Everybody knows that it's best to get vitamins and nutrients from our food, but sometimes we could all use a little bit of extra help. Herbal supplements can be used to balance hormones, reduce hot flashes, prevent osteoporosis, and accelerate weight loss.
By taking herbal supplements designed to support the adrenals, thyroid gland, and reproductive system, you can take back control of your health and wellbeing. The following top ten list includes the most effective herbs and supplements available in this category:
Table of Contents
1. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is more of a hormone than a vitamin, and the best source of this essential nutrient is from the sun. However, just 10-15 minutes a day of sunbathing will not produce enough of this vital vitamin for adequate hormone balance.
Vitamin D3 supplements are inexpensive and safe, they have beneficial effects on male health and testosterone levels and enhance B vitamins, promote calcium absorption, and prevent cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The recommended dosage is 5000 IU daily.
2. DIM (Diindolylmethane)
This supplement's health benefits include improving estrogen metabolism in the body so that there are lower levels of unopposed estrogen which can cause problems like breast cancer.
It may be incredibly productive for women who metabolize estrogen slowly since they will tend to have higher levels of unopposed estrogen in their bodies throughout each month. DIM promotes a healthy balance of testosterone and estrogens in both men and women.
So it positively affects prostate health and prevents obesity, menstrual irregularities, and infertility for women going through menopause.
3. Chasteberry (Chaste Tree Berry, Vitex)
Vitex has been used for over 2000 years to promote hormone balance, remarkably increasing luteinizing hormone, increasing progesterone levels. High progesterone levels prevent the proliferation of endometrial tissue and reduce menstrual cramps in women with low levels.
It also lowers prolactin in hyperprolactinemia, a condition related to high dopamine activity in the body that can lead to amenorrhea and anovulatory infertility. In men, it's been shown to increase free testosterone while lowering serum estradiol concentrations by upregulating aromatase enzyme activity so that testosterone is preferentially converted to estradiol.
Vitex also promotes insulin sensitivity and healthy blood sugar levels in both sexes.
4. B Vitamins
The B vitamins have a synergistic effect on hormone balance and work to prevent high estrogen levels from being produced in the body. Vitamin B6 is widely considered the most effective supplement for preventing depression associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Biotin supplementation has been shown to help pregnant women and people with diabetes while promoting hair growth and healthy skin. This nutrient is ideal for women with PCOS because it has been shown to reduce insulin resistance.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics from supplements and foods like yogurt have been shown to significantly affect testosterone levels in men and reduce or eliminate yeast infections caused by "candida."
The beneficial bacteria strains found in the digestive tract manufacture B vitamins and several steroidal hormones required for healthy immune function, digestion, and hormone balance.
6. Nettle Root
Nettle root works by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the metabolite of testosterone that causes hair loss and prostate enlargement. Preventing DHT from producing these problems also positively affects estrogen metabolism.
There isn't an overabundance of estrogen metabolites causing weight gain, acne breakouts, depression, and low libido. It's also an effective diuretic so that it can reduce water weight and bloat in the body.
This is especially useful for women with PCOS because insulin resistance causes the body to retain sodium which contributes to high blood pressure.
7. Ashwagandha Root
An adaptogenic herb, which means it alleviates the adverse effects of stress and anxiety while being non-toxic. It's primarily used as a male health supplement since it's been proven to increase libido, testosterone levels, and sperm motility, along with preventing sexual dysfunction in men taking SSRIs.
In women, it positively affects fertility by normalizing LH and FSH, so there is more ovulation during the menstrual cycle. The recommended dose of ashwagandha root extract is 500mg daily.
8. Marjoram and Mint
These spices and herbs have beneficial estrogen-like effects on the body. They can be added to several foods like herbal teas, salads, pasta, and tea that can provide a daily source of these healthy phytoestrogens.
Other subtle benefits include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved immunity. This is especially important for women with PCOS since they are more prone to depression and anxiety due to higher stress hormones. Tea made from marjoram is considered one of the best remedies for bladder infections, swollen lymph glands, or respiratory illnesses.
9. Liver-Enhancing Nutrients
A healthy liver is crucial for hormone balance, especially if you drink alcohol regularly or are exposed to toxins. The liver process hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone into more inert forms that are less active in the body.
At the same time, it modulates levels of estrogens by converting them from one format into another. Because of this crucial function having a robust and healthy liver is essential for hormonal balance and good overall health.
10. Ginseng
This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and stimulates the body. Similar to DHEA, it may increase testosterone levels, reduce cortisol production, improve immunity, and fight fatigue.
It also does something similar to progesterone by rising levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which binds several hormones, including androgens and estrogens. It prevents them from being metabolized into more potent forms that may cause acne, hair loss, or weight gain.
Also, the Nigella seeds(black cumin seeds) are very effective for hormonal imbalance. They contain a high percentage of fixed oils compared to other seeds; they also contain saponins and alkaloids.
In conclusion, all of these herbs, vitamins, and supplements can work wonders to improve hormonal balance in men and women. Most tired people probably suffer from adrenal gland exhaustion due to high-stress levels, adversely affecting progesterone production.
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