AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ESTROGENIC
Increases estrogen, helpful in menopause. Estrogen is anabolic and increases muscle growth, bone density, and moisture.
Estrogenic herbs are molecules that stimulate the production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates in the development of female secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen is an anabolic steroid that has the following systemic effects:
- Increase fat storage
- Lowers body temperature
- Improves muscle strength
- Moistens tissues
Production of Estrogen
Estrogen is mainly produced in the ovaries. It is also produced in the adrenals and in fat cells. In men, smaller amounts of estrogen are produced in the testes.
Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle, and throughout a woman's life. It is highest around ovulation, lowest at menstruation, and drops after menopause.
There are 3 types of estrogen, produced at different life stages
- Estradiol: Women of childbearing age (mostly in ovaries)
- Estoril: During pregnancy, main estrogen produced (mostly in placenta)
- Estrone: After menopause, only estrogen produced (adrenal glands, fatty tissue)
Estrogen Deficiency
Estrogen drops after menopause. A deficiency of estrogen creates:
- Dryness
- Weight loss
- Bone loss
- Muscle loss
Estrogen Dominance
High estrogen can disrupt menstruation (causing light or heavy periods). It can cause weight gain, and tender breasts around menses.
Estrogen and progesterone compete with each other. When estrogen is too high, symptoms of low progesterone may appear, such as reduced fertility.
Estrogen dominance is an epidemic due to exposure to xenoestrogens - chemicals in the environment that mimick estrogen.
Comparison of Estrogen and Progesterone
- Estrogen - Cold, Moist, Oily, Anabolic, Relaxes nervous system (inhibits cortisol)
- Progesterone - Hot, Dry, Metabolic, Relaxes muscles
Note: Both increase muscle mass.
Phytoestrogens
Estrogenic herbs typically contain phytoestrogens and steroidal saponins. Phytoestrogens are molecules similar to estrogen that bind to estrogen receptors in the body. However, their ability to stimulate the receptor is lower than that of human estrogens. As a result, they have an
amphoteric effect - an ability to lower estrogen when it is high, and increase esteogen when estrogen is low.
When estrogen is high, phytoestrogens compete with regular estrogen for receptors, with the net effect of blocking normal human estrogen from the receptor. Since they have a less-stimulating effect on the receptor, the overall effect is lower estrogen stimulation.
When estrogen is low, phytoestrogens merely stimulate receptors which are not bound. This has the effect of increasing estrogen. Hence, the amphoteric effect.
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