Boron And It's Hormone Benefits

Boron is a fascinating mineral that few people are aware of, particularly when it comes to the endocrine system. We've all heard of magnesium, copper, and zinc to assist balance our estrogen and testosterone levels, but boron, a third level and lesser known mineral, is often overlooked. Not any longer, since today we'll look at how this mineral might potentially help you on your postmenopausal journey.

Unveiling Boron's Basics

Boron is a trace mineral, which means we don't need much of it to be healthy. It is plentiful in meals such as plant sources, but owing to our bad agricultural practices in the twenty-first century, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain healthy boron status. Crops are not rotated or rested as frequently, they are not remineralized, pesticides affect the soil even more, and so on. 

As a result of these modern agricultural practices, the natural levels of boron in our soil are being depleted, leading to a decline in the boron content of the foods we consume. Boron plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body, despite being required in small amounts. It's involved in bone health, as it contributes to the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals that make up the structural integrity of bones.

Boron's Impact on Bone Health

Boron has been demonstrated to greatly promote bone health, particularly in women approaching menopause, among its numerous functions. This is due to boron's ability to help maintain calcium and magnesium inside cells, hence preserving bone density. Surprisingly, keeping magnesium inside the cell directly improves adrenal function and energy generation, as magnesium is a vital mineral that helps balance our stress response and neurological system

Furthermore, boron's positive effects on bone health extend beyond its role in mineral preservation. Research indicates that boron may influence the production of hormones like estrogen and vitamin D, both of which play crucial roles in bone metabolism and maintenance. In women approaching menopause, when hormonal changes can impact bone density, boron's ability to support hormonal balance adds another layer of significance to its role in promoting skeletal health. By ensuring proper calcium and magnesium levels within cells and contributing to hormone regulation, boron showcases its intricate involvement in maintaining not only strong bones but also overall hormonal equilibrium and energy regulation within the body.

Boron's Multi-Faceted Benefits

Boron has also been shown to aid in wound healing by increasing vitamin D synthesis and production in the body, lowering inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), increasing levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, chelating metals and pesticides, and improving cognitive function. 

2Its ability to enhance vitamin D synthesis is pivotal in supporting the body's immune response and promoting efficient healing processes. By reducing inflammatory markers like hs-CRP and TNF, boron contributes to a less hostile environment within the body, facilitating healing and minimizing excessive inflammation. The increase in antioxidant enzymes highlights boron's potential in combating oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases. Furthermore, boron's chelating properties can aid in detoxifying the body from harmful metals and pesticides, promoting a cleaner internal environment. With its wide-ranging effects on cognitive function, wound healing, and immune response, boron emerges as a valuable micronutrient that warrants renewed attention and consideration in maintaining optimal health.

Boron's Endocrine Effects

For the sake of today's blog, we wanted to focus on boron's endocrine impacts, notably its capacity to increase estrogen in postmenopausal women and testosterone in men in their later years. 

In this study, they found that adding dietary boron to postmenopausal women boosted both estrogen and testosterone levels--especially in those women who were also magnesium deficient. Take note of the fact that boron aids in the retention of magnesium within the cell. The ladies in this research who also had low magnesium levels had their estrogen virtually double, as did their testosterone. 

Low estrogen levels can cause the following symptoms:

• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Hair loss
• Bone density loss
• Long or missing periods
• Thinning tissue, like skin sagging

Understanding the Hormonal Puzzle

In a notable study involving males, a mere week of boron treatment demonstrated a remarkable outcome: a noticeable increase in free testosterone levels accompanied by a decline in estrogen levels. Notably, the intervention exhibited a multifaceted impact as inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL6), hs-CRP, and TNF-A, experienced a reduction. This suggests that boron played a pivotal role in supporting the adrenals and the neurological system, sending signals to the body to alleviate stress responses and mitigate the need for sustained stress.

Hormonal imbalances, encompassing conditions like diminished estrogen or testosterone levels, commonly stem from compromised adrenal and thyroid function, along with disruptions within the neurological system. Adding to the study's intrigue, a compelling revelation emerged: a surge in men's testosterone levels was coupled with a reduction in estrogen levels, indicating a potential decrease in the tendency for testosterone to undergo aromatization and convert into estrogen, thus marking a favorable outcome.

Symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Low libido
• Loss of muscle mass
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Fat gain

Considering Boron Supplementation

Although boron supplementation may not be the first remedy that readily comes to mind for individuals grappling with declining hormone levels, especially as they age, it could prove beneficial to explore and evaluate one's mineral status. Opting to test for boron levels and considering its potential compatibility as a supplement could hold promise in addressing hormonal imbalances and optimizing overall well-being.

If this is something you're interested in, we have a boron product called Upgraded Boron that you can find by following the link here!

Conclusion

In conclusion, boron emerges as a hidden gem in the realm of minerals, particularly when it comes to its profound impact on the endocrine system. While magnesium, copper, and zinc often take the spotlight for their roles in hormone balance, boron, often overlooked, reveals its substantial potential. By delving into the depths of boron's capabilities, we have uncovered a mineral that not only aids in preserving bone health through its intricate involvement in calcium and magnesium metabolism but also showcases a spectrum of benefits, from wound healing and antioxidant support to cognitive enhancement and detoxification. Its remarkable effects on hormone regulation, particularly its ability to boost estrogen and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women and older men, underline its significance in the delicate hormonal puzzle. As we navigate the complexities of hormonal shifts and seek avenues to enhance well-being, considering boron supplementation and its potential to address imbalances offers a promising avenue worth exploration. By recognizing boron's pivotal role in our health journey, we can embark on a path toward optimal wellness with newfound insights and possibilities.

Barbara Madimenos
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Practitioner
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Integrative Health Coach