HORMONAL HEALTH

Avoid those monthly blues

Hormonal problems are some of the most frequently encountered in my nutritional practice. The familiar symtoms of PMS, such as mood swings, depression, headaches, bloating, food cravings and tender breasts, as well as the problems connected with the menopause such as hot flushes, forgetfulness, dry skin, panic attacks and tiredness, make many women's lives a misery.

However, there is no need for anyone to suffer like this. Hormonal problems are caused by an imbalance at cellular level and with dietary and supplementary measures, hormonal balance can be restored.

What can I do for you?

Simple measures to help balance your hormones include increasing your intake of fibre and essential fats, balancing your blood sugar level, and avoiding any foods to which you may be intolerant.

In addition to this, a supplement regime with high quality nutrients and gentle herbs will help to rebalance your body.

Saliva hormone tests can measure with much greater accuracy your level of oestrogen and progesterone than can blood tests.  See 'having a test' for more information.

Menopause
Extremely important after the menopause is the maintenance of bone health and so the avoidance of osteoporosis. Although calcium is essential for bone density, it is often forgotten that the bone depends on other minerals such as magnesium, boron, silicon and manganese in order to remain strong and healthy.

Pumping the body full of artificial hormones is not the answer to the menopause. Instead, a nutritional programme would seek to support your body's natural production of hormones. In addition, supplementing with natural plant oestrogens can be extremely helpful for women during this time.






Did you know?

Fermented soya, such as found in tempeh, is a rich source of plant oestrogens which can be of immense benefit to women after the menopause. Japanese women who eat tempeh regularly experience far fewer hot flushes than western women.

Cathy Robinson BScDipNutMed Nutritional Therapy
crobi@nutrition.connectfree.co.uk

www.live-natural.co.uk