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When it comes to hormone health, both men and women experience natural ebbs and flows that can impact everything from mood and metabolism to energy, libido, and sleep. Whether you're navigating the shifting terrain of perimenopause or menopause, or you're seeking to support testosterone and stamina as you age, the right herbs can be powerful allies in restoring balance—gently and holistically.
This article introduces herbal suggestions aimed at nourishing the key systems involved in hormone regulation - like the adrenal glands, liver, thyroid, and reproductive organs. While these herbs don’t treat or cure medical conditions (that isn’t what we do, after all!), they offer valuable support to the body’s own detoxification processes and natural rhythms. You’ll also learn how to begin crafting your own herbal routine with confidence.
Remember, each body is unique. If you’re currently taking medications, supplements, or undergoing other treatments, be sure to consult your healthcare provider before introducing any new herbs. The intention here is education and empowerment - so you can make informed, aligned choices on your journey to vibrant health.
We are also here to guide you with personalized, one-on-one support with multiple consultation options if you need it!
WHEN TO WORK WITH HORMONE HEALTH FORMULAS
There are personal health situations in which we would not recommend taking a formula, and this usually pertains to the condition and function of an endocrine gland. Health situations where a gland is overactive, such as a hyperthyroid condition, would indicate it is best to begin moving lymph and spend time opening vital elimination pathways. If in doubt on what to take, keep it simple and work with a Kidneys & Bladder formula, a gentle Lymph Drainage formula and the Heal All Tea.
Once you have reviewed the product descriptions and ingredients and still want to work with a formula in the Hormone Health need state, consider “pulsing” your selected formula(s) at a lower dose three to four times per week to assess your individual response. You can learn more about dosing Doctor Morse’s formulas by downloading the free Taking Your Herbs handout.
Still not sure about what formulas to work with? Ask us via chat or email and consider working with a detoxification specialist for more one-on-one guidance and support.
MEN AND WOMEN: A protocol for thyroid and parathyroid support
A common question and health concern we encounter quite often pertains to the health of the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands. Supporting the thyroid and parathyroid glands is essential for both male and female health because these glands have huge impacts on energy, metabolism, mood, bone health, and hormonal balance.
Healthy thyroid function contributes to sustained energy and stamina, a healthy weight and metabolism, mental clarity, balanced moods, and the health of the hair, skin and nails.
Women can experience more balanced and regular menstrual cycles when the thyroid is functioning properly (also influenced by the pituitary gland).
Men may overlook the health and function of the thyroid and its impacts on testosterone levels. Testosterone levels are influenced by thyroid hormones, with lower thyroid levels decreasing testosterone production and elevated levels affecting testosterone conversion to estrogen.
The four tiny parathyroid glands behind the thyroid regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body – important nutrients for bone density and strength, nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm and blood clotting.
Supporting the thyroid and parathyroids isn’t just about the glands - it’s about vitality, resilience, and longevity. They’re part of the whole endocrine orchestra, so when they're nourished and strong, men tend to notice more stamina, strength, and mental clarity, and women can experience better mood balance, metabolism, and hormonal ease.
WOMEN AND MENOPAUSE
Menopause is the natural process where a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently, marking the end of her reproductive years.
Perimenopause or the "menopause transition" typically starts at some point in the 40s, but it could be as early as the late 30s for some women. This stage can last anywhere from a few years or even up to ten years. The Ovaries begin to slow down estrogen and progesterone production, but it's inconsistent - so hormones can spike and drop erratically. Quite the hormone rollercoaster!
Many women seek to ease the symptoms of this natural transition while cleansing. Common symptoms of perimenopause are irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, hot flashes, disrupted sleep, decreased libido, breast tenderness and vaginal dryness. Although all of these symptoms could be signs of other endocrine system imbalances unrelated to perimenopause, women can still experience benefits from herbal allies as part of a detoxification journey to clean and strengthen the body.
Menopause follows perimenopause and is typically signaled by 12 consecutive months without a period. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and estrogen and progesterone levels are low and stable. Symptoms are not necessarily gone because hormone levels may stabilize. Women still experience hot flashes and mood changes at this stage. The addition of metabolism changes and the ability to eliminate wastes and build cellular resilience can present additional physical and emotional shifts that require attention in the detoxification journey.
Post menopause begins one year after the last period and continues the rest of life. Generally, hormones stay low, which means symptoms could subside or they could continue.
No matter what stage of life you are in, assess where you are at with your health and determine your health goals. The purpose of detoxification – from our perspective – is to clean and strengthen the body to create an environment for regeneration. This requires the right diet – whole, living foods – and a balance of herbal support with positive and sustainable lifestyle changes.
PROSTATE HEALTH
The health of the prostate should not be overlooked, nor should men wait until problems arise with the prostate.
The prostate sits around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra, leading to frequent urination or urgency, a weak urine stream, or difficulty starting or stopping urination.
The prostate is highly influenced by androgens (male hormones), especially testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). An imbalance in these hormones can affect prostate health and subsequently, the health of the kidneys and entire urinary system.
Every organ in the body is intricately and intelligently connected to another. So, the health of the prostate can indirectly impact male libido, energy and stamina, and overall hormonal balance. Issues in the prostate often signal other systemic imbalances such as poorly regulated inflammatory levels, lymph stagnation, inadequate waste elimination, and much more. This is why Doctor Morse’s takes a systemic approach to detoxify the tissues, move lymph, and enhance waste elimination.
A diet rich in wholesome, living foods is essential. Enjoy the rainbow of fruits and vegetables that nature has to offer, eating in season and being mindful of food combinations and the pace that you eat. Avoid red meat, dairy, processed foods, alcohol, and sugar—these only contribute to acidosis.
Some herbal allies to support the health of the prostate are Saw Palmetto and Pygeum (found in Doctor Morse’s Prostate Health formula), Nettle to support urinary system health, and turmeric to assist the body in regulating inflammatory levels (found in Healthy Joints).
Detoxification requires lifestyle adjustments and discipline, but it should never be a burden and should be a positive experience. Stay active with regular exercise to support lymph flow, hormone balance, and blood circulation. Structure your activity routine around the intensity level of your detoxification. Stay hydrated and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Hydrate with juices and water. This keeps the urinary system flushed and healthy, aiding the kidneys and lymph system in regulating fluid balance and healthy inflammatory levels. Your body will be busy at the cellular level! Keep energy pathways open through meditation and energy work.
MALE HORMONE IMBALANCES
Detoxification isn’t about deprivation—it’s about clearing what’s weighing body systems down and obstructing waste elimination. Toxins burden the body – the liver, the gut microbiome, the kidneys and the lymphatic system – which can lower testosterone levels and affect cellular energy and function.
There are a number of herbal allies to support healthy testosterone levels that will also encourage a gradual endocrine system reset to maintain healthy hormone levels for vitality and wellness.
Milk Thistle, found in Doctor Morse’s Liver/Skin formula, nourishes the liver and promotes regeneration. Dandelion also supports liver function and stimulates digestion. The adaptogen Schisandra can boost physical performance, assist in regulating the stress response, and enhance cognitive function. Burdock root, one of Doctor Morse’s favorite herbal allies, has been traditionally used as a blood cleanser and support for the skin and kidneys – key elimination organs!
The protocol that follows focuses on the adrenal glands and other formulas with adaptogen herbs for stamina and resilience to build strength and improve the stress response. As hormone levels begin to balance, physical and mental energy can return with less fatigue and improved muscle recovery. Herbal formulas like Blood Circulation and Brain & Nervous Systems help enhance circulation, mental clarity and memory, and the transportation of nutrients. Finally, sluggish digestion, gut imbalances and irritated intestinal tissues, and irregular bowel elimination can impact energy levels. So, guys, don’t forget that a living foods diet is incredibly important!
Don’t ignore your emotions and mental state either! Fatigue or altered energy levels have emotional roots. Process emotions and stress through meditation, community, or through one-on-one guidance to help you achieve the vitality you desire.
Prioritize yourself! Get rest, meaning quality sleep. You can learn more about the circadian rhythm and impacts to your health in this webinar. If you aren’t cleansing on an intense level or are in a maintenance routine, resistance training can be effective in supporting testosterone levels. Spend time in the sunlight and outdoors in nature, too. Find some balance!