In our fast-paced world where over-medication seems to be the norm, many menopausal women are offered a prescription for synthetic estrogen. However, the balancing hormone progesterone is often overlooked. Imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is the exact reason for unusual symptoms commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Elevated levels of estrogen can lead to fluid retention, blood clotting, fibroid and tumor growth, increased blood fat levels, weight gain, allergic reactions, copper retention, loss of zinc, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, food cravings, and depression. What most people don’t realize is that there are actually two basic types of estrogens: good estrogens and bad estrogens.
Testosterone: Not just for men
Testosterone is another powerful hormone—for men and women. On average, the adult male body produces about 20 to 30 times the amount of testosterone than an adult female body. Why should women be concerned about this sex hormone? In both genders, testosterone plays a key role in health and well-being. It’s linked to increased libido, energy, immune function, and protection against osteoporosis.
Susan Rako, M.D., believes testosterone is as much a woman’s sex hormone as it is a man’s. In her book, The Hormone of Desire: The Truth about Sexuality, Menopause and Testosterone, she argues that the “amount of testosterone, tiny as it is, that a woman’s body continually produces is an essential amount.” Dr. Rako calls testosterone the hormone of desire, and asserts, “testosterone is the hormone most critically implicated in the maintenance of libido, or sexual desire, in women just as it is in men.” Additionally, it’s important to note that estrogen—the female-dominant hormone—is made from testosterone.
Testosterone can also impact heart health. Over 60 years of research links testosterone levels and heart health. Studies show:
- Testosterone is a primary factor in the health of the heart and blood vessels.
- Testosterone levels decline with age, beginning around age 25.
- Restoring testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones to youthful levels can yield significant health benefits, including protection against various cardiovascular problems.
Achieving hormonal balance naturally
How can you naturally balance the levels of hormones as you age? One option to consider is di-indole methane (DIM), which can greatly improve metabolism of good estrogens by stimulating beneficial estrogen production. At the same time, DIM increases the good estrogen metabolites, and there is a simultaneous reduction in the levels of bad estrogen metabolites, which include the 16-hydroxy estrogen. Bad estrogen metabolites are fueled by obesity and exposure to many commercial and household chemicals.
To help achieve balanced estrogen and testosterone levels, turn to the powerful nutrient DIM. It’s a natural plant nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. DIM can support healthy sexual function and desire, promote improved cardiovascular function, support healthy prostate function, improve memory skills, boost mood, and protect against free radical damage that causes aging.
Other ways to balance hormones
Besides incorporating DIM into your diet, there are other natural ways to balance hormones:
- Exercise regularly: Consistent exercise is essential for hormone balance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day.
- Eat hormone-balancing foods: Increase your intake of whole, unprocessed foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables, as well as seeds and nuts high in omega-3s and vitamin E.
- Get sufficient sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night.
- Reduce stress: Stress leads to a hormonal imbalance in the body. Engage in daily stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals: These are often found in commercially-produced cleaning products, cosmetics, and plastics. Use natural, eco-friendly options to reduce your exposure.
Conclusion
In summary, balancing hormones as you age is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Turning to natural solutions like DIM and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help substantially improve hormone balance and lead to a happier, healthier life. Incorporating these changes into your daily routine can greatly benefit your sexual health, cardiovascular health, and immune system, among other things. Say goodbye to synthetic hormones and hello to a thriving body through the power of natural hormone balance.
