AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ESTROGENIC

Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.

Estrogenic herbs are molecules that stimulate the production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates in the development of female secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen is an anabolic steroid that has the following systemic effects:

• Increase fat storage
• Lowers body temperature
• Improves muscle strength
• Moistens tissues

Production of Estrogen

Estrogen is mainly produced in the ovaries. It is also produced in the adrenals and in fat cells. In men, smaller amounts of estrogen are produced in the testes.

Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle, and throughout a woman's life. It is highest around ovulation, lowest at menstruation, and drops after menopause. There are 3 types of estrogen, produced at different life stages

• Estradiol: Women of childbearing age (mostly in ovaries)
• Estoril: During pregnancy, main estrogen produced (mostly in placenta)
• Estrone: After menopause, only estrogen produced (adrenal glands, fatty tissue)

Estrogen Deficiency

Estrogen drops after menopause. A deficiency of estrogen creates:

• Dryness
• Weight loss
• Bone loss
• Muscle loss

Estrogen Dominance

High estrogen can disrupt menstruation (causing light or heavy periods). It can cause weight gain, and tender breasts around menses.

Estrogen and progesterone compete with each other. When estrogen is too high, symptoms of low progesterone may appear, such as reduced fertility.

Estrogen dominance is an epidemic due to exposure to xenoestrogens - chemicals in the environment that mimick estrogen.

Comparison of Estrogen and Progesterone

• Estrogen - Cold, Moist, Oily, Anabolic, Relaxes nervous system (inhibits cortisol)
• Progesterone - Hot, Dry, Metabolic, Relaxes muscles

Note: Both increase muscle mass.

Phytoestrogens

Estrogenic herbs typically contain phytoestrogens and steroidal saponins. Phytoestrogens are molecules similar to estrogen that bind to estrogen receptors in the body. However, their ability to stimulate the receptor is lower than that of human estrogens. As a result, they have an amphoteric effect - an ability to lower estrogen when it is high, and increase esteogen when estrogen is low.

When estrogen is high, phytoestrogens compete with regular estrogen for receptors, with the net effect of blocking normal human estrogen from the receptor. Since they have a less-stimulating effect on the receptor, the overall effect is lower estrogen stimulation.

When estrogen is low, phytoestrogens merely stimulate receptors which are not bound. This has the effect of increasing estrogen. Hence, the amphoteric effect.

INGREDIENTS WITH ESTROGENIC QUALITY

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HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH ESTROGENIC QUALITY

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

HELPFUL FOR*

'Estrogenic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

CONTRAINDICATIONS / AGGRAVATES / IS AGGRAVATED BY*

'Estrogenic' may aggravate, or be aggravated by, these symptoms and causes below.

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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