HNew Oerbalist

Ladies,

This section has been added in response to your interest in organic ways to maintain your wellness.

We are special creatures…

A large part of our health, as women, is linked to our hormonal cycles. When your hormones are in balance, you feel great, have energy, and your sex drive is normal.  

Presently, many of us are showing a tendency to have high levels of estrogen.

When the ratio of estrogen to progesterone oscillates too much, it creates a hormonal imbalance. The most common imbalance is “estrogen dominance”, where there is an excess of estrogen in relation to progesterone. Signs of estrogen dominance can occur in women with low estrogen levels if she presents little or no progesterone.  

The two hormones estrogen and progesterone work in synchronization with each other  to achieve hormonal harmony in both sexes. Both hormones need each other for individual functions to be performed.  

Estrogen maintains the growth and functions of the uterus so that the sex organs can become adult sized, and it prepares the uterine lining to accept an egg. Estrogen affects skeletal growth, skin, fat, protein deposition, and electrolyte balance. (Men also produce a certain amount of estrogen).

Progesterone is the building block for many other major hormones. It is the primary hormone of fertility and pregnancy, and is essential to the survival of the fertilized egg, the embryo, and the fetus. In pregnancy, progesterone prevents the shedding of the uterine lining, and a drop in its levels can result in a miscarriage.

Be selective on what kind of foods you are inviting into your kitchen. Let’s face it, we are responsible for what we eat and serve our family. From the selection to preparation, when it comes to foods, we are in command. Be extremely selective with what you buy and how you prepare your foods. Every little choice you make is a component of your whole wellness. Doesn’t it make sense to spend it in high quality nutrients that will add to your family's health rather than spending it in hospital bills later?   

Be aware and strive to reduce toxins around you. Choose only organic foods, and good drinking water. Choose not to use a microwave. Avoid plastics, x-rays, carpets, and all harmful chemicals produced from them. A large part of hormonal imbalances is caused by the xenoestrogens we are exposed to. Xenoestrogens are, industrially made compounds, that have estrogenic effects and differ chemically from archiestrogens (ancient, naturally occurring) estrogens produced by living organisms. Their potential ecological and human health impact is under study.

Be informed about the effects that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills, pesticides, bovine growth hormones, environmental estrogens, plant estrogens, stress, obesity, poor liver function, peri-menopause, and glandular dysfunction have on your Estrogen/Progesterone balance. Some health care professionals are beginning to make a connection between low progesterone levels and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Investigate then for yourself and share your findings or please ask if you have any questions.

Be aware that healing herbs can be of help. Herbs such as Castle tree (Vitex) and stringing Nettle (Urtica dioca) to name a few, have natural chemical compounds that support hormonal balance.

Each step you take in protecting yourself and your family adds up!

Be well and healthy,

Marcia Fowler - MH, NC, HHP

AADP Board Certified