Question 1

Let's Talk about Hormones!

Accepted Answer

The information provided in this section is pulled from resources provided by Rowe Casa Organics and is comes with the following disclaimer from their team:

"We LOVE helping people & will gladly give our personal recommendations on which products we think could help your situation/ailment. However, we are not doctors & we are not liable if something recommended does not work for you or you experience negative effects. Thank you for choosing Rowe Casa!"

We realize the topic of hormones can feel really overwhelming, so we created this document to help! Before we jump in, we want to be clear that we are not doctors. So anything we share with you in our groups or this document is our opinion based on our research and experience. We will do all we can to help you find what products might work best for you, but please understand that balancing hormones is not a one size fits all approach. With everyone’s unique body chemistry, genetics, and needs, it can only be expected that each person will respond differently to each product. This document was created to help educate you and help you find the best fit of blends for your hormone-related issues!

We also offer a Women’s Hormone Kit, which is a great way to get your hormone levels balanced. We combined 4 of our top-selling hormone blends that address key areas of imbalance in the body and included an informative insert to help you get started.

Please know there could be an adjustment period to find what will work best for you. BUT don’t give up! We have hundreds of amazing testimonies from women who didn’t give up! So much of life is about showing up, so we are so proud of you for reaching out to us, doing your own research, and taking proactive steps toward more excellent health and wellness! We are excited, so... Let's jump in!

Question 2

What should a normal cycle look like?

Accepted Answer

A healthy period will have 3 main phases:
Follicular Phase- can last anywhere from 7-21 days
Ovulation- lasts 1 day
Luteal Phase- last 10-16 days

This means a healthy cycle can range from 21-35 days, with 28 days being the average cycle length.

If you have always had cycles longer than 35 days, you may have PCOS.

If your cycle comes sooner than 21 days, that indicates an anovulatory cycle, short follicular phase, or short luteal phase.

*Solution: For longer or shorter cycle length issues, you will benefit from increasing progesterone levels. Rowe Casa Organics has three options: P-Boost, Ovary Health, or Healthy Uterus.

Question 3

Our 10 Hormone Support Blends

Accepted Answer

Below is a list of our various hormone support options. Depending on your unique needs, you may gravitate towards one product over the other. The type that you should choose ultimately boils down to your hormonal needs, overall symptoms needing to be addressed, and your goals (general balance, trying to conceive, etc.).

*Once you select a protocol you feel is best for you, we recommend you try to stick with it for at least 3 months because that is how long it takes your ovarian follicles to journey all the way to ovulation. Most importantly, we encourage you to listen to your body and do what it is telling you.

P-Boost: This blend is for anyone needing hormone balancing who is mostly low in progesterone but also gives some help with estrogen balancing as well. Signs you may be low in progesterone are: irregular cycles or long cycles, heavy or long periods, decreased sex drive, bloating, ovarian cyst, and an inability to get pregnant. To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily during your entire cycle if you feel you are super low in progesterone or just on days 15-28 if only mildly low or have a regular cycle. 
Ovary Health: This blend was formulated to help with PCOS. It has all of the ingredients from the P- Boost drops but has extra oils to help with symptoms of PCOS, which include: irregular periods or complete absence, pain in pelvic region, hair loss, infertility, weight gain, insulin resistance, unwanted hair growth, acne, & fatigue. To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily during your entire cycle or just days 15-28 of your cycle. 
Healthy Uterus: This blend was formulated to help with endometriosis, cysts, and fibroids. Symptoms of endometriosis include: painful periods, difficulty getting pregnant, heavy menstrual periods, spotting or bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain. This blend has all the ingredients from the P-Boost but has extra oils to help with pain and dissolving cysts and fibroids. To use: Apply 2-3 drops 2-3 times daily on painful areas for best results. Apply 2-3 drops daily once the pain is manageable. 
Breast Health: This blend combats inflammation in the breast by fighting estrogen dominance in breast tissue that comes from environmental estrogen. It also helps with cysts and fibroids in breast tissue.
To use: Apply 2-3 drops on each breast and massage into the skin once daily for only 3 months of the year. Repeat yearly. The anti-inflammatory effect can go away if used for longer durations, so we strongly recommend only using on breasts for 3 months out of the year and then taking a break for 9 months of no use. This information is based on Thermography imaging results, checking the breast tissue for estrogen dominance/inflammation. 
First Trimester Support: These are for anyone needing progesterone support during their first trimester of pregnancy. If you struggle with miscarriages, it could be because you are low in progesterone. We recommend using this during your first trimester to support healthy progesterone levels. If you have a history of pre-term labor, you can use these drops to support progesterone throughout your entire pregnancy. To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily, only during the first trimester of pregnancy. 
Period Relief: These are for anyone experiencing bloating, painful cramps, irritability, moodiness, sadness, headaches, low energy, joint pain, tender and swollen breast, brain fog, heavy menstrual period, food cravings, binge eating, and exhaustion during their period. To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily while discomfort persists. 
T-Balance: These are for men and women who are low or high in Testosterone.
Symptoms of low testosterone in men include: low sex drive, lack of energy, difficulty achieving an erection, increase body fat, decreased muscle mass, low motivation, heightened emotions, hair loss, low semen count, and fatigue.
Symptoms of low testosterone in women include: fatigue, muscle weakness, sluggishness, sleep disturbances, fertility issues, weight gain, low sex drive, thinning skin, poor memory and concentration, chronic stress, depression, and anxiety.
Signs of high testosterone in males: acne, aggressive or risk-taking behaviors, excessive body hair, headaches, high blood pressure, high libido, and increased appetite.
Signs of high testosterone in women are: acne, deep voice, excess hair on the face and body, increased muscle mass, irregular periods, loss of libido, irritability, and thinning hair.
To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily.
 *Note: Women with PCOS have high testosterone levels.
Menopause Relief: This blend is for anyone going through the estrogen rollercoaster of menopause. You may be low in estrogen if you experience: hot flashes, insomnia, hair loss or thinning, bone loss, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, depression, slower metabolism, weight gain, bloating, irritability, vaginal loosening, fatigue, or dry skin. If you are premenopausal, in menopause, or had a hysterectomy or damage to your ovaries from chemo/radiation, this blend may be for you if you experience the symptoms listed above. To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily. 
*Note: If you are pre-menopausal or in menopause, have had a hysterectomy, or have had damage to your ovaries, you may find it beneficial to pair these with P-Boost and T-Balance. 
E-Balance: This blend was formulated to help balance Estrogen levels in women not going through menopause. It is common for women to either be estrogen dominant or low in estrogen, and either can keep their bodies from functioning optimally. Estrogen dominance can create a host of issues such as: weight gain, irritation, bloating, headaches, and fibroids. Low estrogen can contribute to: hot flashes, insomnia, mental fog, depression, low libido, and can affect your ability to ovulate. This blend was formulated to regulate estrogen levels and bring needed balance however it is needed. 
To use: Apply 2-3 drops on inner wrists, forearms, or lower abdomen 1-2 times daily your entire cycle or just days 1-14.
Thyroid + Adrenal Support: This blend supports the thyroid, adrenals, and overall endocrine system.
To use: Apply 2-3 drops on the front of your neck/throat area and both sides of your lower back area 1- 2 times daily for help with endocrine regulation or thyroid nodules.

*For an easy way to get started balancing your hormones, we have a Women's Hormone Kit which includes E-Balance, P-Boost, T-Balance, and Thyroid + Adrenal support blends.

Question 4

Suggested Hormone Blends for Progesterone Support

Question 5

Suggested Hormone Blends for Estrogen Support

Question 6

Suggested Hormone Blends Throughout your Cycle

Question 7

I have no period. How do I use the hormone support blends?

Accepted Answer

Your focus should be on increasing progesterone to bring on your period. Select one of our blends that contain progesterone that suits you best (P-Boost, Ovary Health, or Healthy Uterus) and apply these blends. You may choose to continue using them daily, as many do.

If you feel that you want to try using them only on days 15-28, you can cut back to only using them on those days of your cycle.

As a reminder, the first day of your period, is considered Day 1 of your cycle.

Question 8

I need to boost my progesterone and estrogen levels. How should I use the hormone support blends?

Accepted Answer

For those who need to boost both their Progesterone and Estrogen should: 
support estrogen during days 1-14 of your cycle.
support progesterone during days 15-28 of your cycle.

*This is based on a generic 28-day cycle. Please make adjustments to your cycle length and estimate using E-Balance during the first 1⁄2 of your cycle and P-Boost during the 2nd 1⁄2 of your cycle.

E-Balance will help support healthy ovulation and P-Boost will help support a lighter and shorter menstruation OR support implantation with progesterone.

If you are very low in progesterone, you may benefit from using P-Boost every day of your cycle. You would then just add in the E-Balance on days 1-14 and use it alongside P-Boost.

*Note: If conception occurs, switch to First Trimester Support once you know you are pregnant.

Question 9

I am in menopause right now. Which hormone blend should I use?

Accepted Answer

For those in menopause who are low in estrogen, progesterone, and likely testosterone, we recommend Menopause Support, P-Boost, T-Balance, and Thyroid + Adrenal Support.

Question 10

I'm not sure if I am ovulating OR I know I am not ovulating. Which hormone support blend should I use?

Accepted Answer

To support ovulation, E-Balance will assist with balancing your estrogen levels and encourage ovulation.

You can use E-Balance on days 1-14 of your cycle, or if you feel you are very low in estrogen and need extra attention, you can try using it every day.

Question 11

I am taking "XYZ" prescription(s); can I use the hormone support blends with them?

Accepted Answer

We always advise you to contact your doctor or pharmacist to ask them if any supplement or natural remedy is safe to take with your prescription.

Question 12

I have a very long cycle, and I want to support my progesterone and estrogen levels. How do I use the hormone support blends?

Accepted Answer

Just use E-Balance for the first 1⁄2 of your cycle (days 1-14) and then switch to P-Boost (or another option containing progesterone) and use that for the other 1⁄2 of your cycle (days 15-28).

Eventually, hormones should level out and your cycle should shorten.

*Note: Too much progesterone can push out/delay your period starting. So, once you are balanced, you may want to discontinue use. 
*Also note: Not everyone needs extra progesterone.

Question 13

I don't know which hormone support blend I need. What should I use?

Accepted Answer

The Women's Hormone Kit is an easy place for all women to start using when looking to balance their hormones! For those unsure if their hormones are balanced or not, we recommend asking your doctor for a blood hormone test or doing a saliva test.

HealthConfirm is one company that does saliva testing, but there are many companies out there doing it now. You can also look at the symptoms you are experiencing and see which blends might help support you based on that information.

1: The Follicular Phase

The Follicular Phase begins with menstruation. Menstruation feels like the last part of your cycle, but it is considered day 1 of your cycle. 
Most women flow for 3-5 days. Menstrual clots are normal but should be few and small (dime sized). 
If you flow for more than seven days, you have prolonged bleeding. 
It can be due to things such as: PCOS, uterine polyps or fibroids, peri-menopause, or an anovulatory cycle.
If you have heavy bleeding, it is most likely a hormonal imbalance of low progesterone and estrogen excess. 
Solution: use P-Boost to boost progesterone and help metabolize excess estrogen. If you have light bleeding but you ovulated, you have sufficient estrogen to ovulate, so you don't need to worry.
If you have light bleeding and did not ovulate, you would want to boost estrogen (reducing stress and eating more would also be helpful). 
Solution: use E-Boost to bring your estrogen levels to balance. The length of your follicular phase depends in part on the amount of time it takes one dominant follicle to emerge. When the follicle is slow to mature, this phase will last longer. Your whole menstrual cycle will also be longer as a result.
A long follicular phase means that it takes more time for your body to ovulate. This can be a result of a few different factors, some common ones are:
Using birth control pills for a long time can lengthen your follicular phase. 
Low vitamin D levels have also been linked to a longer follicular phase. 
Women with a long follicular phase are just as likely to get pregnant as those with a statistically more normal follicular phase. 
Having a longer cycle should not affect your fertility.
Estrogen is your happy hormone that stimulates mood and libido because it boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. 
One of its main jobs is stimulating your uterine lining to prepare for a baby. 
The more estrogen you have, the thicker your uterine lining will be and the heavier your period will eventually be.
Fertile mucus or cervical fluid is stimulated by estrogen, which is why it is higher just before ovulation.
The purpose is to help the sperm survive and get to the egg. 
Fertile mucus contains microscopic “sperm escalators” that hasten the sperm to your uterus.

2: Ovulation:

Ovarian follicles contain one egg. 
Its health is critical to ovulation, and it takes 100 days to mature to ovulation. 
If your follicles were unhealthy for any part of that 100 days, it may result in problems with your period months later.
Your dominant ovarian follicle is triggered by Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and ruptures to release its egg (ovulation).
You may notice a twinge or mild pain on one or both sides of your lower pelvis. 
It might be stronger pain if it has been some time since you last ovulated (i.e. coming off the BC pill or recovering from PCOS). 
If you have consistent severe pain with ovulation, please check with your doctor to rule out ovarian cysts, endometriosis, infection, etc. 
The average day of ovulation is day 14 but don’t worry if it doesn’t happen then. 
If you have a longer cycle, your ovulation will be later.
After ovulation, you will either be pregnant or you will get your period approximately two weeks later. 
Other possible signs of ovulation include: 
mild twinging pain (mittelschmerz)
light bleeding or spotting
abdominal bloating
fluid retention
breast tenderness
To estimate when your next ovulation might occur: 
Count back approximately two weeks from the first day of your next expected/projected period.

3: The Luteal Phase

After ovulation, you enter the Luteal phase (10-16 days), and progesterone increases. 
Progesterone is your key hormone for period health.
Its biggest job is to hold and nourish a pregnancy - but it does a LOT more than that. 
Progesterone: 
counterbalances estrogen
thins your uterine lining
can lighten your period
reduces inflammation
builds muscles
promotes sleep
calms the nervous system – promoting relaxation.
At the end of the Luteal phase, your corpus luteum shrinks and progesterone drops. 
This stimulates your uterus to contract and shed its lining. 
With enough progesterone present, your period will arrive smoothly with no premenstrual pain.

Question 14

Possible Reasons to Miss a Period

Accepted Answer

Besides hormonal imbalances, things like emotional or physical stress, illness, trauma, surgery, and undereating (too few calories or too few carbohydrates) can cause you to skip a period.

Your hypothalamus will make the executive decision to temporarily suppress reproduction if it senses you are under too much stress/unhealthy and that making a baby would not be a good idea for your body.

Question 15

Anovulatory Cycles - I am having periods, but not ovulating. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes none of your ovarian follicles reach the finish line, and you do not ovulate, but you can still bleed. This is common with PCOS.

You have estrogen, but you did not ovulate. So your progesterone does not increase, yet your uterine lining still must shed.

If you are tracking your Basal Body Temperature (BBT), it will not rise the two weeks before your period.

This is OK to happen occasionally - it is not uncommon in healthy women. It is only a problem if that is happening consistently (i.e. you are never ovulating).

If you are experiencing this and would like additional guidance, please reach out to the Rowe Casa Hormone Specialists for personalized recommendations, by sending an email to Hormones@RoweCasaOrganics.com and provide any relevant background and they will respond back to you in 2-3 days or less with a personalized plan.

Question 16

I am experiencing Mid-Cycle Bleeding, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

This can occur on the day of ovulation. It is common and normally caused by a mini-estrogen withdrawal. It can also be a sign of fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic infection, or uterine polyps.

Check with your doctor if you are unsure.

Question 17

I have Low Progesterone, could that be impacting my Periods?

Accepted Answer

Low Progesterone is associated with PCOS, premenstrual bleeding or spotting, prolonged or heavy periods, fibroids, acne, hair loss, PMS, and peri-menopause.

Question 18

I struggle with high estrogen, what are some other factors to consider?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen Excess can lead to heavy periods, breast tenderness, PMS, fibroids.

Estrogen metabolism is the healthy removal or detoxification of estrogen from your body.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) such as: pesticides, solvents, fire retardants, mercury, plastic softeners (BPA) impair healthy estrogen metabolism, alter hormone levels, and interfere with hormone receptors. (EDC is linked to an increase in PCOS, endometriosis, etc.).

Question 19

I have been diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids. What now?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroids: These are common after age 35. Most of us have at least 1 or 2. Heavy menstrual bleeding often occurs because both conditions are caused by estrogen excess.

Balance this be following the high estrogen protocol.

Question 20

I struggle with Chronic Inflammation, what does this mean for my Cycle?

Accepted Answer

This could be the main reason for your period problems. Chronic Inflammation blocks hormone receptors, impairs estrogen metabolism, and prevents ovulation and the production of progesterone.

Question 21

Let's talk about Birth Control

Accepted Answer

1 in 3 women take Birth Control pills to regulate their period. 
Hormonal birth control (the pill) does not regulate hormones, it works by shutting down your ovaries and switching off your hormones entirely. 
You will have no sex hormones of your own when on the pill. Instead, steroid hormone replacements take over your body (specifically ethynylestradiol, drospirenone, levonorgestrel, and others). 
Depression, libido issues, weight gain, hair loss, etc. occur when natural hormones aren’t flowing through the body doing their multiple functions. 
PLEASE NOTE: When you get your “period” on the pill, it is not a “real” period. It is a pill-induced bleed, formally referred to as a “pill bleed”. 
A pill bleed is an effect of the drug that stimulates your uterine lining to shed. 
A real period is the finale in a series of hormonal events (each monthly cycle), but this does not happen on the pill.
The synthetic hormones in the birth control pill shut down your ovaries, so this process cannot happen. 
We are not fans of the pill and feel that it is most beneficial to your overall health to pursue balancing hormonal issues naturally. 
When coming off the pill, many feel more balanced in mood, energy, libido, etc. 
You can develop problems such as post-pill acne, PMS, or a complete lack of a period (amenorrhea). 
The ethinylestradiol in birth control pills is four times stronger than our body's natural estradiol. Because of that, it is common to have withdrawals from synthetic estrogen steroids, and it can also bring on a surge in androgens after. 
Solution: Start using P-Boost and E-Balance one month before stopping birth control so your body doesn’t have such a harsh shift once the synthetic steroid hormones leave your system.

For a more natural option that helps with Birth Control AND Trying to Conceive, please consider FAM (Fertility Awareness Method).
PLEASE read Taking Charge of Your Fertility and check out their website to educate yourself on this method and how to properly chart and track. 
A woman is only fertile 6 days per cycle. 
You can determine which days you are fertile and then abstain from intercourse or use a barrier method for natural birth control (OR if TTC, this is your window to have intercourse to try for that baby!). 
Chart and track waking body temperature, cervical fluid, and cervix changes. 
Your fertile days are 5 days before ovulation (because that is how long sperm can survive) and one day after ovulation (because that is how long the egg can survive).

Question 22

Menopause versus Perimenopause

Accepted Answer

The average age for menopause is anywhere from 45-55. The average age for perimenopause is up to 12 years before that – so as young as 35!

Perimenopause = increased estrogen and decreased progesterone. 
The 2-12 years leading up to menopause is the most symptomatic. 
Estrogen roller coaster* 
20% of women will have dramatic ups and downs of estrogen.
Progesterone begins to decline, leading to symptoms like:
Hot flashes
Sleep problems
Mood swings
Heavy periods
Migraines
Weight gain
Solution: Support progesterone, metabolize estrogen, reduce inflammation (P-Boost, Menopause Support, T-Balance, Relief, Antioxidant Infusion, Elderberry, Magnesium)

Menopause = 1 year after your last period. (OR surgical menopause with a total hysterectomy) 
You will now be low in estrogen, progesterone, etc.
Solution: Menopause Support, P-Boost, T-Balance, Magnesium Spray or Cream

Question 23

How can I know if I’m in perimenopause yet?

Accepted Answer

If your Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is higher than 40 IU/L on two occasions, a month apart, then you are beginning the menopause transition.

Question 24

Additional Products for a Better Period!

Accepted Answer

When we talk about balancing our hormones, We also want to look at bringing down and balancing cortisol. We can help that with using our Tart Cherry Sleep Support! Not only will this bring down inflammation and cortisol, our stress hormone, but will help you get incredible sleep nightly which is imperative for happy hormones and mood improvement!

In addition, and maybe the most important one, is our Magnesium Cream or Gel. Magnesium is crucial for hormonal health because it acts as a stabilizer for each and every hormone in our body. It also affects over 600 biochemical functions, we have to have it! This will also help with mood and feeling more balanced in the body in general. You can apply this to the feet at night.

Question 25

Charting your cycle for Natural Birth Control or Conception

Accepted Answer

FACT: Your period is the report card for your hormones. Charting or tracking your cycle is essential to be in touch with what is going on with your body.

Waking Temperature, or Basal Body Temperature (BBT), is your “under the tongue temperature” first thing in the morning after you wake up but BEFORE you get out of bed. 
Before ovulation: your waking temperature is between 97–97.7 degrees. 
After ovulation: progesterone increases your BBT by approximately 0.5 degrees and will remain higher until you have a period. 
This small but significant increase in temperature over a few days can tell you that you have ovulated already.

Cervical Fluid is the sign to track that will tell you before you ovulate. 
Fertile fluid/mucus will have the look and consistency of egg whites (clear, stretchy, and slippery). You will usually see some form of fertile mucus during the days leading up to ovulation. Its purpose is to transport sperm rapidly through your uterus to your egg.
If you are trying to prevent pregnancy, this is your red flag to abstain until after ovulation has occurred. 
If you are Trying to Conceive (TTC), this is your beacon of hope that reinforcements have arrived to carry that precious sperm to your egg.
Please Note: it is possible to have Cervical Mucus (CM) on other days in your cycle that you are not ovulating, simply because your estrogen levels can fluctuate. 
You ONLY ovulate ONCE a month, but CM can come more than once. This is why it is imperative to chart and pay attention to more than just CM.

Your cervix is at the bottom of your uterus where the opening is. In the days just before ovulation, your cervix position will be higher and softer. 
Another sign of ovulation is a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), also known as a peak, which can be detected with a urine test strip. 
Start testing by at least day 8 of your cycle, and when you see a positive LH test, it usually means you will ovulate within the next 36-40 hours. 
Please Note: If you have PCOS, your LH readings may not correlate with ovulation. Instead, you may detect what appears to be an LH surge almost every day of your cycle.

Menstruation is Day 1 of your cycle - “heavy/regular flow” (not spotting). 
The last day of your current cycle tracking will be the day before the first day of your period. 
When you track your BBT, CM, etc., you can confirm if you have ovulated and when you did. 
This will tell you exactly when your period will come. 
If you do not ovulate, this will let you know that something is off that needs to be addressed. 
It could be as simple as being under too much stress, not eating enough, or it could mean you have PCOS or a thyroid issue.

Rowe Casa & Hormones