Herbs have been used for centuries to help balance hormones and minimise symptoms of PMS and the perimenopause, but in the western world, the modern day medicine practices had taken over. With more women turning towards more natural practices to manage the symptoms of their hormones imbalances, the use of herbs has becomes more prevalent.

Here are my top 5 herbs to balance your hormones naturally.

Maca Root – Known for its hormone-balancing properties, maca has a positive effect on your sex hormones and helps to relieve symptoms in perimenopausal women including hot flushes, sleep issues, anxiety and depression. It works by providing our body with nutrients which are used by the endocrine system and help to alleviate fatigue, stress and mood issues. Maca powder can be added to smoothies or sprinkled over yoghurt or muesli and has so many benefits for women.

Chasteberry (Agnus Castus) – This herb has been used for many years to relieve symptoms of PMS as well as regulating your metabolism. It stimulates our FSH and LH which helps to increase our progesterone levels and regulate our menstrual cycle, ovulation and boost fertility. It can be taken as drops or tablets on a daily basis to help balance your sex hormones and get your cycle back on track.

Black Cohosh – Used to help treat menopausal and pre-menstrual symptoms. It has oestrogenic properties and aids hormone regulation, reducing hot flushes, mood swings, menstrual cramps and night sweats. It is considered to be a safe alternative to HRT for those of you wishing to take a more natural route to managing your menopausal symptoms.

Ashwagandha – Helps to reduce the stress hormones which can block endocrine function. It also stimulates blood flow in the reproductive organs boosting a low libido as well as easing menopausal symptoms such as anxiety and hot flushes. In ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is used to help the body deal with stress and support thyroid and adrenal imbalances. It has naturally calming effect which can be beneficial when you are struggling with mood issues related to hormone imbalances.

Wild Yam – A powerful oestrogenic herb, it also mimics progesterone and can help reduce heavy bleeding. This herb is great for your nervous system as it is grounding and calming and helps to reduce PMS and stress related to that. It reduces excess oestrogen by stimulating progesterone production and also helps with production of the hormone precursor DHEA. Reduces hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and vaginal dryness. This can be found in a cream form as a bio-identical hormone replacement, and applied to your skin at certain times of your cycle can really help to increase your progesterone levels and manage the symptoms.

If you’re not sure where to start with making changes to your diet and lifestyle to improve symptoms of the perimenopause than click here to download my Hormone Balancing Recipe Guide, which is a great starting point and includes recipes and foods that both you and your family can enjoy.

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NOTE: As with all supplements, do make sure that these don’t interact with any medications you are taking by discussing with your doctor or health practitioner.