A nutritious diet, an active lifestyle, and other factors like enough sleep and meditation are the building blocks of overall health and vitality. Although there are many standardized recommendations from government agencies and nutrition gurus in the health world, the truth is that one size does not fit all - especially when it comes to feminine health.
Women have unique needs, and these needs change throughout their lives with changing hormone levels, their menstrual cycle, and health conditions like autoimmune diseases, pregnancy issues, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more. What does not change is that nature's gifts can support feminine health through whole foods and natural supplements.
In this blog, we'll briefly define hormones and explore how the three archetype phases of a woman's life and the accompanying hormonal fluctuations can impact her health. Then we'll tell you about three incredible supplements a woman can use to support feminine health and well-being as their needs change through the years.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemicals produced by your body. Your endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream, traveling around targeting cells or organs and regulating various physiological processes and behaviors, including growth, metabolism, mood, reproduction, and more. Hormones play a crucial role in keeping the body balanced and ensuring that different systems work together harmoniously.
Typically, the body produces just the right amount of each hormone for us to stay healthy. However, modern lifestyle changes and natural changes can create a hormonal imbalance. While correcting unhealthy life habits is simple (and essential!), you can only solve the effects of natural changes with nutrients.
The Three Archetype Phases And Female Health
Hormones are responsible for so many systems; it's no surprise that hormonal imbalances can stop them from functioning correctly. Here are the three basic phases of a woman's life, how her body is affected by hormones during these phases, and what happens when there is an imbalance.
The Maiden
The maiden represents a woman in her youthful and independent phase. It symbolizes potential, growth, and spring and is associated with innocence, new beginnings, curiosity, and spring.
During this phase, women experience menstrual cycles, and hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate this, affecting the timing and flow.
Fluctuations in hormone levels during the maiden phase can lead to premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and painful cramps.
The Mother
The mother represents a woman's life phase when her focus is on nurturing and caregiving. It symbolizes fruition and abundance and is associated with fertility, birth, and the summer season.
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating ovulation and fertility. Changes in hormone levels can influence the chances of conception.
During pregnancy, hormonal shifts support the development of the fetus and prepare the body for childbirth.
The Crone
This beautiful phase happens as women approach menopause and begin to embrace their wisdom, inner strength, and experience. It symbolizes reflection, release, and autumn and is associated with transformation, shared knowledge, and introspection.
During this phase, the woman's hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, decline significantly. Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, vaginal dryness, and muscle mass and bone density changes.
Other feminine health considerations:
Besides the three phases only experienced in a woman's life, hormonal imbalances also impact other systems, including:
Mental well-being - Hormones influence neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate emotions. This typically occurs with hormonal fluctuations during the three phases mentioned.
Bone density - Estrogen directly affects bone density. Reduced estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Heart health - Estrogen helps protect the heart by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and blood vessel function.
Skin and hair - Hormones influence skin elasticity, oil production, and hair growth patterns. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to texture changes in the skin, acne, and hair loss.
Weight and metabolism - Hormones play a role in regulating metabolism and appetite. Therefore, fluctuations in hormone levels can impact weight management.
Every Woman is Unique
It's important to note that each woman's experience of hormonal changes is unique, and factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health can influence how these changes manifest. Birth control medications, anabolic steroids, pollutants, and toxins like pesticides and herbicides can also cause hormonal imbalances.
Now that we know how much certain hormones affect women through the different phases of their lives let's look at the top supplement options that can help them through these exciting changes.
Supplements For Women's Health
Many women manage these fluctuations and the associated effects on their bodies without the help of supplements, but others resort to hormone replacement medications to reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances. If you prefer to explore nature's healing energy and don't have severe medical conditions to consider, try some of these supplement options.
Shatavari
Shatavati has been used as a special supplement for women for centuries. It's known for its powerful abilities to support lactation, reduce the symptoms of PMS and menopause by balancing hormones, and assist with reproductive vitality. This potent adaptogen helps reduce inflammation, boosts immunity, reduces chronic stress, and improves digestive function and gut health. It's also excellent for preventing viral infections and can help with respiratory problems.
Moringa
Moringa is loaded with nutrients that are perfect for women. It helps correct hormonal imbalances and is an ideal supplement for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Moringa reduces inflammation, regenerations hair, and skin, and lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, moringa can even help boost the metabolism and help with weight loss. Since hormone imbalances can lead to weight gain, moringa is an excellent supplement!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is antioxidant-rich and can regulate hormonal imbalances, helping with iron absorption, boosting immunity, and improving memory and brain function. If you get enough vitamin C, whether you eat it in your food or take a supplement, you may notice an improvement in your hair and skin. This potent vitamin can help you to achieve healthy, glowing skin and hair. It also helps manage and regulate blood pressure, lowering your risk of heart disease.
Important note: Many vitamin C supplements are made from ascorbic acid, and there is a significant difference between that and natural vitamin C. Read our blog about the difference and why it's crucial for you to choose the right type of vitamin C supplement.
What To Look For In Natural Supplements
There are several essential factors to consider when you choose supplements. Here's what to look for to ensure safety and quality:
How it's made
It's essential to use supplements from reputable brands focused on upholding the highest processing and quality standards. Supplements should be third-party lab-tested, organic, 100% natural, and manufactured in a regulated environment.
The nutrient content
Supplements are only as good as the ingredients they contain and the nutrients in those ingredients. They should be free from artificial additives and 100% natural and certified organic.
Feminine Health Made Simpler
Eating a balanced, healthy diet, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and meditating daily can help women achieve optimal wellness at any age. However, sometimes an imbalance occurs, and healthy supplements can help restore this. Shatavari, Moringa, and Vitamin C are three excellent supplements for women. The AYURO Feminine Health Bundle contains all three.
