Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Acts as an adaptogen—a substance that helps balance hormone excesses or deficits by boosting the efficiency of the sites where hormones bind with cells. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to help resolve adrenal- and thyroid-hormone imbalances, ashwagandha allows the body to better cope with stress.
Recommended dose: 600 mg per day
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
An adaptogenic herb that helps alleviate a variety of symptoms, particularly the fuzzy thinking that can accompany a reproductive-hormonal imbalance as well as the hot temper and low immunity associated with stress-hormone imbalances.
Recommended dose: 200-400 mg per day, with at least 4 percent ginsenosides
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)
Can help balance estrogen levels that are too high or too low. This adaptogenic herb has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to relieve PMS, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps.
Recommended dose: 150-300 mg per day
Omega-3 fatty acids
These essentials create healthy cell membranes so hormones reach their destination more easily. They also help maintain and repair hormone receptor sites. Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3s but can contain harmful levels of mercury, so look for ones with "tested for heavy metals" or "filtered free of environmental pollutants" on their labels.
Recommended dose: 500 mg per day
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Adaptogenic rhodiola has been the subject of more than 180 studies, which have shown it to increase thyroid function, help the body adapt to stress, reduce fatigue, boost strength, improve brain function, and lift mood.
Recommended dose: 100 mg daily of a standardized form containing at least 2.6 percent rosavin and 1 percent salidroside