Supporting the Female Ovulation Cycle:
Fertility Foods That Boost Estrogen Levels
Estrogen Boosting Foods
An ever increasing volume of research proves the beneficial effect of fertility foods, natural fertility supplements and natural fertility herbs on the functioning of the endocrine system and all aspects of the female ovulation cycle. Read on to learn about foods that help increase estrogen levels, and see the food and supplement-related chapters in The Fertile Female for additional in-depth information.
Estrogen boosting foods rich in PABA
PABA (Para Aminobenzoic Acid) is known to stimulate the function of the endocrine system by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce more estrogen. Many women, for example women diagnosed with elevated FSH levels, might have diminished levels of estrogen and this natural fertility supplement might help correct that imbalance
Fertility foods that contain PABA include whole grains, eggs, spinach, brewer’s yeast, which is not related to the candida albicans fungus that causes yeast infections. Still brewer’s yeast is an allergen and people with impaired immune function should avoid it (take only high quality brewer’s yeast, if it doesn’t taste bitter, it is not real brewer’s yeast).
Estrogen boosting foods rich in Boron
Boron is a trace mineral which insures optimal function of the endocrine system and helps the body utilize estrogen. In one study, 3 milligrams of boron per day increased estrogen levels of postmenopausal women. I would lean toward boosting boron levels through food rather than fertility supplements, since some studies raise questions about the safety of supplementation with boron.
Fertility foods that contain boron include almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, grapes, dandelion and parsley. (Consume parsley only in the first half of your cycle, since it stimulates the uterus, and can contribute to miscarriage.) Soaking raw almonds for 6-8 hours makes them easier to digest, and neutralizes the effect of tannic acid in their skins which can interfere with iron absorption and is an enzyme inhibitor. You can also buy blanched almonds.
Additional estrogen boosting foods
Maca
Maca is a root that supports balanced function of endocrine system and ovulation through its estrogenic nature is considered a powerful libido enhancing fertility food/supplement.
Red Clover
I’m including Red Clover on this page because it is high in phytoestrogens and women I have worked with who have experienced perimenopausal symptoms have found it helpful in reducing hot flashes. But please note the following contraindications when experimenting with this plant: The same property that’s helpful for hot flashes is contraindicated in pregnancy and during lactation. So if you are taking Red Clover stop as soon as you suspect pregnancy. Red Clover also contains coumarin and salicylic acid, which have blood thinning effect, so if you’re taking any blood thinning medication, Red Clover is not the herb to experiment with.
Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Shatavari’s main constituents are steroidal-saponins, which have been shown to help regulate estrogen levels. Shatavari is an adaptogen herb that also supports appropriate immune and stress response. This plant is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens have been shown to help protect the body from xenohormones which cause hormonal imbalance.
Evening Primrose & Black Currant Oils
Evening primrose oil & black currant oil are good sources of gamma-linolenic acid, a natural estrogen boosting fertility food. Women who are estrogen dominant should avoid these foods.
Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed, a good source of alpha-linolenic acid is an estrogen boosting food. Sprinkling two tablespoons of ground flaxseed on your cereal of salad is a good way to incorporate it into your meal plan. More on Flaxseed here.
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