Skin care — sleep-wake cycle

Progesterone and Oestrogen decline (as well as testosterone, DHEA), progesterone at a greater and more rapid rate than our other female sex hormone oestrogen. This creates a wider gap and a resultant imbalance . Progesterone is helpful for sleep and relaxation (it’s an anti-diuretic also) so when we don’t have enough progesterone this can affect the quality and or quantity of our sleep. We can bring the hormones up and back into balance with supplementation replace what is missing. Bioidentical hormones are an option which have the advantage of looking and functioning like the hormones in our bodies.

Boundary-setting and creation of a balanced life is a process and there will be times when the wheels do fall off… we just have to have a strategy to keep a forward momentum.   Additionally, we have come up with a great little supplement which is a combination with GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid ), 5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan) and inositol. GABA has a calming effect in the body (it attaches to the same receptors as some of the anti-anxiety medications do, but we have this in our bodies so are just topping up! ), 5-HTP converts down to our happy hormone,...

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a naturally occurring amino acid found in the brain. This means it is a calming, slowing chemical which acts to relieve anxiety, fear emotions. It acts on the same receptors as benzodiazepines such as ‘Valium’ or’ Xanax’  (trade names for pharmaceuticals) do.  But as it is naturally occurring it is preferable to supplement with this amino acid itself rather than a pharmaceutical version, which can produce dependence and tolerance. 

Oxytocin is often labelled the love hormone for both men and women. Oxytocin influences many physical and physiological actions within the body and  is elevated when we are in situations of stress, social bonding and intimacy or affection. The hormone helps to create a feeling of calm, closeness/intimacy, trust, social understanding, increase generosity, protectionist behaviours and intensifies sexual bonding and intimacy between partners. It is also used as an anitidote for drug withdrawl or cravings and is involved in the satifaction of hunger.