Are you looking for a natural way to regulate your menstrual cycle and ease period symptoms?
Milk thistle, a flowering herb with medicinal properties, has been used for centuries to treat liver diseases, diabetes, and digestive issues. But can it also have an effect on your menstrual cycle?
While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of milk thistle for menstrual cycle regulation, some women believe it can help keep their liver working efficiently and eliminate toxins that may worsen menstrual problems and infertility concerns.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of using milk thistle for menstrual health.
Can Milk Thistle Affect The Menstrual Cycle?
Milk thistle is known for its liver-protecting compound called silymarin, which helps repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. The liver plays a crucial role in hormonal balance, as it filters out toxins from the body, including excess hormones. Therefore, a healthy liver can help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease period symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that milk thistle has estrogenic properties, which can be beneficial to women with low estrogen levels. But for women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine fibroids, milk thistle may worsen their health problems.
Moreover, milk thistle can interact with certain medications, so it’s crucial to speak to your doctor before taking it. Some people who take milk thistle for years may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating.
What Is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The herb is commonly associated with liver health and is one of the best plants for supporting liver function. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which is a group of compounds called flavonolignans. These compounds help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances by stimulating protein synthesis.
In addition to its liver-protecting properties, milk thistle has some estrogen-like effects that may stimulate the flow of breast milk in women who are breastfeeding infants. It may also be used to start late menstrual periods. However, milk thistle’s estrogenic properties can cause health problems for women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine fibroids.
Milk thistle has been shown to benefit adrenal disorders and inflammatory bowel syndrome and is used to treat psoriasis by increasing bile flow. It can also reduce inflammation, which is important for people with liver inflammation or hepatitis. Milk thistle has potent antioxidant effects, which are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation.
It’s important to note that milk thistle can interact with certain medications, so it’s crucial to speak to your doctor before taking it. Some people who take milk thistle for years may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. Our Milk Thistle is not standardized to an exact amount as it is made from pure dried natural herbs. Milk Thistle naturally contains about 70 – 80% Silymarin and many other constituents thought to work in harmony.
The Role Of The Liver In Menstrual Health
The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle. It helps filter out excess estrogen from the body, which is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle. When the liver is congested or not functioning efficiently, it can lead to hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle.
During the menstrual cycle, there are rhythmic fluctuations in hormonal activity that affect not only reproductive organs but also other systems in the body, such as bone and the immune system. The steroid sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are the main effectors of these changes.
Estrogen, in particular, affects hepatic gene expression and controls hepatic lipid metabolism. The liver expresses estrogen receptor (ER) α, which responds to estrogen and possibly progesterone. Ovarian dysfunction states such as Turner’s syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with excess hepatic fat deposition. Surgical oophorectomy increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while menopause increases the severity of fibrosis in women with preexisting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Therefore, maintaining liver health is crucial for hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle. Milk thistle, with its liver-protecting compound silymarin, can help support liver function and detoxify excess hormones from the body. However, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking milk thistle or any other supplements to ensure they are safe for you and won’t interact with any medications you’re taking.
How Milk Thistle May Help Regulate Menstrual Cycles
Milk thistle may help regulate menstrual cycles by supporting hormonal balance through its protective action on the liver. Any excess hormones in the body are detoxified and excreted via the liver and gut, which makes milk thistle an excellent herb to help support hormonal balance.
Additionally, milk thistle can help detoxify the liver and eliminate toxins and compounds that the body does not require. This is important because many menstrual problems and infertility concerns are made worse because of the backup of hormones within the liver.
Furthermore, increasing the amount of water you drink and eating more leafy greens like collards and kale can assist with the estrogen detox process. Learning uterine massage techniques from an experienced practitioner can also help with uterine congestion and lessen clotting. Taking liquid chlorophyll can boost iron in your blood and deal with the anemia that typically develops from chronic heavy bleeding.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of milk thistle for menstrual cycle regulation, some women believe that it can help to regulate their cycle and ease period symptoms. However, it’s important to speak to your doctor first before taking milk thistle for your menstrual cycle, especially if you have any hormone-sensitive conditions or are taking medications that may interact with milk thistle.
Scientific Evidence On Milk Thistle And Menstrual Health
Despite the traditional use of milk thistle for menstrual cycle regulation, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some studies suggest that milk thistle may have a positive effect on women’s health.
One study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that milk thistle supplements may help menopausal women reduce their hot flashes and fatigue. The study reported that a daily dietary supplement of 400 mg of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improving overall quality of life.
Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that milk thistle extract had an anti-inflammatory effect and reduced pain associated with endometriosis in rats. While this study was conducted on animals, it suggests that milk thistle may have potential as a natural treatment for endometriosis-related pain.
Potential Risks And Side Effects Of Milk Thistle
While milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. Milk thistle can trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to artichokes, kiwi, ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. People who have diabetes or endometriosis should check with a doctor before using milk thistle. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctor before using milk thistle, as its safety is unknown.
Milk thistle may worsen certain health conditions due to its estrogen-like properties. For women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine fibroids, milk thistle may worsen their health problems. Therefore, it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements that may have an effect on your hormone levels.
In addition to potential interactions with certain medications, some people who take milk thistle for years may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, itching, and bloating. While these side effects are generally mild and go away on their own, it’s important to speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking milk thistle.
It’s also important to note that dietary supplements like milk thistle are not regulated like drugs in the United States. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party and to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Other Natural Remedies For Menstrual Health
Apart from milk thistle, there are other natural remedies that women can use to support menstrual health and regulate their cycle. These remedies have been used for centuries and are still popular today as safe and effective options for menstrual health. Here are some of the most popular natural remedies for menstrual health:
1. Chasteberry: Also known as Vitex agnus-castus, chasteberry is a herb that has been used for centuries to support menstrual health. It is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing hormones, particularly by increasing progesterone levels. Chasteberry is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to support menstrual health.
2. Dong Quai: Dong Quai is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to support menstrual health. It is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area and improving circulation. Dong Quai is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to support menstrual health.
3. Red Raspberry Leaf: Red raspberry leaf is a herb that has been used for centuries to support menstrual health. It is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle by toning the uterus and improving circulation. Red raspberry leaf is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to support menstrual health.
4. Black Cohosh: Black cohosh is a herb that has been used for centuries to support menstrual health. It is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing hormones, particularly by decreasing estrogen levels. Black cohosh is available in supplement form and can be taken daily to support menstrual health.
5. Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in hormonal balance and supports menstrual health. It helps regulate the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for a healthy menstrual cycle. Magnesium can be found in supplement form or in foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
It’s important to note that natural remedies may not work for everyone, and it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or herbs. Additionally, natural remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment if there are underlying health conditions affecting the menstrual cycle.
