Low Estrogen Symptoms, Hot Flashes, and Vaginal Changes

 Elaine Mansfield

Encourage hormone production through healthy adrenal glands and fat cells (Yes, they're good for something!) by experimenting with these changes.  Try ones that appeal to you, not necessarily all of them.  Develop an experimental and exploratory attitude toward your changing body.

1.     Use a whole grain and vegetable based diet.

2.     Eliminate or reduce foods high in sugar.  Experiment with eliminating fruit juices.

3.     Eliminate or reduce caffeine.  Decrease intake slowly so you don't get a reaction.

4.     Eliminate or reduce alcohol intake.

5.     Use at least 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil daily and eliminate hydrogenated and deep fried fats.  Keep saturated fats to a minimum.

6.     Use foods high in phytoestrogens--cabbage family vegetables, flax seed (a heaping tablespoon freshly ground and then refrigerated or frozen), and soy products

7.     Eat frequently and don't ignore hunger.

8.     Get enough rest and take small relaxation breaks in your day.  Simple deep breathing exercises or a few yoga stretches, for example.

Hot flashes.  Try these one at a time so you can figure out what works for you.

1.     Drink lots of water

2.     Experiment with the following herbs: black cohosh, dong quai, or vitex (chasteberry)

3.     Exercise regularly

4.     Take vitamin C with bioflavenoids (especially hesperidin)

Vaginal dryness and discomfort and bladder problems.

1.     Try the herb shatavari (from India).  It rejuvenates the mucus membranes of the reproductive and urinary system and is a demulcent for dry and inflamed tissues.

2.     Take Vitamin E and Selenium (see above).

3.     Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

4.     Use Wild Yam Cream as an internal vaginal and as a sexual lubricant.

5.     Stimulate the vaginal muscles with Kegel exercises every day.

6.     Enjoy sexual stimulation.

7.     Take a comfrey root sitz bath--see directions in Susun Weed's book.

8.     Try Replens according to package instructions.

9.     Try progesterone creams.

10.  Try estriol cream if all else fails (prescription needed).

© 2005 Elaine Mansfield