2. Nicole R. Bianco, Laura J. Chaplin, and Monica M. Montano1, Differential induction of quinone reductase by phytoestrogens and protection against oestrogen-induced DNA damage, Biochem J. 2005 January 1; 385(Pt 1): 279–287.
(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 17, Issue 2)