Hello emporium,
I wanted to go into a topic a bit this week focusing on my ladies. We spoke about testosterone a few posts back, and now we have a women’s dedicated post. With hormone disruptions running all over the place… what does it mean for us? Our kids? Our future?
This week we are going to do a deep dive into women-supporting herbs along with some small life changes we can make because this is a commonly sought after in recent days. There is a mass exodus from the secular world and mass-produced products and people are really trying to learn how to be more self-sufficient. I want to support this!
We also don’t have the most widespread information on herbs for women and what they do like we do for men - so let’s change that a bit! Please note this may be a long one - we get into some wild details that women are put through.
This publication has not been approved by your local health department or the FDA and is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. The content provided on this publication is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this publication should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this publication are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or ailments.
What’s going on with women’s hormones?
According to the data that has been gathered, 11% of women have experienced fertility problems as well as one third of all situations where a couple has been having hardships with conceiving, they have named fertility issues with the woman.1
If you look at the CDC’s website, they note that almost 20% of married women who have not had children seem to be infertile, surpassing collected data mentioned above.
One look at some studies that they have conducted label some contraceptive dangers:
the pill increased risk of cardiovascular disease
IUDs put you in more danger of infections and ectopic pregnancy
decrease glucose tolerance
concern for cancers
associated with malignant melanoma
might accelerate appearance of gallbladder disease
stroke risks
deep vein thrombosis risks
blood clotting risks
synthetic hormones do pass to the infant in breast feeding
“Clearly, no modern method of contraception is completely free of health consequences.”2
Another study they did had women generally feeling like shit - they reported a “reduction in general wellbeing” compared to the placebo group. The study notes that they were concerned enough to label it “clinical importance!”3 Yet, we still prescribe artificial hormones to women!
We also see an increase in migraines and they even have to write us articles explaining why synthetic estrogen may cause migraines.4
Here’s another list of possible side effects:
acne
bleeding or spotting between periods
bloating
blood pressure above your usual range
depression
fatigue
feeling dizzy
fluid retention
headache
increased appetite
insomnia
melasma (dark patches on the face)
mood swings
nausea
tenderness or pain in the breasts
vomiting
weight gain
We are alerted that there are side effects to birth control and taking artificial hormones may cause some of them.5 What are the long-term effects, though? It seems like no one really talks about it.
Let’s move on to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on top of birth control and artificial hormones shoved down women's throats. There are thousands of chemicals that they use in products we use daily that can disrupt our natural hormone balance. “EDCs comprise pesticides, fungicides, industrial chemicals, plasticizers, nonylphenols, metals, pharmaceutical agents and phytoestrogens. Human exposure to EDCs mainly occurs by ingestion and to some extent by inhalation and dermal uptake.” We eat, drink, breathe, and put them on our skin. Let’s continue on. “EDCs may interfere with synthesis, action and metabolism of sex steroid hormones that in turn cause developmental and fertility problems, infertility and hormone-sensitive cancers in women and men.”6
They what?! So not only are women being given synthetic hormones in the form of birth control, but we are more likely to use skin care products and we determine a lot of the products we use at home - which our men end up being susceptible to as well.
There are many, many studies that talk about how what they prescribe us, feed us, and put in all of our products may alter our hormone function and mess with our fertility.
How can we mitigate risks?
Honestly, making your own products is the top tier way to mitigate risks which is what we encourage you to do here!
But there are a lot of things you can do:
all-natural skin care (such as tallow)
using essential oils instead of fragrances
growing your own foods or sourcing from local producers
buying small farm or local meat products
wearing quality-made clothing
spending time outside
reducing plastics and non-stick cookware in your house
reducing amount of artificial light you are exposed to daily (especially in the evening)
avoiding overly processed foods
having indoor plants or spending time in a garden
A lot of women are also ditching hormonal contraceptives in hopes to help their endocrine systems and fertility.
Herbal actions that are women specific.
There are many actions of herbs (you can go back to that post) and I want to talk about some women specific ones.
We usually see herbs for women lumped into the term ‘emmenagogues’ but we are going to talk about a few different terms that we might hear and how to support them in regard to the female system.
What is an emmenagogue? This is the term they give herbs that are used for female reproductive health. The actual term means that it stimulates menstruation - but unfortunately has been posted on most herbs that aid women’s reproductive health. This means they slapped a label of ‘do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding’ on herbs that are generally considered safe to deter you.
Uterine tonics - these are herbs that can help the female reproductive system as a whole system. They provide support to women specifically.
Uterine stimulants - these are herbs that can stimulate the muscles of the uterus. These are usually things we can take to help prepare and ease labor for pregnant women and should be avoided during the pregnancy to avoid premature birth.
Hormone balance - these herbs help support the female endocrine system to help you come back to your baseline to keep your body rockin’ and rollin’ as it should.
Reproductive system support - these can be secondary actions that provide a support to you as a whole. They can be fertility aids, pregnancy health support, or tonics to your system.
Low libido support - these are herbs that can help you when you experience sexual dysfunction as a woman.
Dysmenorrhea (cramps) support - these are herbs that can help you when you experience pain during periods.
Amenorrhea support - these are herbs that can support you when you experience no periods. This happens for a lot of reasons and should be used in conjunction with assessing your nutrition patterns.
Menorrhagia (abnormal or excessive bleeding) support - these can help support you when you experience heavier periods.
PMS support - these are herbs that support you experiencing the regular symptoms of PMS. This could be mood, pain, fatigue, bloating, bathroom issues, and more. A lot of symptoms are in this term and there are many herbs that may support you during PMS.
As you can see, women’s health is relatively complicated! We need specifics, and there are many things we can do to support our health in a more easy-to-read fashion. We should know, as the women who came before us, what can help with specific issues.
Herbs that can support us.
This is not a comprehensive list and not one herb works the same for everyone. I encourage you to see what works best for you and always consult with your doctor/healthcare professional if you are taking any medications to prevent interactions.
Red Raspberry Leaf
a uterine tonic, hormone balancer, libido support, reproductive system support, and nutritive herb.
traditionally used to strengthen the uterus and aid in baby delivery.
is a great aid in postpartum to help restore your system after baby.
has been used historically to help with lactation.
provides nutrients women may be lacking like iron.
has been generally considered safe to consume while pregnant, but always consult your provider.
Hibiscus
PMS support, menorrhagia support, fertility support, hormone balance.
has been used for women who experience heavy bleeding.
exercise caution if pregnant - although most women have not had issues you should consult with a doctor.
Nettle
PMS support, menorrhagia support, menopausal transition support, galactagogue, reproductive system support, hormonal balance
traditionally used during pregnancy and post-partum for its nutritive qualities
promotes hormone balance as a woman.
caution should be taken if you are on anticoagulants or are diabetic - seek professional guidance with these situations.
Red Clover
is traditionally used for menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, anxiety, and depression.
promotes hormone balance (estrogen)
may offer cardiovascular health benefits.
Safety: should be used with caution if you have heavy menstrual bleeding.
Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex)
hormone balance, galactagogue, reproductive system support, aphrodisiac, amenorrhea support
traditionally used as a libido enhancer due to hormone balancing support
promotes fertility (has been studied to help!)
is a common ingredient in supplements tailored to women’s health and fertility.
hit or miss on helping menopausal symptoms.
may be a PMS support.
mainly an estrogen and progesterone supporting herb.
no advice for safety precautions but consult with a professional prior to supplementing if current hormonal issues are a concern.
Fenugreek
galactagogue, dysmenorrhea support, libido support, hormone balance, reproductive system support
traditionally used to support women’s health as a whole, especially those needing lactation support in milk production tea blends.
has been used to support natural estrogen balance.
hypoglycemics, pregnant women, and those on anticoagulants should seek professional advice on dosage if you’re wanting to supplement.
Rosemary
PMS support, dysmenorrhea support, reproductive system support, uterine tonic
has been used internally and externally (as an essential oil) to help with painful cramps.
has been used to help ‘restore’ the system and can provide overall support.
pregnant or breastfeeding can use the herb in culinary flavoring but should avoid the tea or essential oil. Consult a professional if wanting to consume or use.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
hormonal balance, menstrual disorder support, libido support, fertility support, reproductive system support
can help your body adapt to stress (adaptogen) and aid in hormonal normalization.
has been used for painful, heavy, and uncomfortable periods.
as an immune booster, it may help you prevent female infections.
may not be safe during pregnancy, can aid in elimination of medications, and has a blood thinning effect - consult your healthcare professional before supplementing if these apply to you.
Alfalfa
galactagogue, hormone balance, female reproductive system support, uterine tonic, pregnancy support, amenorrhea support
has been traditionally used to aid in a healthy pregnancy and post-partum experience.
can help support you during loss of your period.
excessive use can create side effects, those with autoimmune issues should seek professional guidance or avoid, and those taking anticoagulants should avoid. If you are currently pregnant and want to take alfalfa, get clearance from your medical professional.
Oatstraw
menopausal support, reproductive system support, libido support, uterine tonic
has been taken traditionally to support the woman as a whole from period relief to menopausal support.
Can be a great herb to take for a supportive environment during and after pregnancy.
if you are someone with celiac, be cautious as your oats may be processed in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients.
Anise
dysmenorrhea support, galactagogue, menopausal support, libido support, hormone balance
has been predominantly used as a lactation support to create a quality milk supply.
can be used to support painful or heavy menstruation.
can be used as a menopausal support to help balance hormones.
avoid if you have hypertension and/or are taking medication related to blood pressure.
Passionflower
menopausal support, hormone support, dysmenorrhea support
FDA has regarded this a safe herb to take.
may ease physical pain post miscarriage.
commonly taken to ease menopausal symptoms and pain during menstruation.
there does not seem to be a warning against taking during pregnancy or breast feeding.
contraindications exist with MAOIs and extremely high doses may induce vomiting.
There are so many amazing herbs to take and many people have different experiences with them. So what works for me may not work for you and vice versa.
I wanted to provide you with some starting information to begin your natural living journey to support yourself as the wonderful woman that you are!
Did you like today’s article?
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/common
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235069/
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(17)30247-9/fulltext
https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/birth-control-and-migraines
https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-side-effects#side-effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31792807/