Thanks to the balanced level of female sex hormones estrogen in the body, ladies go through most of the feminist processes. These hormones allow you to maintain beauty and activity, youth and a positive attitude. And in whatever direction the level of estrogen fluctuates – for a decrease or a sharp accumulation of – destructive changes will take place in the female body. It is especially important to control the level of production of female sex hormones during preparation for conception or at the initial stage of menopause, when estrogen deficiency can provoke the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes.
Estrogen is produced ovaries in women and in the adrenal cortex of both sexes. Androgens (as a source), adipose tissue (as an alternative to androgens), and aromatase are involved in this process. To make up for the deficiency of the female sex hormone, you should also balance your diet and be sure to consume products containing estrogen. What foods should be included in your diet to normalize estrogen levels?
The functions of estrogens in the female body
The influence of female sex hormones on appearance, mood and conception is invaluable. Estrogens provide all the distinctive features of the female body and are responsible for childbearing.
Estrogens are formed from androgens – male sex hormones using the enzyme aromatase. There are three types of female sex hormones: estrone, estriol, estradiol.
Read also: Slender figure at any age: training after 40
H3 The effect of estrogens on the female body:
- provide pigmentation in the genital area and in the nipple area;
- stimulate the growth and development of the uterus, mammary glands;
- with their help, secondary sexual characteristics are formed;
- endometrial detachment and menstruation are also due to estrogen balance;
- also stimulate an increase in the concentration of copper, iron, thyroxine;
- provide anti-atherosclerotic effect;
- you can't do without estrogen in the metabolism of bone tissue.
Female sex hormones have a stimulating effect on the hypothalamus, which forms the characteristic "sexual" behavior (coquetry, flirting, the need to take care of oneself in order to please the opposite sex).
How does estrogen deficiency affect a woman's body:
- weight gain or weight loss;
- hot flashes (strong sweating, increased blood flow to the skin, especially on the face);
- fatigue and irritation;
- bad mood, mood swings (laughter, tears), depression;
- reduced libido, apathy.
Insufficient amount of female sex hormones due to genetic pathology or menopause is also accompanied by hair loss and brittle nails, problems with sleep and bone formation in the body.
Read also: What should be the nutrition for menopause
What are phytoestrogens, plant estrogens
The fashionable prefix phyto- is capable of encouraging women: after all, in nature there are plant compounds (not hormones) that can act in the female body in the same way as estrogens, but their effect is much less. However, phytoestrogens are also required by the body, as are produced estrogens – hormones. There are three types of plant estrogens: isoflavonoids, lignans, coumestans.
The use of phytoestrogens can help with a sharp decrease in female hormones, for example after childbirth, to stabilize the hormonal background. It is enough to decide which products containing estrogen can be consumed often, and which only occasionally. Some studies show that eating foods containing estrogens in your diet facilitates menopause , and eliminates the unpleasant consequences of postpartum depression.
How to make up for the deficiency of female hormones: products containing estrogen
Providing a flow of additional estrogen-like plant compounds can be achieved through a planned meal plan.
Top – 4 foods containing estrogen
- Coffee – an invigorating drink that can awaken the body, cheer you up, fill you with vitality. Also, coffee increases the level of estrogen in the female body. This is confirmed by a study in which women were examined per day who consumed up to 500 ml of the drink. In 90% of these women, the level of sex hormones estrogen was 70% higher. The main thing when drinking coffee is not to overdo it – passion for an invigorating drink should not harm the body
- Flax seeds have many benefits for consumption: body cleansing, cell renewal, improvement of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, flaxseed can increase the amount of estrogen. It is best to take ground seeds. They should be washed down with plenty of water. No more than 2 tablespoons of seeds can be taken per day.
- Apricots or dried apricots contain vegetable estrogens, their use will also enrich the body with carotene, vitamin A and B.
- Beans – peas, lentils, beans, chickpeas. Isoflavones are present in excess. Lentils are especially useful – replenishes protein reserves and provides the body with tryptophan, which is needed to obtain serotonin – hormone of good mood and happiness.
See also: Can I drink coffee every day?
Phytoestrogen is also found in: ginseng root, hops, chamomile and linden, sage.
Of course, no plant-based estrogen can replace the female hormone of the same name. Therefore, it is very important for a woman to monitor the hormonal background and regulate the production of any hormone, both sexual and produced by the thyroid gland. Appearance and weight immediately suffer with an imbalance of hormones in a woman's body.
Add a comment