The female cycle is ruled by a delicate balance between Estrogen and Progesterone. Making sure that these hormones are present in sufficient and complimentary quantities is imperative to fertility. Lets explore the roles of these hormones in the menstrual cycle.
What role does estrogen play in the female reproductive cycle?
When answering this question, it is imperative to understand the parts of a woman's monthly cycle. Cycle day 1 is considered the first day of menses. This is also the last day of the previous cycle.(It is the alpha and the omega....the beginning and the end.) What happens at this point? The uterine lining is shed. The amount of lining, or endometrium, that is shed is based on estrogen and progesterone levels. The beginning of the cycle (Follicular phase) is a time of very low estrogen production, typically. When estrogen is low, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is released by the hypothalamus triggering an increase in estrogen from the ovaries. The estrogen levels rise, and eventually spike, which produces a mature follicle (an egg ready to be released). Ovulation takes place when LH (Luteinizing Hormone)surge is present.This turns the follicle into the corpus luteum (luteal phase) which will produce progesterone until either the placenta takes over (if pregnancy has occurred) or until it withers away allowing progesterone levels to drop signaling the shed of the edometrial lining (menses)
The increased level of estrogen during the follicular phase is also responsible for building the endometrium so it is rich and ready for implantation of the fertilized ovum. We often see problems with fertility stemming from estrogen dominance. Increased levels of estrogen during this phase inhibits the FSH release and thereby reduces the chances of a mature follicle forming. Birth control pills utilize this by preventing ovulation by increasing estrogen levels at this time. When we are exposing ourselves to increased phyto and xenoestrogens we are also inhibiting ovulation by raising the estrogen levels during the follicular phase. It is very important during this time to avoid foods and substances containing phyto and xenoestrogens, not just for fertility purposes, but also to keep from building an excess of endometrial lining which can be difficult to shed during menses. This can lead to painful periods and excessive bleeding. When using birth control as a remedy for this, there is a method to the madness. Just as increased estrogen is present in the follicular phase, and kept consistent to prevent the spike that triggers FSH and LH production,progestins are added to counteract the estrogen dominance that leads to symptoms of low progesterone. The added progestin keeps the endometrium from becoming very thick and hard to shed. In this way, the pill is able to regulate excessive bleeding and some pain caused by hormonal imbalance. When regulating a cycle using natural methods, we must take that into consideration. The best place to start when attempting to regulate your cycle, whether it is for control of pain and bleeding or increasing fertility, we should cleanse the liver of excess estrogen. This requires a bit of patience, but is well worth the effort. Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies have a very powerful effect and results can be seen within a week! A liver supportive diet will continue to provide relief. Be very conscious of phytoestrogens in foods (eliminate soy completely during this time) and xenoestrogens that are found in every day items and products. Inform yourself, and beat the cycle...so to speak.
My liver supportive meal that I love to share is simple and artistic. Balancing color and flavors was the aim. This heightened the experience which is always a way to ensure the full energetic potential of the food is readily accepted by the mind and body.
Yin Yang Soup
one half of the soup is
Organic pumpkin
Chinese Five Spice powder
very finely chopped sweet peppers
Brewer's yeast
The other half of the soup
Split peas
onion
garlic
sea salt
very finely chopped jalapenos
both soups are pureed or cooked to desirable consistency....I wanted my split pea side to have a bit of texture in it so I did not puree it.....
When both soups are complete, serve them by making a Yin and Yang pattern in the bowl. A nice flavor booster (and to make the dots in the symbol) can be some soy or coconut yogurt dollops =) SOOOOOO tasty and pretty too!!
This healthful soup is not only good for the liver by providing plenty of fiber, vitamin A, alpha-lipoic acid (thanks to the brewer's yeast), Omega3, and B vitamins, but is also supportive of gold element, fire and acessory fire, earth, and water. Talk about the balance found in the Yin and Yang =) If the vision alone of this soup does not support peaceful emotions and calm mind, the patience needed when creating it, the joy of the flavors,all of the nutrients, and the positive message you send when serving it to others will certainly boost healing energies!!
454 calories (without the yogurt). 0 refined sugars. 22g fiber. I burned 542 calories by writng 30 minutes, talking on the phone 30 minutes, washing the dishes (30 min) cooking for 30 minutes, studying 45 minutes, and walking 30 minutes at 4mph. =)
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