A reader’s daughter has had very few periods over the past year and a blood test has revealed she has low oestrogen.  Her mother thinks it could be linked to her high stress levels, as she is at university and has been taking lots of major exams over the past twelve months.  Her GP has advised her to go on the Pill, but she is reluctant to do so.  Do readers have any alternative suggestions to deal with the problem? 

Adrenal dysfunction

“The low oestrogen levels are most likely due to adrenal dysfunction,” says one reader.  She recommends saliva testing to evaluate cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen levels.

Homeopathy & diet

Other readers suggest ways to rebalance hormone levels. Natascha from Switzerland reckons homeopathy is the answer, while Avril suggests eating foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as lentils, chickpeas, fennel, celery, carrots, asparagus and flax seeds.  Avril also recommends reflexology, particularly self-help hand reflexolgy, which is simple to learn and great for relieving a number of common stress related conditions. 

Herbal options

Other hormone-regulating options are herbs (Vitex agnus castus, maca and Ayurvedic Shatavari are recommended) and a daily drink of fresh beetroot juice mixed with apple and carrot.  On the other hand, one reader suggests what not to do.  “Do not eat unfermented soya, such as tofu, soya milk and soya flower,” says Katrina.  “If you do eat the fermented varieties, such as miso, natto and tamari, it is essential that they are organic. Non-organic soya is GM now, so both non-organic and unfermented soya should be avoided.”

Reducing stress

Finally, a couple of readers recommend effective ways of combating stress.  Neil extols the virtues of meditation, in particular, entrainment by sound, while Rijea swears by aromatherapy.  “Simply open a bottle of bergamot oil and breathe in its fragrance deeply, or take a bath containing eight drops of the oil,” says Rijea.  “It smells lovely and is extremely relaxing and soothing.”


E-news broadcast 27 February 2007 No.337

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