Swissgarde herbal product - Lafia

Hormonal Balance & Fertility
For there to be conception, carrying to term and giving birth, the hormones of couples need to be balanced. So, what exactly are hormones and how do they affect the process of Fertility?
What exactly are hormones?
Hormones are cell messengers coordinated by the endocrine system. Without proper endocrine function, our bodies cannot maintain proper hormonal balance. Our cells are genetically programmed to only receive and respond to messages from certain hormones. Each cell in the body contains hormone receptor cites.
Once a hormone fits into a cell’s receptor, it gives the cell instructions. This is similar to a key fitting in a lock. Hormones control our bodily processes.
Endocrine glands and hormonal Coordination
Endocrine glands are glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products, hormones, directly into the blood rather than through a duct. The major glands of the endocrine system include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are neuroendocrine organs.
Each endocrine gland plays a specific role in the ability of our body to maintain proper function. Each endocrine gland also communicates with the other in an amazing design. If one of the endocrine glands is not functioning properly, it may cause a broken link in communication with other endocrine glands or actions of the body, which may greatly impair fertility.
Because the endocrine glands secrete hormones, and the hormones are messengers for actions within the body, if the gland is not functioning properly, hormonal imbalance occurs and the ability to reproduce may be impaired.
Endocrine Glands
• The major endocrine glands:
• 1 Pineal gland
• 2 Pituitary gland
• 3 Thyroid gland
• 4 Thymus
• 5 Adrenal gland
• 6 Pancreas
• 7Ovary (female)
• 8 Testis (male)
Hormone Balance or levels can be influenced by the following
• Fluid changes in the body
• Infection
• Amount of body fat
• Exposure to environmental
• toxins.
• Vitamin and mineral levels
• Stress
Hormones Important For Reproductive Function
Estrogen : is produced primarily by the follicles and corpus luteum (remnant egg sac) in the ovaries. This estrogen is the most potent and abundant. Estrogen is essential for healthy bone formation, healthy gene expression, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and formation of secondary sexual characteristics (pubic hair, breasts, etc). Estradiol is vital for a healthy menstrual cycle .
Progesterone: is needed for healthy libido, bone formation and proper blood clotting. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries and by the adrenal glands.
Progesterone is one of the main hormones in helping to regulate the menstrual cycle. It works to balance the effects of estrogen. It also signals the release of insulin, playing a role in a person’s susceptibility for diabetes or insulin resistant PCOS. Adequate levels of progesterone are vital for proper fallopian tube function. Almost all of your other hormones are made from progesterone.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) : is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. LH surge is responsible for triggering ovulation and development of the corpus luteum. LH works synergistically with FSH. It stimulates specific cells to produce testosterone.
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) : is also released and synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland. It regulates the body’s development, growth and maturation. It also regulates reproductive processes. FSH works alongside with LH. FSH signals some of the follicles in the ovary to begin maturing in preparation for ovulation.
• Cortisol : is produced by the adrenal glands, but it is controlled by the hypothalamus. Its primary function is to increase blood sugar, aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and suppress the immune system. Cortisol is released in response to stress.
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogens. This means that those hormones are made from it. DHEA is necessary for protein building and repair. It is made by the adrenal glands. DHEA levels decline dramatically as we age.
Please note that:
Progesterone is vital for conception and maintaining pregnancy. One of the main actions of progesterone is to help support a developing embryo. During pregnancy the placenta produces progesterone to help sustain the developing baby. A lack of progesterone can cause many, many difficulties in conceiving and also carrying a pregnancy to term. Progesterone can also help when trying to conceive because it can help with balancing and regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which can really help you know when it is most likely for you to get pregnant. Normal levels of progesterone, which prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg’s arrival, must be present in order for a woman to get pregnant.
High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a woman’s blood could reduce chances of getting pregnant. Abnormal levels of estradiol, an important form of estrogen, decreases chances of IVF success. Insufficient levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the ovaries to release an egg and start producing progesterone, can also be a cause of fertility problems.
Signs And Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance are the body’s signal that something needs to be changed and they include:
 Recurrent miscarriage
 Not ovulating
 Infertility
 Poor egg health
 Premature Ovarian Failure
 PMS
 Vaginal dryness
 Hot flashes
 Irregular periods
 Decreased sex drive
 PMS
 Vaginal dryness
 Hot flashes
 Irregular periods
 Decreased sex drive
 Breast tenderness
 Breast swelling
 Fluid discharge from breasts
 PCOS
 Incontinence
 Unexplained weight gain
 Fat gain around stomach area
 Water retention
 Obesity
 Bloating
Regulating hormones with herbal extracts :
To ensure that a good fertility status is achieved , it is important to regulate those hormones that play crucial roles in Fertilirty. The following herbs can play very important roles in the regulation of fertility related hormones :
Epimedium
Commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, many women take epimedium for its incredible menopause-relieving effects. Alkaloids and plant sterols, especially icariin, act similarly to testosterone and have been found more effective than many current drug therapies, but without the side effects. Like other hormone-balancing herbs, it also encourages blood flow to a woman’s reproductive organs.
Maca (root)
Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, the indigenous people of the Andes have used Maca root to approach infertility, sexual dysfunction, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and even night sweats associated with menopause. It’s also a commonly-used aphrodisiac and libido stimulant. This shouldn’t be a surprise as it’s loaded with phytonutrients and zinc, an element essential for supporting sexual-related hormones. Women who have used maca root report greater sexual desire and more satisfying sex.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens/Sabal serrulata) : Saw palmetto has been used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. While many therapeutic herb treatments center on women’s hormonal health, a number of plants help men as well, with saw palmetto being an important one.
DONG QUAI : One of the most common symptoms of progesterone deficiency is irregular menstruation and associated problems like cramps, heavy bleeding, etc. This particular herb helps to; Alleviate symptoms of progesterone deficiency. Balances estrogen levels, correct endometriosis, menopausal disorders and irregular menstruation.Purify blood and increases blood circulation. Pregnant women should avoid using it.
TUMERIC : The active agent in it is curcumin that is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also aids in increasing progesterone levels in the body. It relieves vaginal dryness – symptom of low progesterone levels. It detoxifies liver and helps strike a balance in body’s hormonal levels.
These and many other regulating herbs are found in Swissgarde Hormone regulating supplement pack. Contact the Swissgarde herbal product