
How to naturally hush excess estrogen during perimenopause Peri menopause is a time of low progesterone production which can lead to estrogen dominance for many women. This results in a variety of symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding. Diminished progesterone production during peri menopause allows for more uterine tissue, blood vessel and nerve stimulation by the estrogen hormone. Below are a few non-medical natural options to moderate or tone down estrogen to reduce peri menopause heavy bleeding. Dong Quai (an herbal supplement) has been demonstrated to suppress estrogen (estradiol) synthesis. Oat bran absorbs excess estrogen. Milled Flaxseed neutralizes estrogen. This trio works in synergy to neutralize the effects of estrogen dominance. Meat/dairy that has hormones will increase women’s hormones. It is best to avoid meat and dairy that has added hormones especially during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are naturally increasing. During these two weeks the intensity of estrogen contributes to uterine tissue and blood vessel growth. More intense estrogen stimulates greater tissue growth which contributes to heavy menstrual bleeding. In addition, meat/dairy foods contribute to the synthesis of arachidonic acid from the cell membrane. Arachidonic acid is an inflammatory mediator that stimulate substances (prostaglandins and thromboxane) which cause blood vessel spasms and dilatation. Changes in uterine (endometrial) blood vessels contributes to heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding. Replacing meat/dairy with soy foods and cold water fish will reduce/block the production of inflammatory mediators that effects uterine blood vessels. Keep in mind, hot flashes occur when tiny blood vessels open wider than normal allowing for an increase in blood flow, which is experienced as a sense of warmth. For many peri menopausal women fluctuations in estrogen effects uterine blood vessel function and tone contributing to heavy menstrual bleeding. Adding oat bran, even homemade oatmeal/flax cookies, oat/soy muffins each day, plus the herb Dong Quai while limiting meat/dairy will impact heavy menstrual bleeding during peri menopause. Estrogen levels begin to increase within two days of the current menstrual period. Estrogen levels peak on days 12/13 and again around days 20/21, after the onset on the last menstrual period. However, to help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding it is important to moderate estrogen each day of the month. Note: for women who experience heavy bleeding due to estrogen dominance during peri menopause it is best to avoid aspirin (use ibuprofen) and avoid the herb red clover. Aspirin thins blood, the herb red clover mimics estrogen. Also note excess weight contributes to excess estrogen. Heavy peri menopausal menstrual bleeding in general will not be reduced by health food store type progesterone cream this type cream is not potent enough to effect menstrual bleeding. Sources: Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs and Spices David Zava phD, Charles Dollbaum MD Cancer Research Division California Public Health Foundation Berkeley California 94704 Vascular Smooth Muscle A-actin distribution around endometrial arterioles during the menstrual cycle K.M. Abberton, N.H. Taylor Dept Ob/Gyn, Monash University Clayton, Victoria Australia |