Stabilizing Female Hormones | AAI Smoothie Healing

• April 22, 2016
• AAI Rejuvenation Clinic Blog, AAI Smoothie Healing & Optimizing

Stabilizing Female Hormones
(AAI Smoothie Healing Series)

Stabilizing female hormones is a very delicate art that must be orchestrated by a true professional and, introspectively, perhaps considering someone with adequate experience isn’t a bad idea either. A woman’s body is more delicate in the fact that there are additional main hormones to attune, which also happen to interact with each other. Though as humans (male or female), our endocrine system secretes over 30 different hormones depending on the body’s need, the fact of the matter is each sex has main regarded sex hormones that are focused on when the characterization of hormonal depletion is commonly discussed.

A lot of times, women undergoing hormone replacement treatment have to return to their prescribing physicians several times to have their protocol adjusted. It must be tweaked a few times until the exact and correct amount of each individual hormone is balanced adequately and cohesively.

Yes, there are options like what we do here at AAI Rejuvenation Clinic where you can obtain a prescription for bio-identical hormones but, before anyone jumps into a Testosterone Therapy, Estrogen, progesterone, DHA, an hGH therapy or any other hormone replacement therapy, they should above all attempt to increase their endocrine production naturally. See, once you start participating in hormone therapy, your body’s endocrine system has to work less, since your doing all the work for it. You only want to get to that point once your body is no longer able to produce ample amounts on its own. This happens to women generally around the age of 35.

We can’t stress enough, though, especially for women: naturally balancing your hormones can be much more satisfying and more quickly effective if it’s one’s own body that we are assisting in functioning optimally in secreting hormones in adequate amounts when necessary. When you stimulate your body to secrete its own hormones instead of introducing them from external sources, your body’s entire endocrine system works in unison. It all functions symbiotically and maximizes the overall sensations of wellbeing.

The Endocrine System: 101

Before we get into the art of stabilizing female hormones through smoothies, it’s important to have some basic understanding of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of a collection of glands. These include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the pancreas. Several tissues of the other organ systems also contain hormone-secreting glands and function as part of the endocrine system. These include the:

• stomach
• liver
• heart
• bone marrow
• adipose (fat) tissue
• testicles
• ovaries
• skin

The Problem with Problems of the Endocrine System

The effects of hormone disruption in the body can range from bothersome to deadly. You can understand then why, as women, the discussion of stabilizing female hormones is one that must be put at the forefront. While hormonal changes can result from birth or genetic defects, others can be caused by:

• age
• stress
• injury
• infection
• illness

Endocrine Disorders

Any overproduction, underproduction or shift in the balance of hormone levels, can interfere with normal physical function. Issues in the endocrine glands are often responsible for hormonal imbalances, and because hormones work along with other body systems, endocrine disorders often surface in other organs. On the other hand, hormonal problems can also be a symptom of non-endocrine diseases. You can understand why it’s so important to check your hormones to ensure that they are where they are supposed to be. Stabilizing female hormones are more than just about looking good or feeling great, it has to do with your whole quality of life.

Common Women’s Imbalanced Hormone Conditions

PMS |

It’s believed that hormonal changes occurring one month before a woman’s menstruation period cause premenstrual syndrome. There is a period of peeking and valley for both you estrogen and progesterone levels while this cycle is going on. Generally, the cycle is as follows:

First Two Weeks of Menstrual Cycle: Estrogen levels peak and then drop.

Last Two Weeks of Menstrual Cycle: Progesterone levels spike and then fall.

These roller-coaster peaks and dips in hormonal activity interfere with signals in the brain and cause:

• Moodiness
• Irritability
• Food cravings
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

… among other symptoms. However, keep in mind that these symptoms should be minor. If they are not and you have any extreme variations of any of the mentioned symptoms, they are most likely a reflection of a more abnormal hormone imbalance.

Infertility |

While there are many factors involved in a woman’s ability to conceive, imbalances in their hormone levels are often times the culprit. This is another area where stabilizing female hormones are of paramount importance. See, menstrual regularity is impacted negatively by asymmetrical hormone patterns. This can actually eradicate a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Another strong fact is relative to low progesterone levels during pregnancy, which can lead to a miscarriage.

Menopause |

Menopause is a natural reproductive progression that marks the end of a woman’s fertile years. The ovaries slow their production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone as they age, Which limits a woman’s ability to conceive a child. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have stopped producing hormones altogether, putting an end to the menstrual cycle.

While estrogen, progesterone and testosterone have a direct effect on the reproductive organs, they also affect other regions of the body, including:

• The brain,
• Skin,
• Digestive system
• Immune system

When a woman’s production of these hormones slows and/or halts, she may suffer mood swings, depression, hot flashes, fatigue, poor circulation, bone loss. Now, by stabilizing female hormones early on, and maintaining healthy levels, a woman can lessen the side effects of menopause or, actually keep them at bay.

Best Nutriment for women

Swiss Chard and spinach, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds |

These foods all contain high levels of magnesium, which can boost dopamine production in the brain and help the body process estrogen. Women experiencing premenstrual or menopausal mood swings are often magnesium deficient, so eating a diet right in these foods helps to balance moods and relieve cramps and bloating.

Non-rBGH/rBST* plain Greek yogurt, tahini (Sesame seed paste), spinach |

All of these foods are high calcium, which has been shown to prevent PMS symptoms and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in the menopausal woman. The dips in estrogen that occur with menopause drain calcium reserves in the body, so it is very important that menopausal women take in enough of this mineral to avoid issues with her skeletal system.

Beans |

Low in fat, beans are a good source of protein and fiber and may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer. Beans may also play a role in stabilizing female hormones, says nutritionist Susan Krause, MS, RD

Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries) |

Similarly to how wine works, these fruits may protect your body with powerful anti-cancer nutrients known as anthocyanins, which are believed to play a role in cell repair.

Hormone balancing healthy fats |

Coconut oil: contains lauric acid, which is incredibly healing to the skin and extremely beneficial for hormonal production
Avocados: These are packed with very healthy fats. These are important because they help you absorb and use nutrients efficiently. They are full of potassium, vitamin E, fiber B-vitamins, magnesium and Folic acid. All of these are essential for maintaining a healthy hormone balance.
Raw butter/ghee: a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2. These nutrients are key building blocks for hormonal production.
Egg yolks: Rich in an uncountable amount of vitamins and minerals including D, A, E, B2, B9, B6, iron, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and choline. All of this help wit having a healthy reproductive system, hormonal balance, and even healthy skin. The choline and iodine in egg yolks are also essential for making healthy thyroid hormones.
Nuts and seeds: Soaked nuts and seeds, fermented cod liver oil, olives and olive oil, flaxseed oil, hempseed oil and raw cultured dairy products.

Broccoli |

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage, contain high amounts of phytonutrients called isothiocyanates, including indole-3-carbinol, which helps break down a harmful and potent estrogen metabolite that promotes tumor growth, especially in estrogen-sensitive breast cells.

In 2008, researchers at the University of California–Berkeley showed that indole-3-carbinol halts the growth of breast cancer cells and may also offer protection against the spread of cancer.

Flaxseed



 |

Flaxseeds are full of lignans, which are phytoestrogens compounds that studies have been proven to help protect us against certain kinds of cancers, especially:

• Breast
• Prostate
• Colon

Red Wine |

The antioxidant polyphenols, which can be found in the skins and seeds of grapes aid with heart health, inhibit inflammation and help prevent the development of many types of cancers. The main phenols that display these characteristics are catechins and resveratrol.

Below is a list of compiled smoothie recipes that are organized to carry the exact nutrients and vitamins that help women specifically to achieve hormonal balance. Please contact us with any questions or comments related to today’s post.

If you are interested in participating in hormone therapy or to have your hormone levels evaluated, please fill out our Medical history form or call us directly by dialing:

balancing female hormoneshealthy female hormone balancing