My estrogen levels are low, how can I raise them safely?

[chozen]

My dr. Checked my hormone levels and called to tell me that my estrogen levels are low. They offered HRT (I really rather avoid this ) what are some other options?

[Giantbear]

watch The Bridges of Madison County or Steel Magnolias ...

[flashy09]

Well, you could do an experiment and drink 12-18oz of soy milk every day and see if the phytoestrogens really do increase the estrogen in your body!

[chozen]

Well, you could do an experiment and drink 12-18oz of soy milk every day and see if the phytoestrogens really do increase the estrogen in your body!

How much soy is safe? I have read that one needs to be careful about soy consumption, is this true?

[AnnieW625]

Not 100% sure but I think 8-12 oz. should be okay. My DD1 has been drinking that much soy milk daily since she was about 18 months old and at 7 she has seen no signs of precocious puberty. If she had then I would be really concerned. She eats really no other soy products at all though. You could do some tofu as well.

[etaylor75]

Increase exercise, eat soy (soy nuts, edamame, tempeh), eat flax, drink coffee, eat whole grains, take a vitamin c and b complex (shown to help absorption). You can take a herb called Chasteberry to increase estrogen. Also look for estrogen creme.

Erin

[sntm]

watch The Bridges of Madison County or Steel Magnolias ...

Snort. Why are you trying to raise them?

[chozen]

Snort. Why are you trying to raise them?

My ob says they are to low. I also have zero or near zero sex drive and also i have been moodly lately. Dr. Mentioned HRT which I would really like to avoid. I plan on going to the health food store Tom. To see what they have to offer.

[sntm]

So OB thinks you are perimenopausal as an explanation for low sex drive and moodiness?

[queenmama]

Weird how hormones affect us differently! When mine are out of whack I am estrogen dominant, which causes the symptoms you describe and more. When I use progesterone cream I have regular periods (nonexistent otherwise), even moods, and a high libido.

Lara

[minnie-zb]

Personally I wouldn't be so quick to rule out HRT. HRT has gotten a lot of bad press, but it does a lot of good.

[chozen]

So OB thinks you are perimenopausal as an explanation for low sex drive and moodiness?

I will be 50 this yr. so I guess that's what she is thinking.

[sntm]

I have heard of using hrt temporarily until menopause is complete. I'm not a fan of hrt long term, but I have a breast cancer bias