8 Herbs to Balance Female Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body. Hormone balance is crucial in making sure your body is functioning properly. Hormones are in charge of relaying messages between cells and organs, which play a key factor in bodily functions.
The main female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone.
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Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. An imbalance of estrogen can lead to bloating, fatigue, hair loss, problems with blood sugar, and fertility issues.
Progesterone is the hormone in charge of regulating the inner lining of the uterus. It is important to keep progesterone levels in balance, especially if you are someone who is trying to conceive since progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
Symptoms of low progesterone can include period pain, PMS, headaches, mood changes including anxiety or depression, or irregularity in your menstrual cycle.
If you are someone struggling with hormone imbalances and symptoms like:
fatigue
acne
sleep issues
period pain
anxiety
gut issues
headaches
heavy periods
missing or irregular periods
hair loss
PMS
infertility
Learn how to support the 4 phases of your menstrual cycle through food, movement, and lifestyle
You may be wondering: “are there ways to balance my hormones naturally?”
In particular, you may be interested in knowing how herbs can help to balance female hormones.
The good news is YES - there are herbs to help balance female hormones in the body in the body.
The important question we need to be asking is: what hormones are out of balance and why are they out of balance in the first place?
This is taking a root cause approach when it comes to understanding our health and hormones. When we answer this question, we are understanding what is driving the imbalance (which is showing up as symptoms in the body).
By addressing the root cause, not simply just the symptom (or the hormone imbalance for that matter), we can find long-term, sustained healing.
I’m here to help you have better periods, symptomless cycles, and optimize fertility (whether that’s now or in the future) all through simple nutrition and lifestyle shifts that feel simple, doable, and empowering (not overwhelming).
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As always, I’m giving away my best hormone tips here, answering your burning questions, and letting you in on the what the science says.
This is the kind of insider info I share with all of my 1:1 coaching clients and students in my signature course, Heal Your Period.
I’m so passionate about sharing this info with anyone on a hormone healing journey, so I’m letting you in with all the info here!
So, let’s dive in into it!
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There is so much noise and confusion around nutrition and lifestyle shifts to healing your hormones with clarity and ease, which is why I’m so passionate about getting this info into your hands!
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What herbs can balance female hormones?
There are many herbs to balance female hormones. Herbs are a great way to balance female hormones naturally. Here are 8 herbs to balance female hormones:
*Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning herbal supplements
1. Vitex to balance female hormones
Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is used to treat a variety of different conditions, such as PMS, infertility, acne, and more. It is an ideal herb to balance female hormones. Vitex works by decreasing levels of prolactin, which in return balances out estrogen and progesterone [1]. Chasteberry can be found in teas or supplements.
2. Raspberry Leaf to balance female hormones
Raspberry leaf tea is a common herb to balance female hormones. The plant compound in red raspberry leaves may have antioxidant effects and can help to relax blood vessels [2]. These compounds may how have a muscle relaxation effect, depending on the amount consumed, making it useful for menstrual cramps in some women [3]. Red raspberry leaf tea is also often used during late pregnancy to support labor and delivery [3]. Discuss herbs with your doctor before starting.
3. black cohosh to balance female hormones
Black cohosh is often used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, moodiness, excessive sweating, and more [4]. It also has use in inducing labor in pregnant women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and dysmenorrhea (or painful periods). Black cohosh is an excellent herb to balance female hormones because it is a phytoestrogen, which can help to lower elevated estrogen or raise low estrogen [5]. Black cohosh is often found in a supplement form. Do not use this herb if pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Dong Quai to balance female hormones
Dong quai, also known as female ginseng, is an herb typically used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for centuries as an herb to balance female hormones and prevent symptoms of PMS. Dong quai has been shown to balance levels of estrogen, which in return alleviates common symptoms of menopause or PMS [6, 7]. It can be found in supplement form or you can even purchase dong quai tea.
5. Fenugreek seed to balance female hormones
Fenugreek seed contains phytoestrogens, which help balance estrogen, making it an excellent herb to balance female hormones. Studies show that fenugreek may help painful periods (or dysmenorrhea) [8]. This herb may also help to increase low testosterone and improve low libido in women [9]. Fenugreek can be found in tea, supplements, or spices.
6. Dandelion root to balance female hormones
Dandelion root is high in plant estrogens and plays a significant role in the detoxification of the body, which plays a crucial role in detoxifying excess hormones in the body [10]. This herb may help to prevent constipation, which is an important step in clearing hormones from the body. It can be found in tea or supplements.
7. Cramp bark to balance female hormones
Just as the name implies, cramp bark is an herb that helps alleviate menstrual cramps. It acts as a muscle relaxer, reducing the pain of menstrual cramps [11]. Those struggling with PMS symptoms or painful cramps could benefit from the muscle relaxant effects of cramp bark.
8. Ginger Rhizome to balance female hormones
Ginger rhizome is another name for ginger and it is an amazing herb to balance female hormones. Ginger has been used as a spice and for its many medicinal properties. Ginger has a ton of anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to treat nausea [12]. Ginger reduces the production of prostaglandins, which in return reduce common symptoms associated with PMS such as cramps, mood swings, and headaches [13]. Ginger can be found in teas, supplements, spices, or you can even add a bit of ginger to your smoothies for a nice kick of flavor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are many ways to balance female hormones naturally.
While we chatted through lots of different herbal options, remember that every body is unique and it’s about determine what works best for your body.
Always make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any herbs or supplements to ensure they are not interacting with any medications you are taking or any existing conditions you may have.
Remember: simple shifts build to make a big impact over time!
Healthy estrogen levels are possible for you.
-Krista
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Krista King, MS, RDN, LDN, IFNCP
If you’re looking for specific and individualized support for period problems, PCOS, endometriosis, stopping birth control, and/or fertility I’m your person! I offer:
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