Do you get PMS, really bad cramps, bleeding in between periods, heavy flow, short or long cycles, have you been on the birth control pill for years and are worried about your cycle as you come off? Naturopathic Medicine offers many ways to treat all of these symptoms and more. My favourite way to treat hormonal concerns are using medicinal plants. Female hormone adaptogens like Vitex Agnus-Castus (known commonly as Chasteberry) can act as hormone regulators, meaning they balance and support the female hormone cycle.
So what is an adaptogen? Adaptogens support the body's ability to buffer stress. Adaptogenic herbs are supportive and nourishing to a stressed/depleted system. They strengthen and replenish in times of need by helping the body continue to function while being under stress (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual). Hormone adaptogenic herbs have an affinity for the endocrine system (the collection of glands that produce hormones) and can help regulate hormones and the ebb and flow of your cycle.
The art of botanical medicine is in choosing, formulating and matching the herbs with symptoms, other imbalances in the body and the unique needs of the individual. Not every person with female hormonal related issues needs vitex as there are many herbs that treat hormonal imbalances. However, someone with #pcos, #endometriosis, #fibroids, #pms or #amenorrhea may benefit from this herb.
If you would like more information, book an initial appointment online with me to discuss how botanical medicine can help you.
Best in Health!
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