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In this article we explore how green tea can be an effective natural remedy for hormone imbalance. A growing number of studies have explored the effect of green tea chemicals on hormone regulation. As many women are struggling with the unpleasant effects of hormone imbalance, the favorable results are surely a reason for a smile. In fact, such is the impact of its positive health effects that many women are now taking it regularly. Here in this article, we take a deeper dive to explore the link between green tea and hormone regulation. Moreover, you will also get the tips on how you can maximize the benefits.
A Quick Overview of Hormonal Problems In Women
Women are naturally at a greater risk of having a hormonal imbalance. This is because they have many physiological processes that are exclusive to them and are far more complex than in men. For example, pregnancy, lactation, and menstruation. Thus, the levels of female hormones undergo constant ups and downs as any of these processes begins, continues or ceases. All things considered, we can say every woman, at some stages of life, faces problems with hormone regulation.
Remember bloated stomach, mood swings, irregular periods, acne and lethargy could be due to impaired hormone regulation.
What can you do to get rid of these annoying symptoms naturally? You might want to consider taking Green tea. Continue reading to find why and how green tea is your best companion.
Why Green Tea Could Be A Natural Herbal Remedy for Hormone Imbalance
Not for a simple reason that Green tea has a glorious history that dates back to centuries. In fact, it boasts of a myriad of health benefits. Among them, its role in female hormone regulation is one of the most studied benefits.
What Does Green Tea Contain?
According to the studies, Green tea shows its health effects by virtue of the chemicals known as polyphenols that have antioxidant property. Biologically active polyphenols are catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In addition, it also contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline.
Here are a few clinically relevant effects of various Green Tea chemicals on the female hormones.
1) Green Tea Is A Rich Source Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants counteract the effects of cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals which promote aging and many diseases. For example, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, hardening of the blood vessels etc. Most notably, the antioxidant property of Green tea often exceeds that of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Not to forget that Green tea is a more powerful antioxidant than other teas. The antioxidants Catechin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) reduce the blood levels of hormones like insulin and estradiol. Thus, they inhibit formation or growth of the tumors. The goods news is men can also reduce their risk of prostate cancer.
2) Effect On Insulin Production: Green Tea Chemical ECG Works To Control Blood Sugar
ECG (Epicatechin gallate ) found in Green tea is shown to control the blood sugar levels when you take it before your meal. According to this study, the possible mechanism behind this is that ECG may help to restore the functional ability of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps to transport glucose from the blood to the cells. Because diabetes causes a marked reduction in the secretion of insulin, Green tea might provide a relief to those having type II diabetes.
3) Effect On Estrogen: Green Tea May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Among many powerful and potentially beneficial chemicals present in Green tea, polyphenols are shown to cut down the risk of breast cancer by a huge margin. According to the researchers, you should take at least a cup six times or more times a week to get such benefit. They believe polyphenols enhance the degradation of estrogen, one of the major causes of breast cancer in women. Likewise, another study also shows similar results and states a Green tea extract, Polyphenon E, reduces the chemicals that signal breast cancer.
In a nutshell, these chemicals show a promising role in reducing the risk of breast cancer associated with high estrogen levels.
4) Effect On Progesterone: Green Tea Increases Progesterone Level
Progesterone is a key female sex hormone that plays a critical role in regulating menstruation and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. The ovaries produce it every month. A healthy woman of childbearing age should have a high level of progesterone at the time of menstruation. Low progesterone can lead to decreased sex drive, uterine bleeding, missed periods and may make you unable to carry the baby on the uterus.
Study shows when you take Green tea regularly, you may get an increased yet healthy progesterone level no matter if you are pregnant or not. Additionally, it may also cut down the level of estrogen. Flavonoids and Catechins are thought to exert such biologically critical effect.
5) Effect On Testosterone: Green Tea Decreases T-Level
You are wrong if you think testosterone is exclusively present in men. In fact, ovaries also secrete this hormone but to lesser extent. If you have an excess of it, you can get male-like hair on the face, chest, and back. This condition is called hirsutism. Studies show a regular intake of Green tea can lead to decreased testosterone. This might be a good news for those with hirsutism.
Is It Safe To Take Green Tea As a Natural Remedy for Hormone Imbalance?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, Green tea is generally considered to be safe and poses no significant threat to health.
Of lately, there has been a surge in the news regarding the incidence of liver disorders in the patients who took this supplement. But till date, there is no report of a liver injury. Nonetheless, studies suggest very large amounts may cause abnormal levels of liver enzymes. Likewise, the United States Pharmacopeia review says its extract may potentially lead to liver damages.
The Bottom Line
Do not take more than the recommended doses and follow the instructions on the label. If you experience any symptoms during the use, stop taking it and consult your doctor right away.
Things To Know
- Green tea is loaded with the goodness of many powerful chemicals that work to regulate hormones and give you a better health making a great natural remedy for hormone imbalance.
- In order to get the sustained health benefits, you should take it regularly. Also, make sure to choose the product that is potent, free from contaminants and contains the right amounts of the chemical constituents.
- Remember many studies were carried out using animal models. For this reason, you may not get all the benefits that are on the research papers. To cement the potential benefits, the studies should involve human subjects. However, this does not take away the fact that Green tea is healthy.
- While many studies have demonstrated that Green tea is a healthy daily drink, do not take it if you have any medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding. The medications you are taking may also interact with it. In these cases, always consult your doctor before taking a supplement.
- Green tea is a beverage and may be used as a supplement for maintaining health. This, in no way, means you can use it in place of the prescribed medications.
The Best Way To Take Green Tea Is To Drink It Now!
Wait, before you decide to gulp down a cup, here are some tips to maximize the benefits and prevent undesirable effects.
- Opt for caffeinated Green tea as the decaffeination process destroys many healthy chemicals in it. If you still insist on avoiding caffeine, take double the quantity than you would normally do. Alternately, you could also prepare a stronger cup.
- Take at least one cup every day to avoid underdosing. After all, food is a medicine and its benefits depend on the dose. However, do not overdo it either. Limit the daily intake to three cups to reduce the risk of liver disorders.
- Take it as fresh as possible. This is because Flavonoids become less potent when you store them for a long time.
- Avoid adding sugar even if you have a fetish for the sweet stuff. Sugar might serve the taste buds but combining it with Green tea takes away many health benefits. For now, just remember the calories in it!
- Don’t take it on an empty stomach. That way, you can avoid getting stomach problems. Likewise, wait for at least 45 minutes if you already had your meal.
- Increase your fluid intake if you take it every day. This is to avoid dehydration. We all know tea makes you rush to the bathroom more frequently.
- Use a Green tea bag and throw it away. Avoid using it again.
How we use green tea to help women support their menstrual health
In our Asana by LadiesBalance women’s hormone health formula, we’ve included green tea in the blend for its powerful antioxidant properties. Green tea blends well with maca, vitex and shatavari to support the body in regulating hormone levels.
Photo Credit: @Weheartit
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Article references
- Kao, Yung-Hsi., et al. “Modulation of Endocrine Systems and Food Intake by Green Tea Epigallocatechin Gallate.” Endocrinology (2000) 141 (3): 980-987.
- Jiao, H., et al. “Having a promising efficacy on type II diabetes, it’s definitely a green tea time.” Current medicinal chemistry 2015;22(1):70-9.
- Fuhrman, Barbara J., et al. “Green tea intake is associated with urinary estrogen profiles in Japanese-American women.” Nutrition Journal 2013; 12: 25.
- Crew, KD., et al. “Effects of a green tea extract, Polyphenon E, on systemic biomarkers of growth factor signalling in women with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2015 Jun;28(3):272-82.
- Morshedi, M., et al. “The effect of green tea on serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone and gonadotropins in female rats.” (researchgate.net/publication/287260413)
- Tehrani, HG., et al. “Effect of green tea on metabolic and hormonal aspect of polycystic ovarian syndrome in overweight and obese women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome: A clinical trial.” Journal of Education and Health Promotion 2017 May 5;6:36.
- Ahmad, RS., et al. “Preventive role of green tea catechins from obesity and related disorders especially hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.” Journal of Translational Medicine 2015 Mar 4;13:79.
- <https://livertox.nih.gov/GreenTea.htm>
