Women’s Health, Wellness and Hormone Balance

Health is much more than the absence of disease. Did you know that we essentially have the same DNA structure as our ancestors? But because our lifestyle has changed in so dramatically, we encounter different stressors, dietary issues and exposure to more environmental toxins than they ever did.

But unlike our ancestors, our lifespan might extend into our 9th decade and beyond and as we age, natural transitions such as hormone changes can affect how we feel on a physical, emotional, and mental level.

Women’s wellness is greatly affected by hormone balance. Here are some of the issues that can be treated through natural hormone replacement therapies:

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, occurs in women who menstruate, often days before their cycle begins. Symptoms can include mood swings and irritability, anxiety, acne breakouts, abdominal bloating, and fatigue.

Perimenopause occurs around ages 45 to 50 during which time hormone production declines. Symptoms can include irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and mood swings.

Menopause usually begins when a woman does not experience a period for twelve months. During this time, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone which creates the uncomfortable symptoms of irritability, mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, vaginal dryness, weight gain, anxiety, and loss of libido.

Low thyroid hormone affects every metabolic function and can cause forgetfulness, depression, fatigue, muscle aches, weight gain, low libido, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, and hair loss.

Weight management is dependent on having balanced hormones, a healthy digestive tract, a balanced diet and an awareness of food allergies.

Sugar is not only the cause of major highs and lows in mood and energy, but it can disrupt insulin, a powerful hormone which is connected to all the other hormones in the body including estrogen and testosterone.

In fact, research shows that women with PMS eat 275% MORE refined sugar than those without PMS. Insulin increases the production of testosterone, which is then converted into even more estrogen by fat tissue in the belly. These effects mean the ratio of estrogen to progesterone (known for keeping us calm and happy) is way too high, leading to irritability, anxiety, insomnia and more. And as women reach menopause, symptoms get more intense and can include hot flashes and night sweats as well.