Hormonal Balance in Women and Estrogen

An improper diet, hormonal contraception, or prolonged exposure to stress can contribute to hormonal imbalance in the body [1-3].

Hormonal imbalance is a condition in which the level of a specific hormone or group of hormones in the body is either too low or too high. This can be associated with a range of unpleasant symptoms, such as hair loss, weight fluctuations, heavy and irregular menstrual cycles, or acne [3].

In addition to external factors, natural states such as the menstrual cycle and menopause also affect hormonal balance in the body. Research confirms the impact of hormonal changes during these periods on women's mental health, linking them to a decline in well-being [3-4].

One of the main hormones affecting the female body is estrogen, which is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics. However, estrogen does not only affect the reproductive system and reproductive processes [5].

What Does Estrogen Do?

The most well-known function of estrogen is maintaining the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, including regulating the menstrual cycle and the growth of the endometrial lining [6].

However, estrogen also participates in a range of processes that affect the neuroendocrine, vascular, skeletal, and immune systems. Its deficiency in the body can contribute to muscle loss, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or osteoporosis. Women after menopause are particularly vulnerable to this [7-8].

Natural Estrogens

Estrogen-like compounds can also be found in plants – these are phytoestrogens. Their chemical structure resembles that of estrogen found in humans, allowing them to bind to estrogen receptors in the body. Within this category, four groups of compounds are distinguished:

• isoflavones (e.g., genistein found in legumes),
• stilbenes (e.g., resveratrol found in dark grapes),
• coumestans (e.g., coumestrol found in alfalfa and soy),
• lignans (e.g., matairesinol found in flaxseed) [9].

Phytoestrogens may have beneficial effects on the functioning of the reproductive, cardiovascular, immune, and hormonal systems. Additionally, they may support bone and skin health [9].

Herbs for Women Supporting Hormonal Balance

Phytoestrogens can be found in legumes (especially soy), as well as in vegetables and fruits such as garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, pomegranates, and berries [9].

However, there are herbs and plants that have been used for years in traditional Asian medicine that support hormonal regulation in the body and are particularly rich in these valuable substances.

Moreover, they also contain other compounds beneficial for the functioning of the endocrine system (and the entire body), such as polyphenols, especially flavonoids.

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Japanese knotweed contains resveratrol and other phytoestrogens and flavonoids [10]. Studies have shown that resveratrol binds to estrogen receptors in the human body, making it a substance that effectively influences women's hormonal health [11].

Additionally, Japanese knotweed exhibits strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties [12].

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

In Ayurveda, Shatavari is known for its properties that positively affect fertility and vitality in women and is used for issues related to the female reproductive system [13]. The plant contains many valuable health compounds, such as saponins, polyphenols, and flavonoids [14].

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black cohosh is widely used to combat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, excessive sweating, and sleep disturbances. It acts on the body similarly to hormones, contributing to the regulation of the endocrine system. Interestingly, researchers suspect that this effect is due to substances with dopaminergic action rather than mimicking human estrogen [15].

Extract of Maritime Pine Bark (Pinus pinaster)

The extract of maritime pine bark contains precious polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants and support heart and vascular health. They exhibit vasodilatory effects and improve microcirculation by increasing capillary permeability. They also have a beneficial impact on the immune system [16].

How to Naturally Support Hormonal Regulation?

If you want to take care of your hormonal balance naturally, reach for the dietary supplement Hormonal Support for Women. This product contains vitamins and plant ingredients selected to support the female body.

The dietary supplement includes B vitamins, as well as plant extracts from shatavari root, Japanese knotweed, black cohosh, and maritime pine bark – standardized for the presence of the most valuable active substances.

Sources:

1. Calcaterra, Valeria, et al. “How the Intricate Relationship between Nutrition and Hormonal Equilibrium Significantly Influences Endocrine and Reproductive Health in Adolescent Girls.” Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 11, March 2024, p. 1337328. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1337328.
2. Segarra, Ignacio, et al. “Women’s Health, Hormonal Balance, and Personal Autonomy.” Frontiers in Medicine, vol. 10, June 2023, p. 1167504. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1167504.
3. “Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance. Accessed October 17, 2024.
1. Wieczorek, Karolina, et al. “Reproductive Hormones and Female Mental Wellbeing.” Women, vol. 3, no. 3, September 2023, pp. 432–44. www.mdpi.com, https://doi.org/10.3390/women3030033.
2. Delgado, Benjamin J., and Wilfredo Lopez-Ojeda. “Estrogen.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 2024. PubMed, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/.
3. Chen, Peng, et al. “Role of Estrogen Receptors in Health and Disease.” Frontiers in Endocrinology, vol. 13, August 2022. Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.839005.
4. Hamilton, Katherine J., et al. “Estrogen Hormone Biology.” Current Topics in Developmental Biology, vol. 125, February 2017, p. 109. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.12.005.
5. Yoh, Kenta, et al. “Roles of Estrogen, Estrogen Receptors, and Estrogen-Related Receptors in Skeletal Muscle: Regulation of Mitochondrial Function.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 3, January 2023, p. 1853. www.mdpi.com, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24031853.
6. Desmawati, Desmawati, and Delmi Sulastri. “Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect.” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 3, February 2019, p. 495. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.086.
7. Cucu, Alexandra-Antonia, et al. “New Approaches on Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential of Pharmacological and Beekeeping Activities: Challenges and Future Directions.” Plants, vol. 10, no. 12, November 2021, p. 2621. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122621.
8. Gehm, Barry D., et al. “Resveratrol, a Polyphenolic Compound Found in Grapes and Wine, Is an Agonist for the Estrogen Receptor.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 94, no. 25, December 1997, p. 14138. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.25.14138.
9. Zhang, Yunting, et al. “Novel Functional Food from an Invasive Species Polygonum Cuspidatum: Safety Evaluation, Chemical Composition, and Hepatoprotective Effects.” Food Quality and Safety, vol. 6, January 2022, p. fyac032. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1093/fqsafe/fyac032.
10. Alok, Shashi, et al. “Plant Profile, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari): A Review.” Asian Pacific Journal