SUPPLIES
- Progesterone cream
- Schizandra berry capsules
- Chasteberry capsules or tea
- Dong quai capsules
Overview
If you are suffering from a hormone imbalance, symptoms typically include: mood swings, night sweats, irritability, depression, weight gain, excessive growth of facial hair, decreased libido, infertility, painful breasts, fatigue, heavy menses, hot flashes, skin problems, heart palpitations and insomnia. This condition is generally believed to be caused by an insufficient balance between the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Your doctor may recommend hormone-replacement therapy as a treatment option, but there are certain risks and dangerous side effects associated with this. For that reason, you may choose to use natural treatments instead, to help your body get back in proper balance.
Step 1
Try using natural progesterone cream. Unlike synthetic progesterone, it mirrors the same kind of progesterone your body produces and is free of any side effects. It helps to balance your body from an overabundance of estrogen. You can find progesterone cream at most health-food stores. Take as directed by the manufacturer of the individual product you are using.
Step 2
Alter your diet to improve your condition. Eat healthy foods, such as organic fish and poultry, whole grains, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits. Avoid fatty foods, processed foods, white sugar, junk food, dairy products and caffeine.
Step 3
Get some schizandra berry capsules. Schizandra berry comes from a pink-flowered plant that is indigenous to China. Schizandra berry has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health issues for thousands of years, including cases of hormone imbalance. You can find it at most health-food stores; take it as directed. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking anti-diabetic drugs or the medication terfenadine should avoid schizandra berry. You should also not take schizandra berry just prior to having surgery.
Step 4
Make use of chasteberry, in capsule or tea form. Also called vitex, chasteberry is derived from a plant that commonly grows in the Mediterranean area. It has typically been used to treat women's health problems, including hormonal imbalance. While it is safe for most people to take, you should avoid chasteberry if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can find chasteberry products in most health-food stores. If you are taking dopamine medications, undergoing hormone-replacement therapy or using oral contraceptives, speak to your doctor before taking chasteberry, to eliminate the risk of possible interactions.
Step 5
Consider using dong quai capsules. Dong quai comes from a plant native to China and has been used for many centuries by Chinese herbalists to treat female disorders. Dong quai can be found in most health-food stores; take the dosage directed by the individual product. You should not take dong quai if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or taking hormone medications, warfarin or either prescription or herbal blood thinners.
Step 6
Schedule an appointment with an acupuncturist. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment for a host of health concerns, including hormone imbalance, and involves having tiny, thin needles inserted into specific areas of your body that have to do with certain organs. The number of sessions that will be required depends upon the seriousness of your condition.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Make sure you get a diagnosis from your doctor before beginning any alternative treatment for hormone imbalance.
Always inform your doctor of any natural remedy you plan to take.
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