I’ve been talking a lot about hormones and sleep lately. This topic goes together. One thing that can affect sleep is low Progesterone. Progesterone is known as the “relaxing hormone.” Not having enough can make it hard to fall asleep at night. Low Progesterone can start to cause hot flashes and night sweats, which can then wake you in the middle of the night. Having too low of progesterone can then cause estrogen to rise, causing even more problems.
Many women have found it beneficial to take Progesterone the two weeks before their cycles to help balance out these huge fluctuations when trending toward menopause.
Here are some herbs I recommend when striving to balance my client’s hormones, particularly the lower progesterone. It’s important to note that these herbs do not contain Progesterone. (Particularly Wild Yam!) However, they can play a supportive role in the body’s hormone balance. This approach has brought hope and optimism to many of my clients on their health journey.
Chaste tree, Sarsaparilla, and Wild Yam with the Supplements Magnesium and B6. If you know your estrogen is high, then I love long infusions of Red Clover and will add a supplement that has Indol-3-Carbynol if they don’t like to eat cruciferous veggies. Eating lots of Cruciferous Veggies can be very helpful in lowering Estrogen. Cruciferous veggies are Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, Chard… etc. I also make sure each client has a bitter herb. Bitters will help support the liver, which will help support the processing of hormones, particularly excess estrogen. I will typically add Barberry to their tincture and Burdock or Dandelion Root to their Red Clover infusion.
Chaste Tree and a word of caution: if you have taken Chaste Tree before and it has made you feel depressed or have a tendency towards depression. Take B6 and B-12 for a month before adding these to your regime. I also love to have my clients take this first thing in the morning before eating. It works well this way. It can be a bit stimulating for some, and I recommend not taking it any later than dinner.
Other Cautions: If you are trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication, it’s crucial to seek professional advice. Whether from a qualified clinical herbalist, doctor, or me, your health professional, your well-being is my top priority. I’m here to provide the care and guidance you need.
Do you need support balancing hormones? This is one of my favorite things to help women with. Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbs are so beneficial! If you are having problems sleeping, have severe acne, cramps, spotting in between cycles, don’t have a cycle, have an irregular cycle, have PCOS, or are bleeding to death!
I’d love to help!
I am currently offering a “Hormone Audit.” What is that? I will send you a rather lengthy form to fill out. I will then review it and send you a personalized video and written, detailed plan of the diet and lifestyle changes that would benefit you and your situation. I will also provide herbal and supplement recommendations. My normal Herbal Consultation fee is $159. But for $49, you can get all that! A great Deal! This deal is only good through the month of July.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. I’m a Herbalist, Health and Life Coach, and holistic health educator. The ideas discussed in this blog do not constitute medical advice. No state or federal authority licenses herbalists in the United States. This blog is for educational purposes only. Your health is both your right and your responsibility. When considering any course of action, whether it’s discussed on the internet or prescribed by a physician, the final decision is always your choice.
