Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by various glands and organs including your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas. Hormones are responsible for our weight, mood, appearance, energy, anxiety levels and even fertility. They regulate the activity of cells and tissues in various organs of the body. Even a slight imbalance in our hormones can wreck our well being and hence, it is important that they remain balanced.
Hormone Imbalance & Hormone Harmony
Hormone imbalance is best understood by knowing how a normal menstrual cycle works. A menstrual cycle is the result of a hormonal dance between the pituitary gland in the brain and the ovaries. Every month the female sex hormones prepare the body to support a pregnancy, and without fertilization there is menstruation (a period).
At ovulation, usually around Day 12 – 14, increased estrogen levels trigger a sharp rise in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, causing release of the egg from the follicle. The ruptured follicle (corpus luteum) now secretes progesterone and estrogen to continue to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
Knowing how a normal menstrual cycle works helps to understand the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), perimenopause and menopause Symptoms are often the result of too much or too little hormone(s).
During perimenopause hormone levels fluctuate as a result of fewer ovulations, so less progesterone is produced in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Periods can be erratic, skipped or have heavy bleeding /clots. Symptoms result from the change in ratio of estrogen to progesterone so the imbalance creates the symptoms.
During menopause, estrogen is no longer produced by the ovaries and is made in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and in fat tissue. Estrogen is still produced in the body, but in lower amounts than younger cycling women. The most significant hormone change of menopause is the lack of progesterone, so a time of estrogen dominance and low progesterone.
Every system in your body is interconnected. The ovaries producing sex hormones Estrogen and Progesterone , adrenals produce the stress hormone cortisol and the thyroid gland producing T3 and T4.If there is an imbalance of any kind in the ovaries (hormones), adrenals (stress), or thyroid, you won’t feel “well”.
Signs & Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances include:
Infertility and irregular periods
Weight gain or weight loss (that’s unexplained and not due to intentional changes in your diet)
Depression and anxiety
Fatigue
Low libido
Changes in appetite
Digestive issues
Hair loss and hair thinning
What are the causes that mark hormonal imbalance?
The body has an extremely sensitive science. Changes in that science can rapidly deliver observable side effects and other medical issues.
High anxiety, higher than average levels of stress and emotional upsets
Stress is one of the greatest reasons for the imbalance. Stress may link with emotional disturbances like relationships, or physical anxiety like restlessness, pain or any injury which is a noteworthy reason for stress or anxiety. High cortisol will influence the messages originating from your hypothalamus and pituitary organ in the cerebrum which are the key controllers of the hormones..
Having a test for adrenal hormones will help you to check the levels of stress hormones.
Poor food choices and food allergies –
Diets high in refined foods sugar and hydrogenated fats which are the reasons of inflammatory reactions. For example, gluten triggers excessive production of cortisol leading to the reduction in levels of progesterone.
Furthermore, it can likewise cause an inflammatory reaction which will hinder the progesterone receptors. So, regardless of the possibility that you have enough progesterone, the high cortisol will prevent it from working.
Poor gut health causing Problems with digestion and inflammation
Diarrheas, abdominal bloating, heartburn/acid reflux and constipation are some of the signs that indicate inflammation and dysbiosis in the gut. Dysbiosis is the medical term that implies to the imbalance of good and bad bacteria found in the gut. Due to this inflammation, pituitary gland and hypothalamus suppresses and give signals to produce thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and sex hormones. Consequently, poor gut capacity can negatively affect different aspects of your well-being..
Decreased production of progesterone may also connect with the function of thyroid gland. Thus, therefore, it is truly essential to check the function of thyroid while evaluating a balance of sex hormone.
Taking synthetic hormones
Medicines to treat imbalance hormones generally include contraceptive pills, insulin infusions, thyroid drugs and others. Tragically, these medications frequently do three things:
It makes individuals reliant on taking professionally prescribed medications to keep the signs and symptoms under check. These drug store medicines essentially just hides the side effects, yet doesn’t treat them. It implies to the fact that the patient can keep on developing disorders and abnormalities in different zones of the body. Stroke, osteoporosis, tension, reproductive disorders, malignancy or tumors/ cancer are some of the side effects of these medications.
Inadequate sleep Cortisol, the primary “stress hormone”, is regulated at midnight. Therefore, people who go to bed late never truly get a break from their sympathetic flight/fight stress response. A lack of sleep, long-term use of corticosteroids and chronic stress are three of the biggest contributors to high cortisol levels.
Exposure to environmental toxins (xenoestrogens)
The xenoestrogenes wreak havoc on internal balancing mechanisms of the body, raising the estrogen burden and with it, potential risks for breast cancer. Xenoestrogens are found in feedlot beef and dairy that is pumped up with synthetic growth hormones, in household cleaners and personal care products that contain toxic chemicals, in plastics, acetones (e.g., fingernail polish and removers) and in pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and industrial pollutants.
How can you relieve hormonal imbalances?
Balancing your hormones is a process, and sometimes it has little twists and turns. But by sticking with it, you can become vital, happy, alert, brilliant, and thriving.
The Right Diet Becomes Your Number-One Reset Button
The food you choose to eat can have a major impact on your health. If your diet is high in sugar, processed carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats, genetically modified foods, and conventional beef, dairy, and poultry, refined grains, wheat, corn, full-fat dairy, red meat, caffeine , alcohol, peanuts, sugar, saturated and trans-saturated fats .then you are more susceptible to obesity and all the associated diseases, plus an increase in hormonal imbalances. .
Diets designed around foods that are believed to decrease inflammation are based around whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits, wild fish and seafood, grass-fed lean turkey and chicken. Eat Healthy Fats (Including Coconut Oil and Avocados) as they are fundamental building blocks for hormone productions, keeping inflammation levels low, boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.. Fermented vegetables, probiotic food and high-fiber foods like vegetables and sprouted seeds can be added to protect gut health. Omega-3 fatty acids assume an imperative part in creating hormones, thus they are exceedingly helpful in adjusting them. Soy beans, tofu, fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and olive oil are some of the main sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Reduce stress and increase Physical activities
Taking part in physical activities is an extraordinary approach to reduce inflammation, to maintain a healthy weight, to lower stress, to regulate appetite, and for a better sleep. It likewise brings down cortisol levels. Cortisol is an anxiety and stress hormone that halt the estrogen and is adverse to your general well-being.
Swimming, strolling, running or do other light activities for 20 to 30 minutes every day or possibly a couple of times each week are a better option. Practicing Yoga therapy and mindful based exercises to reduce anxiety and stress. . Yoga poses stimulate and balance endocrine function by pressurize and depressurizing glands. These subtle compressions and decompressions can regulate secretions and improve functions.
Sleep is another important factor to keep stress hormones balanced, builds up energy and allows the body to recover properly.
Eliminating toxicity
To cut down your exposure to toxins be sure to:
Choose hormone-free, meat, dairy and wild caught fish vs. farmed varieties
Avoid produce that has been sprayed with pesticides
Use glass rather than plastic containers for food. Be sure not to heat or microwave food in plastic bags or containers
Avoid herbicides and insecticides
Avoid bleached paper such as coffee filters, tissue paper, napkins, etc.
Avoid the use of household chlorine containing bleach or use disposable gloves and open all the windows if working with chemicals
Switch to organic sanitary napkins and tampons
Reduce use of solvents like nail polish, nail polish remover, etc.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine is capable of elevating cortisol levels if it interferes with your normal sleep cycle. It might also have an impact on other stress hormones, such as adrenaline production. You’re probably aware that caffeine is addictive by nature, increases nervousness and anxiety in many people, and is linked with insomnia.
Chronic alcohol consumption can contribute to estrogen dominance and has been found to interfere with pancreatic functioning, increase liver disease risk, lower testosterone and contribute to anxiety and malnutrition.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D influences your pituitary organ. Pituitary organ supposes to produce a number of hormones. It can assist to subside the side effects related to low estrogen levels. It additionally influences your weight and craving.
In case of deficiency of vitamin D, it may lead to the abnormal production of the Parathyroid hormone. A couple of minutes under the sun can be of incredible help for the body for making vitamin D to maintain your hormones
You can likewise eat foods that are rich in vitamin D like milk and eggs. Another alternative is to take vitamin D supplements. For an appropriate dose, it is suggested to consult your naturopathic doctor.
Essential oils
To adjust and balance your hormones normally, it’s vital that you detox your body by avoiding the products that are made with conceivably unsafe chemicals including DEA (diethanolamine), sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, propylene, and glycol.
Instead, use natural products made from essential oil, castor oil or Shea butter.
Some useful essential oils that help in hormone balancing are:
Fennel essential oil helps in your digestion and will lessen irritation and inflammation
Thyme essential oil enhances progesterone creation, which treats medical problems like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), menopause, melancholy, fibroids, sleeping disorder, and infertility.
Clary sage essential oil
Clary sage adjusts estrogen levels since it contains regular phytoestrogens. It can be utilized to manage your menstrual cycle, alleviate PMS (Pre Menstrual Syndrome) indications, and treat PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
Herbs
Aniseed, black cohosh, fennel, hops, licorice, oregano, red clover, sage, raspberry leaf, chaste tree, and wild yam root
What you take into your body has a tremendous effect on your health. Hormones are by far one of the most sensitive compounds in your body. Balancing and regulating them can have such a positive impact on your everyday life, well-being, health and beauty. Be sure to stay on top of them!
Please note the above information is not offered for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment,
or prevention of any disease or disorder nor have any statements herein been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We strongly encourage our readers to discuss topics of concern with their health care professionals.