134 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition
adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. It will also cause poor metabo-
lism of some vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids and will overstimulate
the body, causing paranoia, anxiety, palpitations, hot and cold sweats,
shaking, and lowered blood sugar.- defi ciency interferes with the successful breakdown of tryptophan
and other mood-balancing and mood-enhancing chemicals in the
brain. Meno pausal symptoms can refl ect this problem but also others,
including loss of bone density, lack of vaginal secretions, and many
more. - appears in great concentration, together with other steroid hor-
mones, whenever the body is damaged by physical trauma, chemical
action, or illness. This estrogen surge possibly serves as a stimulus or
catalyst for cellular growth and body repair. - encourages the development of female hormones in pubescent girls.
Progesterone- is the precursor of the other sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone.
- is the predominant hormone in the second phase of the menstrual cycle,
acting to maintain any fertilized eggs. - mainly prepares for and supports pregnancy (in fact, the word proges-
terone is derived from Latin words meaning “supporting gestation”).
Without it, spontaneous abortion can take place. It is vital for the
survival of the embryo and fetus throughout gestation. - protects against breast fi brocysts and endometrial and breast cancers.
- is a natural diuretic and can alleviate a premenstrual bloated feeling.
- helps use fat for energy: fat is built by estrogen, progesterone works
to balance this production. - is a natural antidepressant — lack of it will bring on apathy, sluggishness,
and depression. But an excessive amount of progesterone may also
cause depression, lack of concentration, and weepiness. - helps thyroid action and resulting energy levels.
- normalizes blood clotting. If clots are seen during menstruation, pro-
gesterone herbs will help. - helps normalize blood sugar levels; often premenstrual sugar cravings
mean that there is too little progesterone available. - normalizes zinc and copper levels, which are especially vital for the
immune system. - stimulates bone growth, which is vital for the development of chil-
dren and to prevent osteoporosis in later life.
life stages 134