For women who suffer from PMS, perimenopause or even menopausal symptoms, the complications associated with irregular estrogen levels can render a woman unable to perform activities of daily living. For many women, the application of a proper diet, using foods that are known to possess properties known as “hormonal modulation”, can significantly reduce the complications associated with estrogen depletion.
Hormonal modulation is the term used to describe foods that possess an ability to regulate hormone levels naturally, also known as phytohormones. Phytohormones work within the body by producing a reaction in a woman’s body that mimics work of estrogen, or by providing the precursor to estrogen that will help to place a woman’s natural estrogen production into drive.
The type of phytohormone most unique to women who needs assistance with estrogen regulation is a group of biological components in food known as isoflavones, or phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens work as natural hormone modulators and can be found in garbanzo beans, soy and even in flaxseed. Consuming these foods, therefore, may provide for a natural estrogen replacement without the need for hormone replacement therapy, HRT.
In addition to providing estrogen benefits to a woman who may be naturally depleted of estrogen, especially around the time of menopause, these phytoestrogens may also work to protect the breast and uterus from complications generally experienced in response to menopause thus further supporting the hormone modulation effect.
To obtain maximum hormone modulation and therapeutic benefits, women who suffer from PMS, perimenopause or menopause, should consume 100 to 200 milligrams of phytoestrogen foods per day. Based on studies of Asian women who experience low incidences of these gynecological complications, these daily levels are enough to provide phytoestrogen benefits and make significant improvements in the estrogen level of women. At present, most American women intake less than five milligrams of phytoestrogens per day.
As a woman who is considering the options for healthy eating, coupled with a desperate need to manage estrogen levels, consider the use of flaxseed, soy and garbanzo beans as a natural way in which to boost estrogen levels naturally and create a natural hormonal modulation. With these food products daily, many women may be able to avoid the use of hormonal based treatment which is believed to only further complicate a woman’s health, often resulting in long term disease and illness.
As with any hormonal program, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before making a change based on dietary restrictions alone. Even when using hormone replacement therapy, consuming foods high in phytoestrogens may work to improve your overall quality of life.
