The human body contains two main sex-hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen, the female hormone that controls sex and reproduction in women, is responsible for these characteristics. Progesterone plays an important role in the cycle of menstruation, and during pregnancy.
Low estrogen and progesterone levels, as in menopause, can affect mood, sexual desire and bone health.
This article will discuss 12 natural ways to boost your estrogen levels, and when to consult a doctor if you have low estrogen. These remedies can either support estrogen production or mimic estrogen activity in the body.
Food
Soybeans
Soybeans and the products produced from them, such as tofu and miso, are a great source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens can mimic estrogen by binding to the estrogen receptors in the body. They may also have anti-estrogenic or estrogenic effects.
Researchers found in a study that soy consumption was associated with a reduced risk of dying from breast cancer. This could be because phytoestrogens have estrogen-like effects.
Soy is a substance that needs to be studied more thoroughly in order to determine its effect on the levels of estrogen in the body.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds contain high levels of phytoestrogens. Flax seeds contain lignans which are the primary phytoestrogens. They are helpful in estrogen metabolism.
A animal experiment conducted in 2017 showed that a diet rich in flaxseed could reduce the severity and frequency of ovarian cancers among hens. There is still a need for more human research.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seed is another source of phytoestrogens. A 2014 animal research study examined the effects of soybean and sesame oil on rats who had an estrogen deficiency.
Researchers found that supplementing a diet with these oils for two months improved bone health markers. The researchers found that sesame seeds and soy beans have a similar estrogenic effect. However, further research on humans is required.
Vitamins
B vitamins
B vitamins are important in activating and creating estrogen in the body. Low levels of these vitamin can result in reduced estrogen levels.
Researchers compared the levels of B vitamins with breast cancer risk among premenopausal woman in a study. The results showed that higher levels B-2 and B-6 vitamins were associated with lower breast cancer risk. This may be because these vitamins affect estrogen metabolism.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a hormone that functions in the body. According to a study, vitamin D and oestrogen work together in order to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Vitamin D is involved in the synthesis of estrogen, which is why there’s a link between them. This suggests that vitamin D supplements may be beneficial for women with low estrogen levels.
Boron
Boron plays a number of roles within the body. Researchers have studied its benefits in reducing cancer risk. Boron is required for the metabolism and production of testosterone and estrogen.
Researchers believe that boron affects estrogen receptors, allowing the body more easily to use the available estrogen.
DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a naturally occurring hormone that can be converted to estrogen and testosterone. DHEA, in the body, is converted first to androgens.
A study found that DHEA could provide similar benefits to estrogen in the body.
Herbal Supplements
Black cohosh
Black Cohosh has been traditionally used by Native Americans to treat many conditions including menopause, menstrual problems and other health issues.
Researchers believe black cohosh contains compounds that stimulate estrogen-receptors. This may indicate that black cohosh can be beneficial when estrogen levels are low. However, more research is needed.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry has been used for centuries to treat gynecological problems, including PMS.
Researchers reviewed literature on the Vitex family, including chasteberry, in a study. Researchers found that chasteberry could exhibit estrogenic effects when dosed at 0.6 or 1.2 grams/kilogram body weight.
The phytoestrogen apigenin, found in chasteberry, is likely to be responsible for these benefits.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose (EPO) oil is a herbal remedy with high levels of Omega-6 fatty acid. It’s a popular supplement to treat conditions like PMS and menopause. Recent research has been limited on the benefits of night primrose oil in relation to estrogen.
One study, found that 889 women who discontinued hormone replacement therapy and used EPO reported that EPO was helpful in controlling symptoms of low estrogen during menopause.
Red clover
The red clover herb supplement contains isoflavones, which are plant compounds that can act as estrogens in the body. These areoflavones:
- biochanin A
- Formononetin
- genistein
- daidzein
One review study looked at the effect of red clover in hot flashes, and hormone levels. Researchers found four studies showing a significant rise in estrogen levels when red clover was taken as a supplement.
Dong quai
Dong Quai, a traditional Chinese remedy commonly used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Dong quai, like the other herbal supplements listed above, contains compounds that act as phytoestrogens.
Researchers examined 17 popular herbal supplements in a study to determine if they contained estrogenic compounds. Researchers found that dong quai may contain two compounds with estrogenic properties.
Natural ways to increase progesterone
If you have a low level of estrogen, you may also have a low level of progesterone. This is particularly common during menopause when the majority of female hormones are drastically reduced.
Most commonly, progesterone can be boosted with creams or medications. However, some people prefer a natural approach.
Herbal supplements can be used to increase progesterone. One study showed that chasteberry could raise mid-cycle levels of progesterone.
Not all herbal supplements work to boost progesterone. A study by found that several Chinese herbal supplements actually reduced progesterone.
Healthy eating and lifestyle are the best ways to raise progesterone naturally. A diverse diet will provide your body with all the nutrients needed for progesterone synthesis.
Included in this are foods like cruciferous veggies, nuts and whole grains. Maintaining a healthy body weight, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and managing stress will also help balance hormones.
When natural is not enough
Some people may not benefit from natural interventions. Symptoms of low estrogen include:
- Hot flashes
- Feelings of mood swings
- painful sex
- You can also check out our other blog posts.
If these symptoms are affecting your daily life, and you’ve tried all natural remedies but they haven’t helped, medical treatment is available.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is one of the most common treatments for menopause. It involves replacing progesterone and estrogen through:
- Photos
- рманим
- Creams
- Vaginal suppositories
The risks of hormonal replacement therapy include:
- Blood clots
- Cardiovascular disease
- Striking a chord with a friend
- Breast cancer
Cautions
estrogen dominant is a condition where there’s too much estrogen. Some women produce more estrogen naturally than progesterone. This type of hormonal imbalance can also be caused by supplementation for low estrogen.
The symptoms of estrogen excess in women include
- Bloating
- Periods of irregularity
- Feelings of mood swings
- You can also find out more about
- Memory problems
Infertility and erectile dysfunction can be caused by estrogen dominance in men.
You may have too much estrogen if you experience these symptoms after taking natural estrogen supplements.
When should you see a doctor
It may be time to see a doctor if natural remedies don’t help your symptoms. You can also discuss hormone replacement therapy.
Other dietary and lifestyle modifications may also help reduce symptoms of low estrogen.
Ask your doctor if you are taking any medications before starting these supplements.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects following the use of herbal supplements to treat low estrogen.
The bottom line
Progesterone and estrogen are two important sex-hormones, particularly in women. Low estrogen and low progesterone levels are usually caused by menopause, or other health conditions.
Natural ways to increase estrogen levels in the body include functional foods, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.
Visit your doctor and discuss alternative treatment options such as hormone therapy if natural methods don’t work.
