Women’s Hormones and Ayurveda Today

Modern life has made it necessary to look at hormonal disruption in females and males because
of the endemic factor being absolutely obvious. Cases of underlying endocrine aggravation are
the majority of clinical consultations. Females are especially prone even from fourteen years of
age with cycle disturbance.

Because Ayurveda doesn’t formally touch on the subject of ‘hormones’ we need to super
impose ‘The Science of Life’ over the subject of ‘disruption by chemical messages’ (hormones).

Firstly we can ask the question has nature made an error in the design of things or have
human’s over-intelligence back-fired? Has the creation of many chemicals that are hormone
imposters developed this constant pinprick to humanity.

The hormones HRT and ‘the Pill” which millions of women have blindly accepted for half a
century are not at all advantageous to the ‘estrogen dominate’ situation. One may inquire
where does that hormone laden urine breakdown? In the environment, how much is being re-
circulated? Where are the metabolised or unmetabolised hormones building up, what are the
longterm health ramifications of this splattering of synthetic hormones silently into the bodily
tissue of humanity? It is not as if anybody urinated on your kitchen table but is that where
these estrogens end up?

This chemical imbalance is not going to kill anyone, but it can disturb body weight, produce
cancer, disturb the emotions and plague the female cycle with anomalies.

The truth of the matter is, xenoestrogens (human made environmental estrogens) are a harsh
reality in the 21st century causing unlimited suffering and disease. Now medical and health
professional describe a number of diseases and cancers as estrogen dominate.

Looking at ‘The Estrogen Factor’ Hormones are chemical messengers which regulate many
essential processes in the body. Any imbalance of estrogen or progesterone or any hormone
will cause disruptions to homeostasis. However estrogen dominance appears to be the most
influenced hormone by the modern matrix of chemical insult. We should remember that the
body is a whole machine, so if estrogen is aggravated then other hormones will be displaced ie:
progesterone and testosterone levels will be affected.

Modern life presents an abundance of xeno-estrogens which are chemicals acquired from the
environment that mimic the actions of estrogen in much greater force than endogenous
estrogen. In other words xeno-estrogen are amplified estrogens, with increased powerful
actions.

This estrogen dominance causes a range of health problems in the majority of women and men
today with eighty percent of men over sixty years expected to have prostate irregularities.
Primarily, considered an estrogen receptor problem disturbing the testosterone. It is well
known that these hormones are growth factors.

80% of men with prostate problems that deserves a Royal Commission!

1
 Women are subjected to a multitude of ailments from breast cancer, dysfunctional cycles, PMS,
mood swings, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic pain, cystic breasts,
menopause, cervical dysphasia, hormonal based headaches, infertility, thyroid and adrenal
exhaustion, herpes, UTI and interstitial cystitis.

Where are Xeno-estrogens found?

<  Paraben or phenoxyethanol which are preservatives used in the beauty

industry. These are found in the majority of shampoos, skin care, skin lotions, sunscreens,
cosmetics, fragrances, deodorants and shampoos.

<  Pesticides and herbicides used to grow conventional vegetables.

 Commercially grown meat and animal products often contain hormones which
are usedto accelerate growth.

<  Plastic in drink bottles, food containers (including tinned) and cling wrap
when subjected to heat or sunshine.

<  The pill and HRT (synthetic hormones.)

The short answer is to go as organic and “green” as you can, as any item non-
organic may aggravate estrogen.

< Caffeine increases estradiol levels, moderate use is recommended.

Estrogenic Chemicals

* 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)* butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA

(food preservative)* atrazine (weedkiller)* bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic
and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)* dieldrin (insecticide)* DDT (insecticide)*
endosulfan (insecticide)* erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3* heptachlor (insecticide)* lindane /
hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide)* methoxychlor (insecticide)* nonylphenol and derivatives
(industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents;
pesticides)* polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)*
parabens (lotions)* phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)* phthalates (plasticizers)o DEHP
(plasticizer for PVC)

< Endogenous – Hormones from inside

< Stress plays an important role in estrogen metabolism because estrogen is also
produced via the influence of the adrenal glands which are attuned to our subjective stress
levels.

< Ovaries also produce estrogen and respond to stress and high blood sugars.
PCOS is directly related to insulin resistance.

2
< Excess weight and high blood sugars can affect the amount of estrogen
produced and stored by the body. The result is often high estrogen levels, which set the scene
for endocrine imbalance.

! Gut and Bowel Bacteria to Regulate Estrogen

< A modern diet devoid of sufficient good bacteria does not foster optimal bowel
health. A good bacterial environment in the bowel is very important when clearing excess
estrogen from the body, 50% of estrogens are excreted via the bowel and 50% via the liver. If
this is compromised, the body re-circulates estrogens back into the system rather than
excreting them. A build up of estrogens taxes the liver, and causes a myriad of difficulties.
Therefore a spoon of organic yoghurt with no added milk solids with pippali or salt and pepper
are excellent with meals as a general observation to foster a favourable bowel.

Too Much Estrogen Can Mess with Your Weight and Health

A female should have an estradiol + estrone: progesterone ratio between 10:1 and 14:1; in a
clinical situation the reading can be 635:1.

Hormone Saliva Test

A hormone saliva test is an excellent idea to ascertain the hormonal patterns and aid in putting
in place preventative plans. Many food and herbal substances (stronger foods) can be used to
correct the hormonal imbalance.

Results of High Estrogen

Estrogen may increase the risk of high blood pressure, ovarian cysts, endometriosis,
depression, PMS, and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. It also plays a role in fibrocystic
breast changes. Also—muscle aches, PMS, dense breasts, and occasional mild depression— are
common

< Symptoms range from moods swings to painful cycles, ovulation pain to infertility, no
menstrual cycle to many cycles and cystic breasts to breast cancer. Endometriosis, ovarian
cysts, cervical dysplasia can also result from estrogen dominance. Also unregulated prostate
growth in men.

Although scientific literature, saliva testing and epidemiology support this conclusion. It seems
quite fascinating that society seems unaware of the Estrogen Factor!

Either we may be a civilization of ostriches or blind group despite having two eyes.

Estrogen as Carcinogenic

To expand further, the International Hormone Conference 2006 saw Eldred Taylor MD Ob/Gyn

3
 point out that estrogen in a sense can be considered a carcinogenic substance and a growth
factor. This is not difficult to understand after observing how estrogen behaves in the body.

HRT Increases Cancer

When the Women’s  Health  Initiative  (WHI) 2000 review revealed the dangers of Hormone
Replacement Therapy (HRT), 60% of Australia women stopped taking HRT. A retrospective
study found that breast cancer dropped, bucking the general upwards trend. In actuality there
was a fall of 600 breast cancers in the 2 year period after this 60% decline in HRT
prescriptions.

Less HRT = Less Cancer

THE FACT: A decrease of 600 less breast cancers in a two year period in Australia came after a
decrease in HRT use!

http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/188_11_020608/can11176_fm.pdf

Have you read this most important information in your newspapers, which are excellent to line
the bottom of the Cocky’s cage.

Men’s Health being Afflicted

Excess estrogen is also a problem for men. Xeno-estrogens affect the testosterone balance
causing problems such as prostate pathologies, erectile dysfunction, infertility and
Gynecomastia (man boobs). Also male breast cancer is rising at an alarming rate.

Five factors In balancing hormones the following need to be considered:

(Of course the pill and HRT are not required for hormone balance!)

1. Blood sugars and wholesome diet

2. Stress and the adrenals

3. Digestion and nutrition, gut flora

4. Chemical pollution and xeno-estrogens exposure

4
5. Liver function, the level of detoxification

1. Blood sugars and diet

To gain a logical and broad concept of carbohydrates, read the free booklet Safe and Unsafe
Carbohydrates www.eumundimedicineman.com

Eat fresh whole grains, which naturally balance blood sugars and foster bowel health because
of full fibre, fresh oils, anti-oxidants and protein. All modern grain foods including so-called
heavy breads like multi-grain are part and reduced fibre, increased starch, rancid oils,
denatured protein and reduced anti-oxidants. This loss is due to the industrialization of the
food chain.

High blood sugars are related to a myriad of disorders, stressing the pancreas, liver and
adrenals. Safe carbohydrates are the simple remedy, for chronic conditions bitter melon is
taken with meals and at bedtime and noticeably reduces sugar highs in the morning.
Gulochyadi liquid is given to decrease blood sugars, increase insulin sensitivity and decrease
the acid load on the liver and kidneys. Haridramalaki is simply turmeric and Indian goose
berry juice tablets which makes a powerful anti-oxidant with high vitamin C. Just how it helps
in blood sugars may be a mystery but it is easily understood by persons who are insulin
dependent to decrease their insulin needs. This is excellent because of being extremely safe and
also hyper-insulinemia is injurious to organs as is high blood sugars.

2. Stress and the adrenals

Stress can turn our world upside down and roll it in the dust. Stress although an unmanifested
substance which is difficult to quantify has such far reaching effects on organs and health it is
nothing short of astonishing. Controlling stress is easy to say but harder to achieve, the best
remedy is philosophy and selfishness. The Western world tends towards a false sacrifice on the
alter of work, family and friends but in the end one is left with loneliness which breeds
bitterness. Therefore selfishness or self preservation is not condemned here because even you
do great selfless work you still require a self to give.

For philosophy consider Bhagavad Gita As It Is and Seneca On the Shortness of Life. Nurture
yourself with regular wholesome meals and digestive drinks. Ayurveda has a list of daily
routines which are nurturing and strengthening like self massage with black sesame oil.

Arctic Rose can be used when needed for strength and adrenal support. Avoid blasting the
adrenals out of the picture with more than one cup of coffee per day. If you do like coffee very
much chew cardamom pods which regulate caffeine. Asvagandharistahma is a fine adrenal
tonic when adrenal regulation and a lift is needed and licorice tea doubles the half life of
adrenal hormone cortisol. The most amazing thing according to Dr Jaiprakash Dahiya in his
booklet, ‘Potentials in Ayurveda’, Tulasi or Holy Basil is the top anti-oxidant found by science,
so a little Tulasi leaf can be used with the licorice for an all round tonic.

5
3. Digestion and nutrition

If our four billions cells are stressed and in starvation mode it is unlikely we will feel peaceful
and content. We may be taking all good supplements but are we digesting them? Digestion is
the key in Ayurveda because that how our tissue is nourished and the channels keep clear.

Therefore work on improving your digestion and evacuating every morning before breakfast.

Chiruvilwadi is an agni deepan or the lighter of the digestive fire and channel cleanser which is
taken one to two hours before meals. Nicely balanced Chiruvilwadi is surprisingly not spicy
hot being tridoshic not disturbing any dosha.

Take daily Yoghurt for good bacteria!Eat a small spoon of natural yogurt with all savoury meals.
This aids good bacteria in the gut and bowel. We recommend Paris Creek Yoghurt as it doesn’t
contain added milk solids. These milk solids are added as a filler to the majority of yoghurts on
the market and make them very heavy on digestion. Expensive probiotics are not generally
required, a dollop of yogurt will do the same job if not better!

Try a simple yet profound concept, drink warm or hot water. This cleanses the channels, is in
harmony with the stomach and inspires efficient digestion. Eat to digest. Read The Complete
Ayurvedic Cookbook www.eumundimedicineman.com for menu ideas and inspiration. Also
read Agni, ‘The Power of Digestion’ in the Ayurvedic Booklet.

Raw food is only good if your fire of digestion can metabolise it fully. Cook to digest and eat
according to your digestive capacity. Take digestive aids astha churna in a little yoghurt with
meals, ghee and spices. Take lohasavam after meals if iron is low or with meals take apple
cider vinegar in hot water both will improve digestion. For digestion take pippalayasavam
after meals in a little hot water. Get those bowels rocking and rolling with triphala,
gandarvasadi, thrivruth or dasamoola lehyam. Triphala is excellent and is not a cheap trick
like a laxative and can be safely taken long-term.

4. Chemical pollution and xeno-estrogens

We live in a time of sublime pollution, there is no escape. But the bottom line is these pollutants
which are all pervasive are hormone imposters. (David Suzuki first coined this term) They are
taken by the body to be estrogen, actually a powerful estrogen hundreds of times stronger than
endogenous estrogen. These hormone imposters are born from chemicals. The Best idea is to
avoid exposure as much as possible and use herbal preparations to aid the body.

< Shatavari occupies estrogen receptors and behaves as a mild estrogen thus
blocking the imposter. Gulochyadi is an anti-dote and a grand liver, kidney and immune tonic
which will aid the body cope with modern polluted times. If estrogen is through the roof then
ELC, Estrogen Liver Complex with DIM is recommended. The liver always needs some help
especially when we consider how phytonutrients which assist the liver to detoxify, have
disappeared from the modern diet. Also cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli
help lower estrogen. The hormone generally lowered by all this imposter activity is
progesterone, Progesterone metabolism or Pro-Chaste tree to start the day helps establish

6
 pituitary ovarian hypothalamic balance and normalize progesterone levels. Vitex or Chastetree
is possibly the most important herbal supplement for the modern person due the devilish
works of modern humanity. Progesterone levels are heavily taxed by excess estrogens so
according to symptoms and a saliva test (if required) we often suggest Progesterone
Metabolism or Pro Chaste Tree (stronger). These medicines have an effect on the
hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis to naturally increase progesterone and decrease prolactin.
High prolactin is generally implicated with endocrine imbalance. Sleep can also be improved if
it is related to low melatonin levels. Depending on symptoms and a saliva test the remedy and
dose are selected.

The following article from Pubmed supports Vitex (AC)

< Phytomedicine. 2003 May;10(4):348-57.

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)--pharmacology and clinical indications.

Wuttke W, Jarry H, Christoffel V, Spengler B, Seidlová -Wuttke D.
Source
Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Gö ttingen, Germany.
ufkendo@med.uni-goettingen.de
Abstract
Extracts of the fruits of chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus = AC) are widely used to treat
premenstrual symptoms. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies indicate that one of the most
common premenstrual symptoms, i.e. premenstrual mastodynia (mastalgia) is beneficially
influenced by an AC extract. In addition, numerous less rigidly controlled studies indicate that
AC extracts have also beneficial effects on other psychic and somatic symptoms of the PMS.
Premenstrual mastodynia is most likely due to a latent hyperprolactinemia, i.e. patients release
more than physiologic amounts of prolactin in response to stressful situations and during deep
sleep phases which appear to stimulate the mammary gland. Premenstrually this
unphysiological prolactin release is so high that the serum prolactin levels often approach
heights which are misinterpreted as prolactinomas. Since AC extracts were shown to have
beneficial effects on premenstrual mastodynia serum prolactin levels in such patients were also
studied in one double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Serum prolactin levels were
indeed reduced in the patients treated with the extract. The search for the prolactin-
suppressive principle(s) yielded a number of compounds with dopaminergic properties: they
bound to recombinant DA2-receptor protein and suppressed prolactin release from cultivated
lactotrophs as well as in animal experiments. The search for the chemical identity of the
dopaminergic compounds resulted in isolation of a number of diterpenes of which some
clerodadienols were most important for the prolactin-suppressive effects. They were almost
identical in their prolactin-suppressive properties than dopamine itself. Hence, it is concluded
that dopaminergic compounds present in Vitex agnus castus are clinically the important
compounds which improve premenstrual mastodynia and possibly also other symptoms of the
premenstrual syndrome.
< PMID: 12809367 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7
<

5. Liver function

The lover, I mean liver plays a major role, so balance those blood sugars, regulate stress, have a
wholesome nutritious diet, evacuate before breakfast, drink warm or hot water, avoid
chemicals and plastic, take the shelter of herbal energetics and above all laugh.

As mentioned gulochyadi is a safe effective all round liver tonic but if the liver is fatty and slow
Vilwadi lehyam is used. If there is major heat vasagulochyadi is used.

< Estrogen Liver Complex with DIM and herbs for liver function aids in Phase 1
and Phase 2 of liver detoxification and is targeted with improving the excretion of excess
estrogens. For an in depth study of the topic we recommend reading Botanical Medicine and
Women’s Health by Aviva Romm.

In summary; A baseline saliva hormone test is essential to gain a hormonal picture and
knowledge of the level of herbal help each individual requires. Tell your doctor or health
professional to contact Healthscope functional testing for details.

When appropriate, consider herbal substances which are known to aid estrogen metabolism
and excretion.

< Shatavari is a famous Ayurvedic herb which is said to protect estrogen

receptors from xeno-estrogens. It is available in concentrated capsules and as a delicious
caramel jam called Shatavarigulam a great treat for those that need a positive alternative to
chocolate or processed sweets! It is possible to not experience any side effects of menopause by
use of shatavari. Sukumaram is an Ayurvedic tonic, which is translated as beautiful young
woman, it is used to treat the blood, cools hot flushes and balances the endocrine system.

< HPV or viral, fungal and bacterial implications may be associated with
unopposed estrogen levels precipitating other complications such as cervical difficulties, under
the circumstances a special Anti-viral Herbal suppository blend is used for twelve weeks,
with wholesome diet, stress control, estrogen management with liver support and blood sugar
control.

< After 12 weeks of the Anti-viral Herbal suppository blend or for maintenance
and protection from re-infection the Anti-viral Herbal Cream is used daily or once weekly.
(recommended before and after sexual contact)

< Further information:

< Botanical Medicine  and  Women’s   Health by Aviva Romm 694 pages
available from The Ayurvedic Herb Shop book shelf.

< See the DVD ‘The Nature  of  Things  Hormone  Impostors’  by  David  Suzuki

8
‘The Nature of  Things,  Hormone  Impostors’  by  David  Suzuki documentary simply shows the
level of hormone pollution in our world and that not even a lizard hiding under a rock nor a fish
or alligator are exempt from hormonal imbalance and endocrine dysfunction!