What areas of Women’s Health do you focus on and what are the biggest issues you see with your patients?
I see patients with a wide variety of symptoms and conditions including – period problems (irregular periods, heavy, painful periods), PCOS, endometriosis, premenstrual issues and perimenopausal and post-menopausal women.
The biggest issues are often that women are juggling so many different aspects of life including family life or career, and hence stress is one of the most important factors – often the most difficult to address! Trauma from previous events is also a significant factor that needs to be addressed, when the patient is ready. Another big issue is the impact of environmental toxins to our health and hormones.
Further, there is a connection between all the hormones (e.g. thyroid, adrenal, metabolic) and hence these symptoms are often part of other co-existing conditions - such as underactive thyroid.
As Integrative doctors, we look at the whole picture, all the hormone systems and all aspects of a woman’s life, so as to understand what is going on. There is no quick fix; and hence, an integrative approach is both warranted and ideal where so many factors are involved.
What are some of the ways women can balance their hormones naturally?
The foundation starts with optimising all the lifestyle factors –
Prioritising adequate sleep, having a balanced nutrient dense diet and adequate water intake (think Mediterranean style diet), managing work life balance and stress e.g. meditation or yoga, daily movement/exercise, getting out in nature, reducing environmental toxic load and of course, having healthy relationships with themselves, as well as family and friends. Living in alignment with our values and interest is also important in living a purposeful life.
There are many supplements available that can help in various stages of a woman’s health journey. However, this is very individual depending on the persons needs and medical history. What is good for one person may not be good for another- hence an individualised plan and seeing an appropriate practitioner.
Regular reviews with blood tests and female health checks are important, which can help to pick up something early before any symptoms have shown.
What are some of the best herbs for hormone balance?
Many herbs can be used appropriately depending on the phase in a woman’s life.
These are some of the common herbs that can be used:
Ashwagandha – this is an adaptogenic herb that can help manage stress and hence indirectly influence other hormones.
Curcumin – another fantastic herb with multiple properties including anti inflammatory, liver detoxification, cognitive health and pain relief.
Shatavari – a great commonly used ayurvedic herb that can help with a wide variety of symptoms including alleviating menopausal symptoms, increasing libido, regulating the cycle, PMS as well as helping with digestion, relieving stress and very rejuvenating and anti ageing!
Saffron – has many beneficial properties including PMS relief, easing menstrual discomfort, anti - inflammatory benefits and enhancing mood.
Black cohosh – a common herb for helping with hot flushes, sleep issues and mood swings.
Vitex- this is commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve PMS symptoms.
Rhodiola – this is also an adaptogenic herb like ashwagandha and often come together as part of adrenal formulations.
Maca- is a peruvian root vegetable and has been shown to help relieve menopausal symptoms and improve energy.
Red clover – this contains isoflavones that are similar to oestrogen and can hence help with menopausal symptoms.
Ashwagandha, Curcumin, Saffron and Black Cohosh are all herbs included in ashaya Re-Glow Perimenopause Relief powder, a daily supplement to support hormone balance in perimenopausal women and reduce common symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mild aches and pains, sleep disturbances, mild anxiety, mood imbalance and low libido.
ashaya In-Flow Period & PMS Relief also includes Ashwagandha, Curcumin, Saffron as well as Shatavari, the Ayurvedic “Queen of Herbs” traditionally used to support reproductive health and reduce premenstrual tension in women.
It is important you consult with a qualified medical practitioner like Dr Amy Gajjar before taking any supplements as they can advise what is right for you.