TCM herbs and nutrients to support healthy hormonal balance

There are many natural herbal compounds that work to balance estrogen and progesterone levels. These herbal compounds are called sex hormone modulators as they have the ability to coordinate the release of major sex hormones based on the conditional needs.

Here are a few herbs that regulate the formation of bad estrogen metabolites and balance sex hormone production and utilization.

Korean ginseng
Ginseng has been given the Greek name, Panax, which means "all curing" as it has remarkable adaptogenic qualities that benefit individuals no matter their phase of life or what stressors they are encountering.

Research has shown that ginseng has the ability to stabilize blood sugar by improving fatty acid metabolism. This reduces stress on the adrenals and improves stamina, energy and physical performance. The compounds in ginseng also improve oxygenation throughout the body and improve the immune system.

Black cohosh
Black cohosh contains triterpene glycosides that have estrogen modulating impacts on metabolism. These components have been shown to improve estrogen deficient type symptoms without the adverse risks of estrogen replacement therapy.

Black cohosh has been shown to decrease hot flashes, increase blood flow to the pelvic area, relieve spasms and improve hormone related mood depression. This substance does not stimulate the uterine tissue and promote the formation of fibroids the way estrogen replacement does . This is a very safe and natural compound to use in support of estrogen balance.

Don Quai
This herb, otherwise known as Angelica Sinensis, has the ability to modulate the way the estrogen receptor functions. It is believed to have compounds that have estrogenic expression but in significantly reduced potency as human estrogens in the ratio of 1:400. This herb helps to ensure optimal estrogen expression in the body.

In estrogen deficient cases, it is able to bind and influence the estrogen receptor to improve estrogen interaction with the tissue cells. In estrogen dominant patterns it competes with estrogen receptor binding and lowers the potency of estrogen on the bodily tissues. This is because its potency is so much lower than human estrogen.

Dong Quai also improves iron absorption in anemic cases and has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities. It also improves cardiac function and increases vaginal lubrication.