Your Health And Hormones
Hormones act as chemical messengers to help your cells communicate. They also trigger different actions. Hormones are the foundation of your body’s Endocrine System, which controls growth, reproduction and metabolism. They also regulate temperature and mood.
The endocrine and hormonal systems keep your body at a state of balance, or homeostasis. A hormonal imbalance, or having too little or too many hormones can cause harmful side effects.
Hormonal imbalances can cause oxidative stress, infertility and endocrine diseases like thyroid disease.
Throughout their lives, women experience natural hormonal changes, most notably at puberty, during pregnancy and menopause.
Men may also experience hormonal imbalances as they age or during puberty, but at a much slower rate.
Nigella Sativa can also be called kalonji, or fennel flowers. The seeds are rich in antioxidants and produced by its flowers. These seeds are medicinal because they contain thymoquinone, a type phytonutrient or plant compound.
Researchers are studying nigella seeds’ protective and therapeutic effects on those with polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS, a condition that affects women of reproductive age, is associated with abnormal levels of hormones.
In animal studies, nigella extracts helped regulate insulin levels, testosterone, thyroid hormones, luteinizing and other hormones.
Nigella Sativa Extract exhibits estrogenic activities, meaning that it acts similar to the hormone estrogen within your body.
Some studies on rats have explored whether nigella extracts might be a viable alternative to hormone replacement therapy during menopause. This is a period when the body produces less estrogen.
The use of concentrated Nigella Sativa supplements is increasing. They are sometimes sold as “black seeds” or “black cumin seeds”. Whole nigella seed has a herby aroma, and can be added to salads, breads, and many other dishes.
Remember that the majority of studies conducted on nigella seeds hormones used either concentrated extracts or isolated Thymoquinone. While using whole seeds to cook with can be delicious and healthy, it may also not provide the same benefits.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a evergreen shrub that belongs to the nightshade plant family. It’s also called winter cherry, Indian Ginseng, or Withania. Many ashwagandha products, including supplements, teas and root powders, are available.
This adaptogen is thought to help your body overcome stress by moderating the brain’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis releases and produces multiple hormones, including cortisol, that trigger your body’s stress response.
Cortisol can help you cope with stressful situations and events. According to studies on humans and rats, a chronic hormone imbalance can cause endocrine diseases like Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome.
A 2019 study of 60 adults that took 125-300mg of ashwagandha extract twice daily over 8 weeks showed less stress, improved sleep and lower cortisol blood levels than a placebo group. In a 2012 study with similar design, the results were also similar.
Ashwagandha can also affect other hormones. Researchers are studying how it affects insulin levels and reproductive hormones.
A study conducted in 2018 found that adults with high levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormonal), produced by the pituitary and used to diagnose thyroid disorders, improved their TSH levels when taking 600mg of concentrated Ashwagandha extract every day.
Some studies, however, have produced contradictory results in regards to ashwagandha’s health benefits.
Ashwagandha has also been reported to cause side effects during clinical trials. It may be harmful for pregnant women and nursing mothers, people with thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or those who are breastfeeding.
In the end, larger human studies are required on this topic.
2. Black cohosh root
The black cohosh is a member of the same plant family as nigella sativa, also known as the buttercup or crowfoot family. Black cohosh is also known as bugbane, rattleweed .
The black cohosh is a popular herbal supplement. It’s made from the roots of the plant. The black cohosh plant is usually taken in the form of a tea, extract or capsule.
It is unclear how much of the triterpene glycosides are in supplements.
Black cohosh is used for women’s health problems like irregular menstruation, PMS, and menopause symptoms.
Black cohosh, like Nigella Sativa may act as a Phytoestrogen – a plant substance which acts similar to estrogen when consumed in large amounts. Black cohosh may be a phytoestrogen, but its exact mechanism of action is unknown.
Few studies have shown that black cohosh relieves symptoms of menopause better than a placebo, or even no treatment.
3. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, another herbal supplement commonly found in capsule or extract form, is also available.
This herb is often combined with black cohosh to support reproductive health and treat menopause symptoms.
The fruit of the Vitex Agnus, also known as chaste tree or monk’s Pepper, is the chasteberry.
The berries are rich in diterpenoids, which could be the reason for their potential effect on hormones such as prolactin.
Multiple studies have shown that chasteberry may lower blood levels of prolactin. This hormone is often elevated in PMS. This supplement can also be used to treat PMS symptoms like breast pain.
The herb has also been studied for its ability to treat PCOS and infertility.
Many scientists believe that more research on humans is necessary to determine the effectiveness of chasteberry.
4. Marjoram
Traditional medicine has used oregano and marjoram, as well as other herb shrubs in the Origanum family.
It contains bioactive plant components like flavonoids as well as phenolic acid, which is likely responsible for some of its medicinal properties.
Marjoram has been studied in animals and humans to see if it can reduce stress. It may also help those with PCOS.
A recent study, for example, found that rats with PCOS improved their levels of estradiol – a hormone made by the ovaries – after being treated using marjoram extract.
In a small study, people with PCOS were asked to drink marjoram twice daily for a month. Marjoram tea, compared to placebo, was associated with significant reductions of fasting insulin hormones, which may indicate improved blood glucose management.
It’s still too early to tell how to use marjoram as an herbal supplement for hormonal imbalances. Some scientists also warn of a lack in research regarding the safety of long-term use or intensive use hormone-altering herbal supplements.
How To Balance Hormones
Hormonal imbalances can be treated with medicinal herbs.
When combined with other proven therapies, herbs can be used to balance hormones.
Your lifestyle, the cause of your imbalance, and other factors will determine the best treatment for you. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider or doctor before starting hormone therapy or taking any medicinal herbs.
Here’s a quick guide to balancing your hormones.
- Healthy eating is important.
- Drinking green tea can help you balance your insulin levels. It may do this by improving your body’s response. However, the effects of green-tea extract on insulin resistance need to be further investigated.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity seems to improve insulin sensitivity and the use of appetite hormones.
- Manage stress: Too many stressors can change the levels of hormones such as cortisol, and adrenaline. Calming activities such as yoga, music or a nature walk can help relieve stress and balance these hormones.
- Get plenty of sleep: Too little sleep, or exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt melatonin levels and cortisol. It can also affect insulin resistance.
- Avoid endocrine disruptions.
The Bottom Line
Hormones levels in the body are constantly fluctuating. The daily fluctuations are due to hundreds of factors, but they are also necessary. None the less, long-term hormone imbalances might affect your health.
Herbal remedies are one way to naturally address these changes in hormone levels. Each of the five herbs mentioned in this article has the potential to balance your hormones.
Talk to your doctor before you take any herbal or medication for this purpose.
