Natural Approach Menopause: Female Balance

Formulated by Dr Arien van der Merwe

Female Balance is also indicated for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular cycles and painful periods

Herbs

            Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

·         Contains plant estrogens

·         Well researched for its efficacy in alleviating hot flushes by lowering levels of the luteinising hormone (LH) which is secreted by the pituitary gland, the main cause of hot flushes

·         Alleviates vaginal dryness and depression in women

·         Black cohosh does not interfere with the secretion of the other hormones form the pituitary gland

·         Uterine stimulant and should not be taken by pregnant women

            Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

·         It is a general tonic (midway between plant estrogens and plant progesterones) for the female system and is often prescribed for painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fatigue, menopausal symptoms and weakness after childbirth

            Fenugreek

·         Maintains blood sugar levels, especially important in the management of insulin resistance

·         Assists in controlling of hot flushes

            Sage

·         Helps with hot flushes

            Wild Yam

·         Provides natural progesterone to balance the plant estrogens of black cohosh

·         Helps prevent osteoporosis

·         Helps with vaginal dryness, decreased libido, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and painful periods, headaches and painful joints

            Kelp

·         A good source of iodine

·         Iodine is essential for the formation and function of thyroid hormones that govern metabolism

Micronutrients

            Vitamin B1

·         Alleviates most symptoms of PMS, namely depression, fatigue and irritability

Vitamin B2

·         Used to treat PMS especially for fatigue and tension. 

·         Supports cellular respiration and improves the oxygen utilisation of all cells.

Vitamin B3

·         Important for the formation of estrogen and progesterone

·         Used to supplement the body’s energy stores and is valuable in treating fatigue

Vitamin B6

·         Reduces fluid retention and helps for painful, sore breasts.

·         Often used to treat moodiness, depression and low libido.

Vitamin B12

·         Responsible for the production of red blood cells, cell growth and metabolism of nerve tissue.

            Biotin

·         Essential for enzymes responsible for female hormone balance

·         Essential for blood sugar balance

            Folic Acid

·         Essential for female hormone balance

·         Essential for red blood cell function

·         Essential for nervous system function

            Vitamin C

·         An important antioxidant that delays ageing.

·         Helps reduce hot flushes and accelerates tissue repair

            Vitamin E

·         Vitamin E and selenium provide protection against cardiovascular disease:

o        Act as natural anticoagulants (prevent blood clotting)

o        Improve the permeability of the capillaries, thereby allowing oxygen and nutrients to enter even into the sub cellular tissue

o        Prevent oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, thereby preventing the deposit of LDL-cholesterol into the artery lining

Minerals

            Iron

·         Iron is essential for red blood cell formation and function

·         Prevents iron deficiency anemia.

            Selenium

·         Refer vitamin E

            Zinc

·         Important for the treatment of skin complaints and for maintaining the function of the urogenital system

·         Acts as co-factor to antioxidant enzymes

For comprehensive food supplementation with nutriceuticals, use Female Balance together with the Basic 3