In todays fast-paced world where overmedication seems to be the norm, you will find that almost all menopausal women are offered a prescription for synthetic estrogen. But the balancing hormone progesterone is rarely mentioned. And its this imbalance between estrogen and progesterone that accounts for the unusual symptoms commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Elevated levels of estrogen can lead to fluid retention, blood clotting, fibroid and tumor growth, increased blood fat levels, weight gain, allergic reactions, copper retention, loss of zinc, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, food cravings and depression. What most people dont realize is that there are actually two basic types of estrogens good estrogens and bad estrogens.
Di-indole methane (DIM) is a natural plant nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage. DIM can greatly improve metabolism of good estrogens by stimulating beneficial estrogen production. At the same time DIM increases the good estrogen metabolites, there is a simultaneous reduction in the levels of bad estrogen metabolites, which include the 16-hydroxy estrogen. The bad estrogen metabolites are fueled by obesity and exposure to many commercial and household chemicals.
DIM causes the good estrogen metabolism to dominate, resulting in increased production of testosterone and progesterone. DIM helps eliminate the problem of estrogen dominance that plagues both women and men.
The most important thing you can do is to take matters into your own hands. Reduce the amount of synthetic estrogen you are getting from all sources, especially from hormone-laden foods and contaminants in your environment. Talk to your healthcare provider about natural ways to help balance your progesterone and estrogen levels. Each persons individual needs vary, so make sure that youre comfortable with the course of action so you can enjoy optimum health for decades to come.