Natural Home Remedies for a Woman

As women, the balance between the hormones progesterone and estrogen is critical to our overall well-being. An excess of estrogen is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome. The early warning signs of estrogen dominance include PMS, depression, loss of sex drive, sweet cravings, heavy periods, weight gain, breast swelling and water retention. So it follows that the first thing to do to deal with the maladies is to focus on hormone imbalances. A wholesome diet and supplements can help, but you should always consult your health care provider first.

Hormones

• If you tackle your hormone imbalance issue, other ailments such as PMS or menopausal symptoms may be relieved. British nutritionist, author and the founder and director of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in Britain Patrick Holford even thinks that more serious diseases such as breast cancer and osteoporosis can be prevented or managed. He suggests that animal fats be a minimal part of your diet and that you increase your intake of organic food, lowering your exposure to pesticides and hormones contained in the food. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, sugar and cigarettes and reduce your stress levels in your daily life. Holford also recomends B3, B6, biotin, magnesium and zinc supplements, but consult your physician as she is aware of your medical background.

Premenstrual Syndrome

• Premenstrual syndrome is the most common gynecological complaint. The symptoms hit up to two weeks before menstruation starts and include abdominal bloating and cramps, acne, breast tenderness and swelling, anxiety and mood changes. Homemade Medicine advises taking magnesium, calcium and vitamins B6 and E to help alleviate the symptoms. However, you should always consult your physician before beginning any health regimen.

Breast Cancer

• Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. More than 192,000 women are diagnosed with the disease every year in the U.S. Holford thinks that most breast cancers are hormonally related and the cancer is linked to estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. However, you should not forgo cancer treatments recommended by your doctor based on Holford's beliefs. Stress, overuse of stimulants and exposure to pesticides all disrupt the hormone balance, Holford says. Some forms of cancer are linked to carcinogens. To aid in cancer prevention, Holford advises a diet high in antioxidants and organic food, avoiding milk and meat.

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis affects more women than men because of the hormonal cycle, says Dr. Michael Lam, a specialist in nutritional and anti-aging medicine. Women are four times more likely than men to develop and suffer from the disease and can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass from the first five to seven years following menopause. The condition results in decreased bone density and this increases the danger of bone fracture and compression of the spinal vertebrae. From a nutritional perspective, Holford says there are three main contributors: excessive protein consumption, relative dominance of estrogen to progesterone and a deficiency of bone-building nutrients. The use of natural progesterone cream, prescribed by your doctor, has been effective in restoring bone density.

Menopause

• As women head into their late 40s, symptoms of menopause often begin. Symptoms include depression, weight gain, osteoporosis and hot flashes. While optimum nutrition helps relieve these symptoms, many women also respond to small amounts of natural progesterone cream, which must be prescribed by a physician. Black cohosh, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are popular choices to relieve hot flashes as are vitamins C and E and bioflavonoids.