The ‘H’ Factor in Women’s Lives

Hormones make up the endocrine system and are responsible for the development, growth, metabolism and reproductive functions throughout a woman’s life. Physiological changes are often caused by hormonal upheavals during the critical phases of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause to address the different needs of the body, thus affecting the quality of life.

Adverse physiological symptoms of hormonal imbalance are usually caused by variations in the progesterone and estrogen hormone levels. Depending on the level of stress, nutrition, exercise and ovulation, a woman’s body produces varying amounts of these hormones from month to month. Other factors that adversely affecting internal hormone levels include environmental pollution like household chemicals and car exhaust, hectic lifestyles, intake of birth control pills and a diet that lack nourishment.

Many women are plagued with hormone imbalances that go unrecognized and untreated. Unfortunately, the development of modern medicine only masks or suppresses the symptoms- like painkillers for PMS, period regulators or hormone replacement therapy but these do not address the root cause.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Traditional Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to address imbalance within the body. In Chinese medicine, the kidney, liver, endocrine and reproductive systems are interconnected and any deficiencies may affect other functions. Thus, nourishing these systems in a holistic combination of herbs can improve overall health and vitality and alleviate specific physiological symptoms or discomfort associated with hormonal imbalance. Some useful herbs for ladies are:

Huang Qi- Replenishes inner energy (qi) in females; aids tissue regeneration

Wang Bu Liu Xing- Commonly used to nourish breasts

Dang Gui- Regulates menstruation; helps reduce menstrual pain

Dang Shen, Dan Shen- Helps relieves blood stasis; helps increase production of hemoglobin

By nourishing the internal organs using these herbal formulations with Chinese medicine philosophy, it helps to regulate the endocrine system, resulting in enhanced feminine health and a better quality of life.