What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
How To Naturally Increase Estrogen In South Africa?
1. Eating foods that boost estrogen
All plants contain phytochemicals compounds that work as antioxidants and offer protection from DNA damage. One group of phytochemicals, called phytoestrogens, mimics estrogen. When eaten, your body absorbs them during digestion and recognizes them as estrogen.
The most common phytoestrogens are:
- Coumestan
- Isoflavones
- Lignans
- Stilbene
Foods containing high levels of these specific phytoestrogens include:
- Fruits, including apples, berries, grapes, peaches, pears, plums
- Grains, such as barley, oats, wheat germ
- Liquids derived from plants, specifically beer, coffee, olive oil, red wine, tea
- Nuts and Seeds, including almonds, flaxseeds, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds
- Soy and soy products, such as soybeans, tofu, miso soup, miso paste
- Vegetables, particularly broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, onions, spinach, sprouts
2. Getting enough of the minerals and vitamins that help estrogen levels
Some vitamins and minerals help your body produce estrogen and use it more effectively. To increase your estrogen levels, consider adding:
- Boron, a mineral that helps your body absorb testosterone and estrogen
- Vitamin B, which helps your body create and use estrogen
- Vitamin D, which functions as a hormone in the body and helps with estrogen production
- Vitamin E, because research shows vitamin E may help reduce hot flashes and insomnia.
3. Taking natural estrogen supplements
There are supplements believed to reduce the symptoms of low estrogen. But supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so talk to your PCP about any supplements you’re considering before taking them.
Natural supplements believed to affect estrogen levels include:
- Black cohosh: People use this Native American herbal remedy to treat menopause symptoms associated with low estrogen. One small study shows it to be especially effective in treating hot flashes.
- DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): A synthetic version of this naturally occurring hormone — available as pills, powders,, and topical treatments — can help produce other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.
- Red clover: This herbal supplement is rich in phytoestrogens. Research shows it is effective at alleviating hot flashes in menopausal women. Further study is needed to determine if red clover increases estrogen.