The term natural can sometimes be confusing when used in connection with hormones. "Aren´t all hormones natural?" you may think. Basically, when we refer to a hormone as being natural, we are talking about the molecules that form the structure of the hormone. A natural hormone has a chemical structure that is identical to the hormone naturally produced by the body, which is why natural hormones are called natural hormones.
Quick facts:
Just because something´s bought at an organic food/drug store, doesn´t necessarily mean it´s natural. For a hormone to be considered natural, its structure must be exactly the same as that your body produces.
Given this, natural and synthetic hormones shouldn´t be thought of as the same thing. A synthetic hormone has a chemical structure that can be similar, but not exactly identical to the hormones produced by the body. The slight difference in chemical make-up can mean that synthetic hormones act in different ways and can produce substantially different effects.
Given this, the necessity for natural hormones is felt most acutely during menopause. Read on for further information on how natural hormones can help alleviate some of the symptoms
Why might I need to use natural hormones?
During menopause the production of hormones in a woman´s body, particularly estrogen, starts to falter. As a result of the change in hormone levels women can experience a variety of symptoms which include, but are not limited to aches and pains, forgetfulness, depression, chest pain, hot flashes and sleeping difficulties.
It is for this reason that many women in the menopausal age group (typical age of menopause begins at 52) use complementary therapies and boosters for natural hormones in order to help manage symptoms.
The lowest effective dose:
Is a term referring to the precise amount needed by an individual to relieve moderate to severe symptoms and maintain optimal health without the undesirable side effects of under or overdosing.
Things such as natural therapies, i.e. herb mixtures are used in nearly every country throughout the world with varying degrees of success and have been for centuries. However, not every symptom suffered by menopausal women is the result of declining estrogen levels. Natural hormone treatments often have therapeutic benefits in dealing with fatigue and low energy, but are not applicable in all cases. Read on for some practical tips in restoring natural hormone levels.
Natural hormones aren´t enough - Steps for overcoming hormonal imbalance
Quick Fact:
Most people know that the sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, play important roles in human reproduction. What people often don´t know is that they also help regulate many other functions in the body. These include sleep patterns, your moods and memory, bone growth, muscle strength, and much more.
The first practical tip in boosting the body´s natural hormones to avoid the symptoms of menopause is to try and mix up your diet. Plenty of legumes, soy, whole grain cereals and pasta are needed along with foods rich in Omega 3. And instead of eating the standard three square meals a day, why not trying to mix it up and have three small meals along with three snacks instead?
Moderate exercise is a proven way to lose weight, improve fitness and improve overall functioning of the body´s hormonal system.
Stress management is also vital in the hurly burly atmosphere of modern life. As easy as it sounds, organizing time for family, friends, hobbies and downtime can be the most difficult of tasks but vital for the body´s hormones.
Further information about natural hormones
Health tips aside, there are additional supplements that can be taken in order to help foster the body´s natural hormones. Indeed, alternative treatments often take a more direct approach to the issue of hormonal imbalance. For further information on some of the different treatments out there click here.
Click on the following link to read more about
Treatments for Natural Hormones. What are their function? How should you deal with low estrogen production? and much more.
Sources: Estrogens. Women's Health America, Inc.
