Integrative Health Blog

So, for some of us it might be the day before the period starts and for others the whole preceding week.  Most women know when their period is coming because things change; breasts get tender, the temperature outside fluctuates constantly, husbands become more annoying, our feet swell, thinking becomes cloudy but emotions are front and center.  These are but a few of the many PMS symptoms that can occur.  There are plenty of web sites that will offer to show you an extensive list of symptoms.  You can google “estrogen dominance symptoms” and get plenty of hits. 

Then, there are those of us who are already menopausal and have some of the same issues almost incessantly.  Plus, we have the added benefit of skin losing its luster and tone, slower reflexes, and the uncanny ability to keep 5 pounds.

Balance the Hormones

What is going on?  Why is this happening?  Basically, the level of progesterone takes a nosedive, leaving the estrogen unopposed causing estrogen dominance. When this ratio stays, estrogen dominance can become an unfortunate way of life.  Balancing the hormones is a key strategy to restore health.  There are many ways to balance hormones including; bio-identical hormone replacement, tonifying/balancing herbs, detoxification, avoidance of estrogenic chemicals in the environment, and stress management.  Balancing the estrogen and progesterone levels is only one step.  The adrenal, thyroid, and pancreatic hormones must become part of the equation.  It is rare for the endocrine system to act as separate entities.  It is a choreographed dance in which each player must do the right move or everyone is thrown off.  When is the last time you had your hormones checked?

Cathy Scoblionko NP, is a Masters prepared Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP-BC) at National Integrated Health Associates, NIHA, an integrative medicine and dental center serving the Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia metropolitan area. Her areas of specialty are  Holistic Primary Care, Preventive Health, Women's Health, Anti-aging Medicine, and Natural Therapies.