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The Hormone Helpers

                   The Hormone Helpers (3)
 

Posted: July 2024

Author: Katie Donnelly, Adv Dip HSc Naturopathy

 

Phytobrief – NZ Natives for Matariki Hormone Helpers

The hormonal shifts experienced by a woman over her lifetime can be drastic and come with an array of associated symptoms. This includes physical and psychological implications. While research is slowly becoming more focused on the needs of women, there are still limited allopathic options for symptomatic treatment.

Phytomedicine, however, can bridge this gap. Specifically, New Zealand native herbs have been used throughout history as Rongoā rākau, plant medicine. This phytomedicine provides beneficial options to restore balance and guide hormonal shifts in women.

Menstrual cycle support

The menstrual cycle signifies more than reproductive ability, it represents female health. Consistent pain, irregular menstrual cycles, or excessive bleeding during reproductive life stages often signals hormonal imbalances.

Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) is experienced commonly throughout menstruation by up to 50% of females and can notably impact quality of life. Complications including anaemia, fatigue and headaches are commonly associated with heavy bleeding.1

The astringent tannins of Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Tanekaha) and Dysoxylum spectabile (Kohekohe) lend themselves to be viable options for heavy bleeding.2 These herbs can support regulated flow and encourage uterine integrity reducing cramping.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions provide further benefits, through regulating prostaglandin levels, noted to be higher in women who experience menorrhagia.3 Triterpenoids in Kohekohe may also mimic the actions of other herbs, shown to influence gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) -A receptors.4

Traditionally, Kohekohe was also used to balance hormonal fluctuations at the time of menses. This was used as a means of easing pain, regulating emotional wellbeing, and premenstrual mood alterations. Such signs of PMS were believed to be associated with old wounds resurfacing. Kohekohe was then used to bring hidden scars to the surface to be processed, physically and emotionally. This herb was also noted to help regulate temperature.5

The bitter nature of both Kohekohe and Tanekaha further nourishes the liver, critical in hormone signalling and regulation.6 Bitters can also encourage microbial diversity, important for menstrual regularity.7

Perimenopause

The transitional phase of perimenopause signals a change in menstrual patterns and movement towards the final menstrual period. Notable hormonal alterations result in a significant number of women seeking support from a General Practitioner (GP) during this time.8

Key constituents in Macropiper excelsum (Kawakawa) can support the body during times of hormonal imbalance. Fatigue and debility (physical weakness) are reduced by gentle adaptogenic actions, while pain management is also addressed.

The development of musculoskeletal discomfort has been identified as increasingly prevalent during this life stage.9 Emotional changes then influence pain interpretation.

Kawakawa has traditional use as an analgesic, with the compounds myristicin and piperine providing anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions. This can be indicated for dysmenorrhoea, which increases relative to hormonal shifts. 10

Flavonoids and diterpenoids of Dodonaea viscosa (Akeake) also highlight this herb for pain management. A spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory, Akeake can ease contractions of smooth muscle. This also works to ease GI and uterine cramping.11

Increased gastrointestinal (GI) complaints during the perimenopausal phase are relative to oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations. This can impact bowel motility and microbial balance. The traditional use of Kawakawa denotes eased GI symptoms of bloating and bowel irregularity.

Dopamine within the leaf is thought to interact with numerous dopamine receptors throughout the GI tract, regulating digestive function. Together with adaptogenic actions calming the sympathetic nervous system, Kawakawa can support GI symptoms.12

The identification of vitexin within the leaf is also of interest. This compound is well recognised in Vitex agnus- castus (Chaste tree) as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotectant. Vitexin has further shown to regulate blood glucose, enhance libido, cognition, and regulate dopamine.13,14 Recent research has further identified vitexin as triggering apoptosis in cancer cells.15

The role of Akeake as a hypotensive can also offer benefit, with higher blood pressure in perimenopausal women associated with increased symptoms.16

Post -Menopausal

Mood changes represent some of the most disruptive factors associated with established menopause.17

Anxiety and depression are noted to increase during this phase, relative to oestrogen decline and associated changes in serotonin and GABA. Continued navigation of symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbance, and emotional imbalances, contribute to psychological distress.18

A well establish antioxidant, rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) also acts as a gentle anxiolytic. The mood enhancing properties may be attributed to reduced inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, associated with psychological stress and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Reduced oxidative stress levels have further been linked to decreased vasomotor symptoms, improved memory, and mental clarity.19

Additional studies focusing on Mānuka honey highlighted notable benefit for menopausal women. Improvements in memory, cognition, and stress regulation were identified.20

Enhanced serotonin can be encouraged via plant phytoestrogens. Improved serotonin receptor sensitivity and can serotonin uptake then improve mood and cognition.21 Podocarpic acid, from Podocarpus totara (Totara), is recognised as phytoestrogenic, contributing to these actions. The role of phytoestrogenic plants in thermoregulation in post-menopausal women has been demonstrated in clinical studies.21,22

Bone mineral density and integrity may also benefit from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds of Totara.23 Ursolic acid, present in Mānuka, has also been attributed to enhancing bone health.24

Amongst the symptoms of post-menopause, an increased prevalence of bacterial and candidiasis vaginal infections can occur. This is primarily in response to variations in local microflora balance. Changes in vaginal lining and increased dryness, along with pH alterations contribute to this.25

Both Totara and Mānuka exhibit potent antimicrobial actions, active against bacterial and fungal proliferation. Psuedowintera colorata (Horopito) is also known as an antifungal option, particularly effective against Candida albicans. Polygodial sesquiterpenes of Horopito contribute to these actions.26

Where the many hormonal changes women experience causes a wide range of symptoms, plant medicine can re-establish balance. During stages of dramatic change, Mother Nature and New Zealand natives can be a source of guidance, restoration and renewal.


References

  1. Bofill Rodriguez M, Dias S, Jordan V, Lethaby A, Lensen SF, Wise MR, Wilkinson J, Brown J, Farquhar C. Interventions for heavy menstrual bleeding; overview of Cochrane reviews and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 May 31;5(5):CD013180. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013180.pub
  2. Livdans-Forret AB, Harvey PJ, Larkin-Thier SM. Menorrhagia: a synopsis of management focusing on herbal and nutritional supplements, and chiropractic. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2007 Dec;51(4):235-46.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077876/
  3. Bofill Rodriguez M, Lethaby A, Farquhar C. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 19;9(9):CD000400. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000400.pub4.
  4. Kenda M, Glavač NK, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M, on behalf of the OEMONOM. Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological Disorders. Molecules. 2021; 26(24):7421. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247421
  5. Hakaraia J. Kohekohe – Feminine Balance.Rongoa Maori Limited. 2021.https://www.rongoamauri.com
  6. Rhyu J, Yu R. Newly discovered endocrine functions of the liver. World J Hepatol. 2021 Nov 27;13(11):1611-1628. https://doi.org/10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1611.
  7. Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Alharbi AM, Alfahemi H, Khan NA. The Gut Microbiome and Female Health. Biology (Basel). 2022 Nov 21;11(11):1683. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111683.
  8. Yao Y, Hu H, Chen L, Zheng H. Association between gut microbiota and menstrual disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024; 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1321268
  9. Delamater L, Santoro N. Management of the Perimenopause. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Sep;61(3):419-432. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000389.
  10. Lu CB, Liu PF, Zhou YS, Meng FC, Qiao TY, Yang XJ, Li XY, Xue Q, Xu H, Liu Y, Han Y, Zhang Y. Musculoskeletal Pain during the Menopausal Transition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neural Plast. 2020 Nov 25;2020:8842110. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8842110.
  11. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/188771409.pdf
  12. Jayaprakash R, Ramzan F, Miles-Chan JL, Foster M, Mithen RF, Pook C. Exploring the Chemical Space of Kawakawa Leaf (Piper excelsum). Nutrients. 2022; 14(23):5168. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235168
  13. Jayaprakash R, Pook C, Ramzan F, Miles-Chan JL, Mithen RF, Foster M. Human Metabolism and Excretion of Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) Leaf Chemicals. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. 2024;68(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300583
  14. Abdulai IL, Kwofie SK, Gbewonyo WS, Boison D, Puplampu JB, Adinortey MB. Multitargeted Effects of Vitexin and Isovitexin on Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications. The Scientific World Journal. 2021:6641128. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6641128
  15. Najafipour R, Momeni AM, Mirmazloomi Y, Moghbelinejad S. Vitexin Induces Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells through the Regulation of Specific miRNAs Expression. Int J Mol Cell Med. 2022;11(3):197-206. https://doi.org/10.22088/IJMCM.BUMS.11.3.197
  16. Li Z, Guo JP, Huang L. Perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension during perimenopause in South China: prevalence, relationships and risk factors. BMC Women's Health. 2024; 24(215). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03056-5
  17. Echeverria V, Echeverria F, Barreto GE, Echeverría J, Mendoza C. Estrogenic Plants: to Prevent Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss and Other Symptoms in Women After Menopause. Front Pharmacol. 2021 May 20;12:644103. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.644103
  18. Alblooshi S, Taylor M, Gill N. Does menopause elevate the risk for developing depression and anxiety? Results from a systematic review. Australas Psychiatry. 2023 Apr;31(2):165-173. https://doi.org/10.1177/10398562231165439
  19. Sánchez-Rodríguez MA, Zacarías-Flores M, Arronte-Rosales A, Mendoza-Núñez VM. Association between hot flashes severity and oxidative stress among Mexican postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One. 2019 Sep 24;14(9):e0214264. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214264.
  20. Zamri NA, Ghani N, Ismail CAN, Zakaria R, Shafin N. Honey on brain health: A promising brain booster. Front Aging Neurosci. 2023 Jan 17;14:1092596. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.1092596.
  21. Desmawati D, Sulastri D. Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019 Feb 14;7(3):495-499. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.044
  22. Nguyen D. Synthesis of a novel family of amide derivatives of Pododarpic Acid. 2004.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1217&context=etd
  23. Malekian S, Mirghafourvand M, Najafipour F, Ostadrahimi A, Ghassab-Abdollahi N, Farshbaf-Khalili A. The Associations between Bone Mineral Density and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women. Korean J Fam Med. 2023 Mar;44(2):95-101. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.22.0022.
  24. Cao S, Tian X-L, Yu W-X, Zhou L-P, Dong X-L, Favus MJ and Wong M-S. Oleanolic Acid and Ursolic Acid Improve Bone Properties and Calcium Balance and Modulate Vitamin D Metabolism in Aged Female Rats. Front. Pharmacol. 2018;9:1435. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01435
  25. Kim JM, Park YJ. Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article. J Menopausal Med. 2017 Dec;23(3):139-145. https://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139.
  26. Taniguchi M, Yano Y, Tada E, Ikenishi K, Oi S, Haragychi H, Hashimoto K, Kubo I. Mode of Action of Polygodial, an Antifungal Sesquiterpene Dialdehyde. Agric Viol Chem. 1988; 2(6): 1409-1414. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb1961/52/6/52_6_1409/_pdf

 

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