Women's Health at Every Age: Habits and Traditional Herbs

Hormones rarely remind us of their existence when all is well. We only notice them when the cycle shifts, sleep becomes broken or mood starts to swing for no obvious reason. A woman's body goes through several major stages – puberty, the years of a regular cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause – and each has its own needs. What affects hormonal balance in everyday life, which herbs have traditionally had a place in a woman's medicine cabinet, and when is it time to see a doctor? Let us start at the beginning.

#What "hormonal balance" means

Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate the cycle, sleep, appetite, energy and mood. Oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones and insulin work like an orchestra – if one instrument plays loudly, the others are affected too. That is why "hormonal balance" is not a single number in a test result but rather a feeling that the body is working in its familiar rhythm.

It is important to say this clearly: herbs do not replace hormone therapy and do not change hormone levels in a predictable way. They can be part of looking after yourself, alongside diet, sleep and exercise.

#The stages of a woman's life

#The years of a regular cycle

During the reproductive years the cycle is a good indicator of your general health. Stress, a sudden change in weight, lack of sleep or intensive training can shift it by days. It is useful to keep a diary – in a notebook or an app – in which you note the start of your cycle, your mood, energy and sleep. That way you will notice a change more easily and have concrete information if you see a gynaecologist.

If you are interested in herbs for discomfort during your period, see also our article Herbs for period pain.

#Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional period before the last period, and for many women it begins after the age of 40. It can last several years. A more irregular cycle, hot flushes, night sweats, lighter sleep and mood changes are typical. This is a natural stage, not a disease, but the symptoms can seriously affect quality of life – and then a conversation with a doctor is fully justified.

#Menopause and beyond

After menopause the focus shifts to the health of the bones, the heart and muscle mass. Weight-bearing exercise, enough protein, calcium and vitamin D become even more important.

#Lifestyle – the foundation on which everything rests

No herb makes up for chronic lack of sleep or constant stress. Here are the habits that matter most:

• Sleep – go to bed and get up at the same time, even at weekends.
• Diet – more vegetables, pulses, wholegrain products, nuts and seeds; less sugar and fewer highly processed foods.
• Exercise – combine walking or swimming with strength exercises two or three times a week.
• Stress – short breaks during the day, walks in nature, breathing exercises.
• Alcohol and caffeine – with hot flushes and poor sleep, many women notice a difference when they cut down on them.

Small changes made consistently usually achieve more than drastic restrictions that we stick to for two weeks.

#Herbs in a woman's medicine cabinet

In Bulgarian folk tradition some herbs have long had a reputation as "women's" herbs. Here are three tinctures from our range that are connected with this tradition.

#Yarrow – Hormonalen Balans

The tincture Hormonalen Balans ("Hormonal Balance") contains yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – a herb traditionally used to support women's well-being during the menstrual cycle. Yarrow is also one of the best-known Bulgarian herbs of all; you can read more about it in the article Yarrow – a traditional herb for many occasions.

The product is not intended for people under 18. Yarrow is not recommended for prolonged use without a break, as it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

#A combination of five herbs – Grizha za Zhenata

Grizha za Zhenata ("Care for Women") is a blend of calendula, liquorice milkvetch, bigroot geranium, yarrow and cinquefoil. These plants feature in many traditional recipes intended for women and are brought together here in a single tincture. It suits women who prefer a combined product to a single herb. This blend also contains yarrow – do not combine two products with yarrow, for example Hormonalen Balans and Grizha za Zhenata.

#Cat's foot

Koteshka Stapka (cat's foot) is a herb with a long history in Bulgaria – according to legend it is called "Levski's herb". In folk medicine it is traditionally used to support the body's restorative powers and women's health. The product is not intended for people under 18 and should not be taken if you have cardiovascular disease.

All products are taken according to the product instructions. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose and do not combine several tinctures without consulting a specialist. You will find the full range in the Female reproductive system category.

#How to approach it sensibly

1. Start with your habits. Sleep, diet and exercise provide the foundation.
2. Choose one herb. That way you will find out how it affects you.
3. Observe. Note changes in your cycle, sleep and mood in your diary.
4. Take breaks. Herbs are not meant to be taken indefinitely.
5. Tell your doctor. Especially if you take hormonal contraceptives, hormone therapy or other medicines.

#Safety

• The tinctures in our range are not suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Do not give tinctures to children without advice from a paediatrician; many products are not intended for people under 18.
• Tinctures are water-alcohol extracts (about 20% alcohol) and each dose contains a small amount of alcohol. Bear this in mind if you drive, if you avoid alcohol or if you take medicines that are incompatible with it.
• Yarrow and calendula belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae). If you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, dandelion or other related plants, be careful with Hormonalen Balans and Grizha za Zhenata.
• If you have a chronic condition or take medicines regularly, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use – some herbs can interact with medication.

#When to see a doctor

See a gynaecologist or your GP if:

• you have not had a period for more than three months and are not pregnant;
• the bleeding is very heavy, lasts more than a week or occurs between periods;
• you have bleeding after the menopause – this always requires an examination;
• the pain is severe and interferes with your daily life;
• hot flushes, insomnia or mood changes are seriously affecting your quality of life;
• you notice a lump in your breast, unusual discharge or any other new change.

A doctor can order tests and discuss all the options with you, including those that herbs cannot replace.

#Listen to your body

Hormonal balance is the result of many small everyday decisions. Herbs can be a pleasant and natural part of looking after yourself, but they are at their best when they rest on good sleep, a wholesome diet and timely check-ups. Listen to your body at every age – it usually gives you a hint in time.