12 natural ways to boost oestrogen in your body

Oestrogen and progesterone are two major sex hormones in the human body. Estrogen is the hormone responsible for sex characteristics and reproductive abilities in women. Progesterone is the hormone that plays a supporting role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

When you have low levels of oestrogen and progesterone, such as during menopause, it can negatively affect your mood, sexual desire, bone health, and more.

In this article, we will explore 12 ways to naturally boost oestrogen in your body, as well as when it’s time to see a doctor for low oestrogen. Many of these remedies either directly support the creation of oestrogen or replicate the activity of oestrogen in the body.

Food

1. Soybeans

Soybeans and the products produced from them, such as tofu and miso, are a great source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens mimic oestrogen in the body by binding to oestrogen receptors.

In one study on soy and those with breast cancer, researchers found that a higher soy intake was linked to a lower risk of breast cancer death. This may be due to the oestrogen-like benefits of phytoestrogens.

2. Flax seeds

Flax seeds also contain high amounts of phytoestrogens. The primary phytoestrogens in flax are called lignans, which are beneficial in oestrogen metabolism.

One animal from 2017 demonstrated that a flaxseed-rich diet was able to reduce ovarian cancer severity and frequency in hens. More human research is still needed.

3. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are another dietary source of phytoestrogens. Another animal study from 2014 investigated the impact of soybean and sesame oils on rats with oestrogen deficiency.

The researchers found that a 2-month diet supplemented with these oils was able to improve bone health markers. This research suggests a positive oestrogen-like effect of both sesame and soy seeds, although further human research is needed.

Vitamins and minerals

4. B vitamins

B vitamins play an important role in the creation and activation of oestrogen in the body. Low levels of these vitamins can lead to reduced levels of oestrogen.

In one researchers compared levels of certain B vitamins to breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. Results indicated that higher levels of vitamins B-2 and B-6 were associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, which may be due to the impact of these vitamins on oestrogen metabolism.

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D functions as a hormone in the body, both vitamin D and oestrogen work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The link between these hormones is due to the role that vitamin D plays in oestrogen synthesis. This indicates a potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in low oestrogen levels.

6. Boron

Boron is a trace mineral that has a variety of roles in the body. It’s been researched for its positive benefits on reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Boron is also necessary for the metabolism of the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen.

Researchers believe that boron influences oestrogen receptors by allowing the body to more easily use the oestrogen available.

7. DHEA

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a naturally occurring hormone that can be converted to oestrogen and testosterone. Within the body, DHEA is first converted to androgens and then further converted to oestrogens.

Herbal supplements

8. Black cohosh

Black cohosh is a traditional Native American herb that has historically been used to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause and menstrual issues.

Researchers believe that black cohosh also contains certain compounds that stimulate oestrogen receptors. Although more research is still needed, this may suggest a possible benefit of black cohosh supplements when oestrogen is low.

9. Chasteberry

Chasteberry is a traditional herbal treatment that is most well-known for its use in gynaecological conditions, such as PMS.

In one study, researchers reviewed the available literature for the Vitex species, which includes chasteberry. They found that it was able to exhibit estrogenic effects at the dosages of 0.6 and 1.2 grams/kilogram of body weight.

These benefits most likely come from a phytoestrogen in chasteberry called apigenin.

10. Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a traditional herbal remedy that contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, making it a popular supplement for conditions such as PMS and menopause. There’s very little recent research on the benefits of evening primrose oil for oestrogen.

However, one study found that of over 2,200 women that used EPO after discontinuing hormone replacement therapy, 889 reported EPO as useful for controlling the symptoms of low oestrogen with menopause.

11. Red clover

Red clover is an herbal supplement that contains a handful of plant compounds called isoflavones that may act like oestrogen in the body. These isoflavones include:

biochanin A

formononetin

genistein

daidzein

One review study examined the impact of red clover on hot flashes and hormone levels in women. The researchers found four studies that showed a significant increase in oestrogen levels with red clover supplements.

12. Dong quai

Dong quai is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly taken for the symptoms of menopause. Like the other herbal supplements above, dong quai contains compounds that function as phytoestrogens.

In one study, researchers examined the possible estrogenic compounds in 17 popular herbal supplements. They found two possible compounds in dong quai that exhibit estrogenic activity.

Ways to boost progesterone naturally

In many cases, if you have low oestrogen you might also have low progesterone. This is especially common during menopause when most of the female hormones drop drastically.

Progesterone is most commonly boosted through creams and medications, but some may prefer a more natural approach.

One possible way to boost progesterone is through herbal supplements. One study found that chasteberry was able to raise mid-cycle progesterone levels.

However, not all herbal supplements are effective for boosting progesterone. Another study found that multiple Chinese herbal medicine supplements lowered progesterone levels.

A better way to naturally raise progesterone levels is through a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating a varied diet can provide the body with the nutrients it needs for progesterone metabolism.

This includes foods such as cruciferous vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Keeping a healthy weight, staying on a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress can help to keep hormones balanced as well.

If natural isn’t enough

Natural interventions might not be effective for everyone. Certain people are extremely sensitive to the symptoms of low oestrogen, which include:

hot flashes

mood swings

painful sex

depression

When these symptoms interfere with daily life and natural methods are not helping, there are medical treatments available.

Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for menopause. It involves replacing oestrogen and progesterone through:

shots

pills

creams

vaginal suppositories

The risks of hormone replacement therapy include an increased risk of:

blood clots

cardiovascular disease

stroke

breast cancer

Cautions

Too much oestrogen, also called oestrogen dominance, can be caused by a variety of factors. Some women naturally produce more oestrogen than progesterone. Supplementation for low oestrogen can also cause this type of hormonal imbalance.

The symptoms of high oestrogen in women include:

bloating

irregular periods

mood swings

anxiety

memory problems

Men can also experience oestrogen dominance, which presents as gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, and infertility.

If you begin to experience any of these symptoms after using natural oestrogen supplements, it may be due to too much oestrogen.

When to see a doctor

If natural remedies aren’t helping your symptoms of low oestrogen or progesterone, it may be time to visit a doctor. You can discuss other interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy.

You can also explore other dietary and lifestyle changes that may help to reduce low oestrogen symptoms.

Some herbal supplements shouldn’t be taken with other drugs, so ask your doctor before beginning these supplements if you’re on any existing medications.

If you notice any adverse side effects after beginning herbal supplements for low oestrogen, see a doctor immediately.

The bottom line

Oestrogen and progesterone are important sex hormones, especially in the female body. Low oestrogen and progesterone are generally caused by menopause or other health conditions.

Functional foods, vitamins and minerals, and herbal supplements are all-natural ways to boost oestrogen in the body.

If natural methods are not enough to boost your oestrogen levels, visit your doctor to discuss other treatment options, such as hormone replacement therapy.

Thanks to https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/how-to-increase-estrogen for information 

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