HERBAL MEDICINE FOR LOW LEVELS OF ESTROGEN IN POST MENOPAUSE

 

Stoppage of periods or the end of menstrual cycles is called menopause. There is one myth in India regarding the early occurrence of menarche and late occurrence of menarche. If the menstrual cycle starts in the year of 10 then the menopause will occur as early as possible, if the menarche starts after 17 years the menopause will occur as late as possible. This apart, now let’s see some of the symptoms of menopause.

Symptoms of menopause

*Irregular periods

*vaginal dryness

*hot flashes

*chills

*night sweats

*sleep problems

*mood changes

*weight gain and slowed metabolism

*thinning hair and skin dryness

*loss of breast fullness

Most of the symptoms are due to the hormone fluctuation during the menopausal stage, the decrease in the levels of estrogen is the main cause for these symptoms. Now lets see some of the risk factors of low levels of estrogen.

RISK FACTORS OF LOW LEVELS OF ESTROGEN

*heart and blood vessel disease

*osteoporosis

*urinary incontinence

*sexual dysfunction

*weight gain

Increase in the blood cs, diabetes cholesterol levels inturn increase the deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels resulting in atherosclerosis and other major cardiovascular diseases. The calcium absorption by the intestine is lowered in the low levels of estrogen resulting in a bone disease called osteoporosis. The relaxation of the vaginal and muscles of urethra results in urinary incontinence. The dryness of vagina due to the low levels of estrogen results in sexual dysfunction. And low metabolic process leads to increase in the weight gain.

                                                                                                    Recent treatment for low levels of estrogen is prescription of estrogen supplements in provided dosage but it has lots of side effects like abdominal pain, mainly due to abdominal bloating, myalgia, sleepiness, allergy. Estrogen supplements also increases the risk of breast cancer, vaginal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia which results in abnormal growth of tumours in uterus, also abnormally increases the cholesterol levels of blood, increase risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormone dependant tumour, weight loss, skin related disorders, decreased brain cognitive function

                                                                               It is also not recommended in pregnancy, also disrupting endocrine may affect fertility. Stoppage of the estrogen supplements results in the return of menopausal symptoms, increase in blood pressure, high risk of heart attack. The oral supplements of estrogen results in disrupted organisation of female HPG axis, results in irregular menstrual cycle, premature puberty and malformation in ovary , uterus, and oviduct following neonatal administration.

                                                                                     The alternative treatment for estrogen supplements is phytoestrogens at the dosage of 60 mg but the available supplemental dosage is 500 mg, when taken the side effects are enlargement of breast, but reduces the risk of cancer. The phytoestrogens contains chemical constituents like isoflavones, coumestans, lignans. Isoflavones are abundantly found in soy, chickpeas, clover, lentils, and beans. Lignans are found abuntantly in flaxseeds, lentils, whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables. Coumestans are found in sprouting plants, flavonones, saponins, etc., Apart from this food herbs like black and blue cohosh, evening primrose oil, chaste berry, licorice, and vit e increases the levels of estrogen.Also the antioxidants present in these substance reduces the risk of cancer, decreases blood cholesterol levels, decreases menopausal symptoms, reduces the risk of cancer, reduces the risk of osteoporosis and increases sexual enjoyment.