The hormone estrogen plays an important role in a woman's body . Although this is a female hormone, I would like to note that it is also produced in the male body, but in smaller quantities . However, estrogen is about forty different substances.
The most famous:
- Estrone.
- Estriol.
- Estradiol.
Its deficiency leads to suppression and insufficient development of the most important systems of the female body.
Foods rich in phytoestrogens
One of the methods of treatment in this situation is to include in your diet foods that are rich in substances that promote the production of estrogen.
We can include the following among them:
- Carrot.
- Spinach.
- Pumpkin.
- Beef.
- Liver.
- Basil.
- Kefir.
- Bananas.
- Brazil nuts.
- Beet.
- Turnip greens.
- Dandelion greens.
- Kale.
The listed products are rich in vitamin C, carotene and B vitamins. Olives are highly effective. They eliminate hair fragility and normalize the menstrual cycle. Brown rice and whole grain pasta are also healthy.
Classification of estrogens
Natural estrogens produced by the body are divided into three types: low-active estriol and estrone, and estradiol, the most active female hormone. Their artificial analogues include synthetic, synthetic bioidentical, conjugated and essential substances obtained from plant or animal raw materials and plant estrogens. The latter, strictly speaking, are not hormones, but they cause a similar reaction in the receptors of the human body.
The effect of phytoestrogens has been studied since 1926, after an analysis was carried out that revealed the relationship between the incidence rate and the lifestyle of women living in different countries of the world. Analogues of the female hormone have been found in soy and other foods. Since then, several classes of substances have been isolated that act like natural estradiol: coumestans, lignans and isoflavones, as well as flavones, triterpene and steroidal saponins, phytosterols. Many of these compounds, in addition to estrogen-like properties, have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
Currently, the pharmaceutical industry produces a huge number of nutritional supplements and medications containing plant estrogens. Phytoestrogens included in dietary supplements, which are essentially neither steroids, nor drugs, nor hormones, have occupied a separate niche in hormone replacement therapy.
According to WHO, phytoestrogens are equal in importance to vitamins and macroelements.
Limiting foods that reduce estrogen levels
Treatment can be carried out not only by stimulating estrogen production, but also by avoiding foods that suppress its production.
What products are we talking about here? This:
- Cabbage.
- Green beans.
- Corn.
- Figs
- Pineapples.
- Grape.
- Pears.
The same effect has:
- Wheat flour.
- Caffeine.
- Alcohol.
- Cleaned rice
Read about the symptoms of excess estrogen in women here.
Popular drugs for menostasis
It is difficult to calculate the content of active substances in consumed foods and herbs, and it is much easier to buy dietary supplements than to brew herbs or adjust your diet. Among well-known brands, customers prefer the following products:
- Klimadinon. Tablets with an estrogen-like effect based on extract of black cohosh rhizomes. Reduces excitability, normalizes sleep, eliminates apathy. Black cohosh extract is the active ingredient in such drugs as Qi-klim, Remens, Klimaxan.
- Estrovel. The product contains soy isoflavones, yam and vitex fruit extract, vitamins, boron and folic acid.
- Feminal. A preparation containing the recommended dose of isoflavones due to the content of red clover extract.
- Climathem. Created based on isoflavones from hop cones and red clover. Contains Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
Medicinal herbs
The female hormone estrogen, how to increase it? Folk remedies are excellent in this case too.
There are several herbs that can be effective in helping with estrogen deficiency:
- Flax seeds, if combined with low-fat foods, can help in this case.
- Soy milk can have a balancing effect on hormone levels.
- Wheat bran will not only increase estrogen production, but will also improve your gastrointestinal system.
Estrogen use during menopause
Taking estrogen is indicated during menopause, as one part of hormone replacement therapy. In addition to menopause, regular estrogen intake is prescribed to women who have undergone hysterectomy.
Which pills should you pay attention to when choosing a medication for menopause?
- Premarin . It is intended for the treatment of menopausal syndrome, prescribed for bleeding from the uterus, and for excessive fragility of bones.
- Estradiol . It does not contain female hormones in their pure form, but contains substances that are as close in composition as possible to female hormones. It is used in all cases when the balance of hormones in the blood needs to be brought into order, including during menopause.
- Presomen . This drug is also produced specifically for use by women during menopause; it helps maintain the functioning of the reproductive system at this age if a woman plans to have offspring.
- Tephastrol . It is used when a woman is not yet going to give up sex during menopause, but the condition of the vaginal mucosa turns this process into real torture.
- Estrofem . The medicine is recommended in all cases when a woman needs to increase her hormone levels.
Attention! There are a great many medications that contain hormones, but they cannot be used without permission under any circumstances, as this can lead to the most dire consequences, including oncology. Also, hormonal medications are taken according to a specific regimen, which is prescribed by the doctor to each patient individually.
Estrogen can not only be consumed in pill form. To make it easier to take, it is also available in the form of vaginal suppositories, creams and gels for external use.
Attention! Preparations with estrogen for topical use, especially creams and gels, can be prescribed only to those women who do not have liver problems, since with this method of use, estrogens enter directly into the blood without passing through the liver.
Estrogen is the main sex hormone in women
If a woman has this hormone in sufficient quantities, then it provides a number of important things for her:
- It promotes the beauty and silkiness of skin and hair, promotes a slim and beautiful figure.
- If estrogen is in sufficient quantity in the body, then the menstrual cycle has a constant duration.
- This hormone helps to increase the size of the uterus and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
- In a healthy woman, the fat layer is distributed more evenly in the body. The hormone discussed here contributes significantly to this.
- With enough estrogen, your chances of getting pregnant increase. It also helps the mother to bear a child without any problems.
Indications for use
Thanks to phytoestrogens, it is possible to restore reproductive function, normalize hormone levels, alleviate menopause, neutralize the imbalance of female sex hormones, and also compensate for estrogen deficiency. Preparations containing phytoestrogens are prescribed not only to women who, by the will of Mother Nature, are forced to suffer from “severe” menopause. They can be recommended:
- To stabilize the condition of a patient who underwent surgery to remove the ovaries.
- With early menopause (when periods stop before the age of forty-five).
- In cases where a woman has the first signs of osteoporosis.
- If during menopause there is a circulatory disorder.
- With severe hypertension.
- When it is necessary to normalize hormonal levels, but hormone therapy cannot be used for this.
- For weight loss if weight gain occurs due to age-related changes occurring in the body.
Why is this hormone so important?
He plays one of the most important roles in a woman’s life:
- During menstruation, it ensures restoration of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.
- It is he who is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the endometrium during gestation throughout the entire pregnancy cycle.
- During pregnancy, estrogen ensures the growth of the uterus.
- This hormone coordinates the entire process of bearing a child and promotes its healthy passage.
- If we are not talking about pregnancy, then this hormone is also actively involved in ensuring the health of the female body. It ensures the process of not only lactation of the mammary glands, but also their normal functioning in general.
- The course of each menstrual cycle depends significantly on the normal level of estrogen concentration in the body.
- In the circulatory system, this substance prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
- Estrogen is actively involved in metabolic regulation processes. It has a particularly strong effect on the formation of subcutaneous fat in women and on the composition of bones. Prevents the development of osteoporosis and prevents excess weight gain.
- Estrogen prevents excessive activity of the sebaceous glands of the skin and promotes the proper development of skin and hair.
Optimal estrogen levels in women:
- The normal estrogen level for women ranges from 50 to 400 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml).
- Usually the amount of the substance is increased during the first half of the menstrual cycle.
- Decreased during the second half of this cycle.
- During pregnancy, throughout its entire duration there is an increased secretion of estrogen.
- As menopause approaches, estrogen levels drop below 100 pg/ml.
What does a lack of the female hormone estrogen lead to:
- It can cause insufficient development of not only the reproductive system in a woman, but also inhibit the development of the musculoskeletal system.
- Menstruation will be irregular, and regular pain in the lower abdomen is possible.
- If the level of this hormone is low, conceiving a child is problematic. Even if this happens, the lack of the female hormone estrogen will not be able to ensure a normal pregnancy.
Natural estrogen in herbs and other drugs
Irritability, frequent mood swings, insomnia are common symptoms of menopause. Various herbs can help reduce symptoms.
Some women experience menopause painlessly, while others require therapy. There are several ways to reduce the manifestations of menopausal syndrome:
- Hormonal synthetic drugs. They contain estrogen and other hormones in optimal proportions. This therapy allows you to achieve a quick effect and eliminate symptoms in a short time.
- Phytohormones. These preparations contain natural herbs with an estrogenic effect. Plant estrogen in its structure resembles a hormone produced by the body. In case of severe deviations or poor health, they are not able to provide full assistance, as they are characterized by low efficiency.
- Infusions and teas from medicinal herbs. They have a sedative effect: they stabilize the psycho-emotional state in women. A drink with mint or lemon balm will help relieve irritability. Herbs that increase estrogen act locally and regulate the functioning of a specific system. If you experience frequent heart palpitations, it is recommended to brew hawthorn; chamomile and oregano will help get rid of hot flashes.
The opinion that herbs are not capable of harming the body is wrong. Only a doctor can prescribe a specific plant, method of preparation, dosage, and time of administration.
Which herbs contain estrogens - female hormones?
In addition to poor health, decline in reproductive function contributes to loss of beauty, dryness and sagging skin, brittle nails and hair. Estrogen herbs for women will help not only eliminate symptoms, but also maintain appearance. Hormonal supplements do not add the amount of missing hormones, but normalize their natural production. Such components improve metabolism, stimulate the functioning of the endocrine system, and restore psychological well-being.
Rich in Estrogen:
- Angelica (angelica root) is a plant that has proven itself well for hormonal disorders; it can normalize the amount of estrogen, eliminate weakness, headaches, relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness; its individual components stimulate the functioning of the nervous system. In Tibetan medicine, the plant plays an important role in regulating female sex hormones.
- Epimedium (horny goat weed) is an effective plant hormone that enhances the sexual functions of the body; has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, improves blood circulation in the pelvic organs, and restores sexual desire.
- Sage - brewed leaves of the plant have an astringent, thermoregulatory, anti-inflammatory disinfectant effect, relieve the symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, increased sweating, relieve abdominal cramps, improve sleep.
- Borovaya uterus - it contains natural estrogens and progesterones, therefore premenstrual pain is reduced, blood circulation is normalized, the functioning of the gonads is normalized, metabolic processes are restored, a depressed state is eliminated, and the intensity of hot flashes is reduced.
Uncontrolled use of tinctures and decoctions can lead to negative consequences. Each herb has contraindications.
Symptoms of a lack of the female hormone estrogen
If the body does not produce enough estrogen, this leads to the appearance of some unpleasant symptoms:
- One of them is recurring hot flashes.
- Lack of the hormone leads to increased nervousness.
- The uterus feels very dry.
- A deficiency of this substance also affects memory. With its deficiency, she becomes very weak.
- Another symptom of estrogen deficiency is excessive sweating at night.
Although a deficiency of the hormone is harmful, an excess of it also does not contribute to a woman’s health.
- If the concentration in the body is too high, it can lead to breast cancer in some cases.
- Exacerbation of diseases of the circulatory system and heart is possible. Blood clots may occur, which pose an immediate danger to human life.
- Brain hemorrhage is possible.
- Excess of the hormone can cause gallbladder disease.
- A migraine may occur.
- In this situation, the likelihood of endometrial inflammation increases.
Symptoms
Ideally, hormone levels should be monitored throughout life, starting at puberty.
Unfortunately, many women go to the doctor only when they feel their health is deteriorating. During menopause, the state of the body must be monitored especially carefully. To do this, it is useful to know the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
Disadvantage
- Hair becomes dull and falls out.
- The breasts become flabby and small.
- Increase in body weight due to adipose tissue.
- Intestinal motility decreases and cholesterol is produced more than usual.
- Changes in blood circulation. This leads to nausea, fever, increased sweating, and pressure surges. The changes are especially noticeable in the evening and at night.
- Hormonal imbalance also affects the functioning of the thyroid gland: this causes rapid heartbeat, deep wrinkles, and dry skin.
- A group of female hormones is responsible for the correct carbohydrate metabolism. During menopause, this can lead to overweight and obesity, which in turn becomes a problem for the normal functioning of the heart.
- There are problems with the genitals: burning and itching, dryness, bleeding, decreased libido. In extreme cases, changes in hormonal levels lead to incontinence.
- Problems with the central nervous system: irritation, fatigue, depression, poor sleep, memory impairment.
- Possible breast tumors.
Excess
- Increase in body weight due to inhibited metabolic processes. Possible accumulation of toxins in the body.
- Development of PMS.
- Migraine pain.
- Unpleasant sensations and pain in the chest.
- Edema.
- Frequent vomiting, nausea.
- Skin rash.
- Diabetes.
- Tumors may develop: mastopathy, fibroids, cysts, etc.
Symptoms of low progesterone levels in women
Often, a decrease in levels of this hormone affects a woman’s well-being. In such cases, the following symptoms may be observed:
- irregular menstruation, delays;
- high intensity of discharge during menstruation;
- spotting between periods;
- problems with conception;
- early spontaneous abortions.
Some other women notice:
- unreasonable changes in body temperature;
- breast enlargement, increased sensitivity;
- excessive vaginal dryness;
- depression, apathy, drowsiness, etc.
Similar symptoms can appear 10 days before the onset of the critical days; upon completion, the symptoms disappear.
Signs of hormonal imbalance
Every woman’s body reacts differently to changes in hormone levels. But, most often, girls notice the following symptoms indicating an imbalance:
- irregular menstrual cycle;
- increased irritability and temper, sudden mood swings;
- weight gain;
- feeling tired, poor sleep;
- decreased libido;
- hair loss.
Since each woman’s body is individual, symptoms can manifest themselves in their own way.
What should nutrition be like after 50 years?
Professor Neumyvakin gives excellent recommendations on healthy eating in the video, be sure to watch and start using them - very soon you will feel positive changes in your well-being and mood.
What foods to exclude?
- Leading nutritionists advise, if possible, to remove from your diet foods containing preservatives, flavor enhancers and other chemicals that cause toxins that destroy health to accumulate in the body.
- It is recommended to minimize the consumption of foods containing cholesterol. Indeed, in the absence of female hormones, cholesterol plaques begin to actively form in the vessels, which in the future leads to strokes and heart attacks.
- Try to eat as little sausages, margarine, and fatty dairy products as possible.
- If you cannot live without eggs, it is better to cook an omelet from them.
- When preparing dishes, high-calorie mayonnaise should not be used.
- To reduce hot flashes, you need to avoid spicy and hot foods and drinks.
- To avoid hypertension, reduce your salt intake.
What should you eat?
- It is necessary to use simple foods and simple home-cooked dishes for nutrition, since the digestive system becomes weak with age.
- It is recommended to eat light, not red meat.
- Eat more fish, preferring boiled or stewed fish with the addition of aromatic herbs and ginger, which improve digestion.
- Eat seafood, especially those containing arginine - they are necessary for the good functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Your table should always have nuts rich in vitamins and natural vegetable oils, preferably flaxseed, olive, and mustard.
- Add evening primrose and black currant oils to your dishes, which are sources of unique gamma-linolenic acid, which neutralizes the effects of prostaglandins and relieves menopausal symptoms.
- Eat blueberries in large quantities, they have a positive effect on the nervous system and protect your eyesight. Fortunately, now the berry is not in short supply and is sold frozen in stores.
Reduce your sugar intake
Regular consumption of this product in large quantities is a direct path to diabetes, coronary heart disease, gastrointestinal diseases and other health complications. Therefore, it makes sense to make an attempt to limit the amount of sugar in your diet.
Replace it with birch sugar xylitol, a natural plant-based sweetener that looks and tastes like regular white sugar. Therefore, if you can’t imagine coffee or tea without added sugar, start adding xylitol, which does not negatively affect your health, has a bactericidal effect, supports the immune system, and contains much fewer calories.
Learn to read labels. Choosing healthy foods can be a fairly simple process if you pay attention to what's in the foods you buy. Look for hidden forms of sugar on labels, they are hidden under the words:
- honey;
- sugar;
- syrup;
- barley malt;
- Brown sugar;
- cane sugar;
- corn sweetener;
- corn syrup;
- agave syrup;
- sucrose;
- lactose;
- fructose;
- glucose;
- dextrose;
- maltose;
- galactose;
- grape sugar.
To maintain your figure, stop consuming unhealthy treats and give preference to marmalade or marshmallows. Keep in mind that sweets, carbonated drinks and caffeine remove calcium from the body, accelerating the onset of osteoporosis. So, dear ladies, you should remember to have a sense of moderation in such food.
How to make drinks without sugar?
After all, why not switch from a healthy variety of drinks to using only pure water? Squeeze juices, make cocktails and lemonades. You can add pieces of fruit to regular water, which will give it a new taste.
Homemade cocktails are a great alternative. How to make homemade cocktails? It is enough to squeeze out a few of your favorite fruits, adding fresh green leaves of spinach or kale to them. Such drinks, distinguished by their richness of taste, will provide your body with many valuable components and satisfy your thirst and desire for sweets.
Thyroxine
This “slimness hormone” is synthesized directly in the thyroid gland, and, therefore, is necessary for the proper functioning of this organ. In addition, thyroxine is one of the main participants in the metabolic process.
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The benefits of thyroxine
- Stimulating the growth and development of the body.
- Increased blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
- Acceleration of metabolism.
- Providing energy to the brain, heart and lungs.
- Prevention of hypothyroidism.
- Promoting weight loss.
- Reduced blood cholesterol.
Excess thyroxine leads to significant weight loss (even anorexia), heart rhythm disturbances, poor attention and insomnia.
What foods contain thyroxine?
The production of thyroxine depends on the iodine content in the thyroid gland.
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Therefore, to increase the content of this hormone in the body, it is necessary to consume iodine-containing products, the main of which are:
- seaweed;
- fish;
- iodized salt;
- milk;
- eggs;
- mineral water.
In addition, it is recommended to include fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, celery and lemons in your diet. These products accelerate the elimination of toxins from the body that interfere with the normal synthesis of all thyroid hormones.
How hormones are produced
Hormone production is a complex and multifactorial process. It involves endocrine glands, special tissue cells, the brain, and the nervous system. The highly active biological substances themselves are produced in glands or special cells. Then they bind to proteins and thus enter the body through the blood or lymph.
In order for the hormone to enter the blood, it must be removed from the site of formation. This means that the body must have special substances that extract and transport hormones to organs and tissues. This is why, for example, the amount of iodine in the body is so important. Without iodine, thyroxine is not absorbed into the blood.
Nerve impulses entering the glands regulate the secretion process. Signals are sent to reduce or increase blood supply and vascular tone, which affects the amount of hormone received.
An even more complex control system is carried out by the brain, which produces special substances that are like hormones for the hormones themselves.
The process of producing “regulators” is cyclical and determined by strict biorhythms. The glands supply them in microdoses, in small batches. One batch is consumed, excreted through the kidneys, skin, breathing or gastric juice, and then the next one arrives.
In order for a hormone to affect an organ or tissue, a special signal receiver is needed - a receptor. Through it, cells receive commands and begin to act. Therefore, if, for example, the thyroid gland is not working well, there is no command for fat oxidation - metabolism slows down. The sensitivity and number of receptors are determined genetically.
Serotonin
It is not without reason that serotonin is called the “pleasure hormone,” because a person’s ability to enjoy life depends on it. And all because the maximum concentration of this hormone is observed in the nervous tissue, as well as in the human brain. At the same time, about 95 percent of serotonin is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract and in platelets.
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Interesting fact!
About 10 mg of serotonin constantly circulates in the human body.
Interesting fact!
Serotonin is synthesized from an amino acid called tryptophan, and its production requires sunlight (this explains the fact that on sunny, clear days, mood improves, but in the fall and winter, on the contrary, it worsens, which often leads to depression).
Benefits of Serotonin
- Regulation of blood pressure.
- Participation in renal filtration.
- Fighting depression.
- Increased performance and overall tone.
- Participation in the regulation of memory, sleep, appetite, as well as behavioral and emotional reactions.
- Maintaining normal body temperature.
- Promoting the formation of breast milk.
- Normalization of blood clotting.
- Stimulation of smooth muscles of blood vessels, intestines, and respiratory tract.
- Strengthening intestinal motility.
- Reducing the daily amount of urine.
Important!
A deficiency of serotonin can lead to the development of intestinal obstruction, while an excess of this hormone has a depressing effect on the functioning of the reproductive system.
Interesting fact!
A decrease in serotonin increases the sensitivity of the body's pain system, as a result of which any (even minor) irritation causes severe pain.
What foods contain serotonin?
Serotonin is not found in foods, but some foods can significantly increase its production.
© Olena Rudo
The easiest way to increase the level of serotonin in the blood is to eat simple carbohydrates, which are found in large quantities in sweets:
- honey;
- cookie;
- sweets;
- baking;
- white bread.
Excellent stimulators of serotonin production are foods containing tryptophan, folic acid, magnesium and B vitamins:
- hard cheese;
- processed cheese;
- eggs;
- lentils;
- lean meat;
- liver;
- oatmeal;
- lettuce leaves;
- yeast;
- pumpkin;
- bananas;
- melon;
- seaweed;
- oranges;
- dates;
- prunes;
- dried apricots;
- bran;
- brown rice;
- pineapples;
- oyster mushrooms;
- beans;
- cottage cheese;
- millet;
- buckwheat;
- seafood;
- fish;
- spinach;
- apples;
- mango;
- strawberry;
- tomatoes;
- blueberry;
- nuts.
Black coffee, ice cream and chocolate improve your mood, but you should remember to consume these three foods in moderation.
Important!
The pleasure hormone is produced more intensely when a person leads an active lifestyle, that is, goes to the gym, dances, or simply walks daily. However, you shouldn’t forget about proper rest either.
Melatonin
Melatonin, also called the “sleep hormone,” regulates human circadian rhythms.
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Important!
To produce melatonin, tryptophan is necessary (more about this acid can be found in the article “Amino acids and peptides: benefits and content in foods”), which is transformed into serotonin in sunlight, and serotonin is converted into melatonin at night. Thus, it is important to spend at least half an hour or an hour outside every day, and during daylight hours.
This hormone performs a number of other functions, including:
- energy restoration;
- protection of cells from the toxic effects of the external environment;
- slowing down the aging process;
- prevention of heart disease and the appearance of neoplasms;
- strengthening the immune system;
- stress management;
- rejuvenation of the body from the inside;
- decrease in the threshold of pleasure;
- increased threshold for pain and stress;
- regulation of blood pressure and cholesterol levels;
- maintaining the endocrine system in working order.
Interesting Facts!
- Melatonin production is inhibited by consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages, as well as by smoking.
- Stress negatively affects the functioning of the pineal gland, which produces melatonin.
- Melatonin is not produced if a person sleeps in a lit room.
- The production of melatonin is possible only with a varied diet containing carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, as well as calcium and vitamin B6.
- You can increase the production of this hormone by fasting once a week, as well as exercising for an hour.
- Melatonin cannot accumulate in the body.
Today, about 20 percent of people are deficient in melatonin, which can be replenished by eating foods that contain or promote the production of this hormone.
What foods contain melatonin?
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Products containing melatonin:
- nuts;
- bananas;
- rice;
- whole wheat bread;
- corn;
- cherry;
- cherries;
- barley;
- carrot;
- tomatoes;
- oatmeal;
- radish;
- figs;
- parsley;
- turkey meat;
- chamomile and mint (teas made from these herbs);
- milk (especially warm).
Important!
The body's production of melatonin stops when taking caffeine-containing drugs, calcium blockers, beta blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, sleeping pills, and antidepressants.
Progesterone
Progesterone is one of the most important hormones in a woman’s body, because it is what prepares the uterus and the entire body as a whole not only for conceiving a child, but also for successfully bearing it. If there is a lack of this hormone, a miscarriage may occur.
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By its chemical nature, progesterone is a steroid that is synthesized in the human body from cholesterol.
Without progesterone, the fertilized egg will not attach to the uterus (the fertilized egg will be rejected by the contracting uterus). It is thanks to progesterone that the uterus stops contracting and begins to increase in size.
It is also important that progesterone prepares the female breast for milk production.
Interesting fact!
Progesterone is also present in the male body, because this hormone is produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands.
Benefits of progesterone
- Appetite stimulation.
- Relaxation of the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract, which helps slow down the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, so that all nutrients are absorbed more fully. During pregnancy, this slowdown has a positive effect. But if the intestines are slowed down in a non-pregnant woman, she begins to feel bloated, full and constipated.
- Regulation of hormonal levels: for example, if in the second phase of the menstrual cycle there is more estrogen than progesterone, all kinds of hormonal diseases can develop.
- Preventing ovulation (for this reason, this hormone is actively used as a contraceptive).
- Normalization of the psycho-emotional state of women.
- Together with estradiol, progesterone regulates fat reserves in the body, promotes muscle growth and its rapid recovery.
What foods contain progesterone?
According to the “opinion” of modern medicine, progesterone is not contained in food products, but this is not entirely true.
© Leeser
Progesterone is present in red bell peppers, raw nuts, raspberries, avocados and olives.
In addition, foods that stimulate the production of this hormone are seeds and sunflower seeds, salmon, tuna and fish oil, not to mention foods that contain vitamins B, C and E, as well as zinc.
Important!
Progesterone from foods is well absorbed only with cholesterol contained in meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.
How to reduce male hormones in the female body
The excess of male hormones in the female body leads to very unpleasant results. Excess testosterone can cause menstrual periods to stop, but this occurs in extreme cases and requires medical intervention.
If, against the background of a normal cycle, you suspect that you have excess testosterone, use folk remedies:
- Flax seeds. Can be eaten alone or added to salads.
- Tea made from red clover heads.
- Temporarily switch to vegetarianism or consume little fat and carbohydrates.
- Sex without a condom. Use other contraceptives; the male hormone in semen activates the production of estrogen.
Thus, the appearance, psychological well-being and even character of a woman entirely depend on the hormonal background. The balance of hormones determines all processes in the body. The proper functioning of the female endocrine system during pregnancy is especially important.