Are your hormones wayward?

Have you seen yourself in any of the conditions discussed in our 6-part hormone balance series?

Are you wondering if there’s a way to ease signs and symptoms naturally?

In this article, we’ll explore specific herbal extracts and a vitamin that are go-to prescriptions as therapy and may assist in symptom relief. Extracts like Ashwagandha, Chaste Berry, Dong Quai, red clover, and vitamin B6 supplementation.

Whether you’re seeking relief from stress (which can impact hormone balance), menstrual irregularities, or menopausal symptoms, these natural ingredients may be vital to unlocking a healthier, balanced hormonal state.

Ashwagandha: A potent herbal extract for women’s health

Ashwagandha is derived from the Withania somnifera plant. It’s been a staple in the Ayurvedic medicine bag for millennia. And for good reason. Considered an adaptogen because it helps people “adapt” to stress, research backs its use.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine investigated 64 participants with a long-term history of stress. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received 300 mg of Ashwagandha twice daily (the treatment group), and the other received placebo (non-treatmen; the colloquial “sugar pill”).

Measures of serum cortisol, “the stress hormone,” and scores from stress-assessment questionnaires were used to assess outcomes. To answer the question: did treatment make a difference?

Compared to the placebo, treatment with Ashwagandha reduced each stress-assessment scale score. Serum cortisol levels also substantially decreased.

In short, yes, this compound effectively reduces psychological stress.

But it may do more than soothe stress alone. The article, Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): a Review, noted that this compound may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and rejuvenating properties and benefits for the central nervous and endocrine systems. All factors that are important for hormone balance.

Chaste Berry: Balancing female hormones

Chaste Berry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is loved in the natural health world for its potent potential benefits for various women’s health challenges. As the article, Vitex agnus-castus Extracts for Female Reproductive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials found.

The authors looked at twelve trials investigating premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and hyperprolactinemia.

They found that supplementation with Vitex reduced premenstrual syndrome. In particular, cyclic mastalgia. It relieves the breast pain that comes with a change in the menstrual phase.

This well-tolerated herb also improved premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

There were benefits for hyperprolactinemia too. To make sense of this, let’s break this word down. “Hyper” means excessively high. Prolactin refers to the hormone prolactin. And “emia” denotes a compound in the blood. Hyperprolactinemia, then, refers to too much prolactin in the blood. This is known to upset a woman’s hormone balance.

Vitex to the rescue again!

Research showed that this extract lowered prolactin secretion. This resulted in the normalization of a shortened luteal phase. When the luteal phase — the second phase of the menstrual cycle between ovulation and menstrual bleeding — is too short, hormone balance is thrown off kilter. Supplementation increased mid-luteal progesterone and estrogen levels.

Simply put, chaste berry helps restore hormone balance and relief menstrual symptoms.

Dong Quai: Improves blood flow and reduces uterine spasms

Dong Quai, also known as Angelica Sinensis, is a herb widely used in Chinese medicine to improve blood flow and address menstrual problems like painful periods.

Rodent studies have shown that this herb suppressed the uterus’s contraction and improves blood circulation in small blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This combination could be why Dong Quai eases painful spasms and pain in the womb.

Red Clover: Relief from menopausal symptoms 

Red Clover contains compounds with phytoestrogenic properties: compounds that act like estrogen. This can simulate hormone production in women, with substantial benefits. 

The article, Female Infertility and herbal medicine: An Overview of the new findings, noted that supplementing with Red Clover:

— reduced the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms

— decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression

— diminished hair loss

— enhanced skin characteristics

— improved hormonal levels

— resulted in increased endometrial thickness

— lessened hot flashes

Vitamin B6 Supplementation: Essential for women’s hormone balance and general health

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in supporting energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and cellular metabolism, and an adequate level is essential for healthy hormone function.

There’s little wonder then that the humble nutrient benefits women. For example, a sufficient vitamin B6 level or supplementation is linked to:

— a reduction in self-reported anxiety

— fewer side effects from taking oral contraception (less depression, headache, and nausea or lack of appetite)

— protection against amenorrhea (lack of a period) caused by antipsychotic medications

— lessened breast cancer risk

— relieved nausea and vomiting in pregnancy

— an improved chance of conception, and reduced risk of miscarriage

— increased progesterone and improvements in the symptoms of PMS (including premenstrual anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and water retention)

— reduced insulin resistance and inflammation, which are known to upset hormone balance in women (including being contributors to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS))

The takeaway

Hormone imbalance is widespread and can negatively impact every aspect of a woman’s life. Yet, women are suffering en masse, many finding it hard to gain the support they need to regain their health.

Wonderfully, there are natural answers.

Harnessing the power of herbs and vitamins like Ashwagandha, Chaste Berry, Dong Quai, Red Clover, and vitamin B6 may pave the way toward hormonal equilibrium. Remember, these aren’t just theoretical benefits; they’re backed by scientific research and have been effectively used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Whether you’re experiencing stress, menstrual challenges, or navigating your way into and through menopause, incorporating these natural allies may provide much-needed relief and ease your path.

Introducing…

If your hormones feel out of balance, it’s time to allow nature to provide potent tools for healing and recovery.

At Onest, we’ve formulated a new women’s hormone support supplement called Balance. Blended with proven ingredients – including those above and more – this easy-to-take product is designed to put you back in the driver’s seat.

It’s time to reclaim control of your well-being and experience the life-changing benefits of hormonal balance!

As always, seeking professional advice is recommended.