Have you ever felt your heart rate increase because someone didn’t use their turn signal? As an example, not getting a heads-up can quickly jeopardize safety, and it turns out that our bodies rely on similar mechanisms every day.
Each person has a natural orchestra of cellular signaling inside of them. The body contains a group of conductors, or glands, which produce hormones responsible for regular health maintenance.
Neuro transmitters and hormones both play a role in our mood and energy levels. an imbalance in either can make us feel sluggish or sad. Things that are not as familiar to us can still have a major impact on our mood, health, and how long we live.
Does Matcha Affect Hormones? Hormones and Matcha
Endocrine glands release hormones into our circulatory system to communicate with each other. The interconnected effects of this can cause cells to behave differently throughout the body.
Our bodily functions are regulated by various mechanisms to keep us healthy. These mechanisms include regulating our respiration, energy output, growth, reproduction, and sexual health. If levels of even one hormone are not balanced, it can cause a build-up of imbalances which can lead to disease.
This review will touch on a few key hormones and how to maintain their levels, as well as the role matcha may play in a holistic health plan.
Thyroid Hormones and Green Tea
The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located in the neck. It is responsible for producing two vital hormones, T3 and T4. There are many things that play an essential role in metabolism, digestion and GI function, restful sleep, mood, and more.
When the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. When it produces too much thyroid hormone, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism.
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism include a sense of fatigue or irritability, dry or rough skin, and a difficult time regulating temperature, especially sensitivity to cold. There may also be muscle pain, depression, or more.
- In the case of hyperthyroidism, you may feel hot or sweat excessively. There may also be muscle tremors, diarrhea, or rapid heartbeat. Often there is anxiety general sensitivity.
The pituitary gland secretes Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) that mainly determines the status of your thyroid. However, there are other reasons why levels may be too high or too low.
Although modern treatments can usually treat both sides, there can be complications. Sometimes the treatments will overcompensate in the other direction, causing an imbalance.
Will Matcha Green Tea Help Your Thyroid?
There’s good reason to look for ways to supplement your diet and exercise with adaptogens, of which matcha is one.
A more complementary approach is more likely to maintain balance. This is where matcha may be able to help:
- One research study concludes that supplementation of green tea can increase circulating TSH levels, which typically raises T3 T4 levels [7].
- Paradoxically, polyphenols and flavonoids of matcha also are reported to slow the production of T3 and T4 [7], which may speak to the adaptogenic capability of green tea while being particularly of interest to those curious about strategies for hyperthyroidism.
- It’s also identified that the higher content of non-oxidized polyphenols in green tea may act on the thyroid more effectively than black tea [7].
It’s considerable that matcha green tea may act on the hormonal balance of the thyroid, which can impact many different bodily functions. The possibilities of this high safety threshold are intriguing, and even if consumed daily, it would be safe. Still, one should always consult with their physician.
Reproductive Hormones and Matcha Green Tea
Most reproductive hormones are controlled by the pituitary gland, which regulates a large group of hormones based on factors like development, gender, and metabolism.
A lot of hormones that play an important role during puberty, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are still necessary in adulthood.
Matcha and Sex Hormones
The hormones present influence the production of testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones related to reproduction.
It is also necessary for the complex of these hormones to be balanced in order to be healthy. The dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted based on the disease, particularly cancers that are affected by hormones (e.g., prostate, ovarian cancer).
GREEN TEA HAS BEEN PROVEN TO HELP REGULATE HORMONES.
- The antioxidant polyphenols in matcha are reported to elevate FSH and are suggested to promote or lower testosterone accordingly [7-8].
- Furthermore, specific evidence implies green tea antioxidants have protective effects on sperm production and balanced levels of FSH and LH in animals [10].
The Cycle Syncing Method
One cup of matcha green tea is equivalent to drinking 10 cups of regular green tea in terms of benefits. It contains a concentrated amount of EGCG, a polyphenol that supports immune function, brain health, and radiant skin. It also contains L-theanine, a molecule that promotes relaxation and sustained energy without the jittery feeling that caffeine can bring.
How well we live and how healthy we are depends on how closely we follow our natural sleep cycle.
Women go through puberty and menopause in their lifetime. This is a special type of rhythm that is unique to women in their reproductive years and is known as an infradian rhythm.
We are talking about the menstrual cycle and why it is more than just a monthly occurrence.
Because women’s hormones are not static, their levels change significantly throughout the month. This has a profound impact on our physiology that most people don’t know about.
Our bodies are impacted by rising and falling estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the month.
The way our bodies process food, how we feel emotionally, our sex drive, how well we can pay attention, how productive we are, and how creative we are all influenced by the levels of different hormones in our bodies.
The best part? If we understand our hormones and how they affect our bodies, we can use that knowledge to improve our diet, exercise, career, and relationships. This would require less effort than what we are currently putting in.
Hormonal Imbalances: A Roadblock in the Cycle Syncing Method
The Cycle Syncing Method will only work if you have a cycle and regular periods. In other words, your hormones need to be balanced. Say whaaaa—?! I know. This is not the case for millions of women, which is sad.
In the United States, approximately 50% of all women experience some form of hormonal imbalance. The following health conditions seriously affect women’s wellbeing and quality of life: painful PMS symptoms, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and infertility.
In her book, Alisa Vitti does an amazing job of explaining the root causes of hormonal imbalances and how diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors play a role in these conditions. Here are a few of the main causes you can start paying attention to right now (note: these apply to men too):
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like pesticides (non-organic produce), phthalates (perfumes, fragrance, scented candles), parabens (personal care products), bisphenol-A (BPA) in plastic water bottles, containers, cups, etc.
- Eating a processed-foods diet that’s rich in refined carbs and sugars leads to insulin resistance, which negatively impacts fertility. When we get into the protocol, I’ll walk you through the foods to eat for each phase of your cycle.
- Too much caffeine: Caffeine increases cortisol and wears our adrenal glands out if we drink it all day long, especially on an empty stomach. Some women are more sensitive to caffeine than others and might be slow metabolizers. For those who struggle with hormonal imbalances, too much caffeine can make things worse because it depletes essential B vitamins that are critical for hormone production. When I feel like I need a break, I’ll take a coffee break for a week or two to give my body a chance to reset.
- Chronic stress: When your cortisol levels are chronically elevated and you’re in a state of fight or flight, your body doesn’t prioritize ovulation. That’s because your body is focused on trying to keep you safe from whatever is stressing you out. Your sex drive diminishes, and so does your progesterone.
To get your cycle back on track, you should reduce, remove, or control the factors that are causing it to be off balance. Factors other than diet that can contribute to hormone imbalances include: sleep, stress, toxin exposure, and nutrient deficiencies. Inquire with your physician about ways you can help facilitate your body’s endocrine system.
Can Birth Control Correct Hormonal Imbalances?
If you are experiencing painful PMS symptoms or hormonal imbalances, you are not alone. Many women are prescribed hormonal birth control by their OB-GYN to help alleviate these symptoms. The standard way to treat hormonal imbalances is with hormonal birth control. Although it might make your symptoms go away for a little while, is it really solving the issue? Sadly, no.
Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation by stopping the mid-cycle surge in estrogen. Many forms of birth control aim to replicate a woman’s natural monthly cycle. Although you may experience breakthrough bleeding during the placebo week of your pill, this does not mean you are on your period.
If no eggs are being released from the ovaries, you will not have a menstrual cycle. This means that the levels of estrogen and progesterone will not rise and fall naturally. You’re unable to take advantage of your hormones because you’re not experiencing their changing nature. Hormonal birth control can sometimes make women feel less like themselves.
The upside? Hormonal birth control can prevent unwanted pregnancies. The downside? It’s no free ride.
Like most medications, birth control has side effects. A high intake of sugar has been linked to a depletion of B vitamins, which are needed to produce serotonin and dopamine – two neurotransmitters that are responsible for making us feel good. Additionally, too much sugar has also been associated with an increased risk of developing depression. The use of birth control has been found to reduce levels of magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc – all of which are essential nutrients for relieving PMS. Additionally, birth control can adversely affect the gut microbiome, and is associated with dysbiosis, bloating, constipation, IBS, and Crohn’s disease.
The pill has contributed to a great deal of social change, particularly in terms of women’s rights. It has helped to prevent unwanted pregnancies and given women more control over their bodies and lives. I believe that a woman should be given a prescription for birth control only after she has been educated about the potential risks of taking it long-term. This way, she can make an informed decision.
I have found that there are very few resources, support, or educational opportunities available to help women understand their menstrual cycles. I was very excited to hear that Dhru’s wife Yamin Nouri and sister Kaya Purohit had started a company called Beeya. The company’s mission is to help women by teaching them about their bodies and providing natural alternatives to hormone problems.
Green Tea in the Fight against Hormonal Cancers?
There is a growing body of evidence against the role of hormones in human and human-cell cancer studies, including breast and ovarian cancer and prostate cancer [11-12].
- For breast and ovarian cancer, research indicates that green tea polyphenols may partially inhibit aromatase, an enzyme involved in estrogen and estradiol production [8,11], which may disrupt tumor growth dependent on these compounds.
- Regarding prostate cancer, the compound EGCG is reported by at least one study to partly interrupt androgen receptor binding, which is one relevant hormonal mechanism in tumor growth [12].
Matcha green tea’s unique antioxidants have been rigorously studied in many settings for their potential anti-cancer and endocrine balance possibilities.
The Bottom Line of Green Tea and Hormones
In general, the results are encouraging in terms of efficacy and safety, and it seems that the natural compounds in green tea may work to improve someone’s health by adapting to their individual situation.
It’s important to maintain regular endocrine function for overall health. Green tea may be one helpful addition to a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management plan for achieving wellness.
Even though it’s important that we know about ongoing studies, you should always talk to your doctor first. Green tea is reported to be active in the body in one way or another and has a good track record for health.
The Samurai were focused and strong, so if a hormone or weight loss program can help you achieve that, it’s probably worth doing.
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