Do you struggle with unexplained weight changes, wake up feeling constantly exhausted, deal with mood swings that appear to arise from nowhere, or have a low sex drive? You may have hormonal imbalances. Women are not strangers to these hormonal imbalances, as well, often having to deal with them every single month. This article contains useful information about hormone imbalances and natural treatments.
Hormonal imbalance occurs when the body produces too much or too little of certain hormones. There are over 50 hormones that act as chemical messengers in the body, influencing everything from metabolism and mood to sleep and reproductive health. So, even a small imbalance can have widespread effects. Since different hormones influence different bodily functions, the symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women include unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, mood disturbances, irregular periods, digestive issues, skin problems, low libido, and sleep disturbances. In men, symptoms may also include muscle loss, brain fog, and erectile dysfunction. Hormonal imbalances can arise from normal biological processes (pregnancy, menopause, menstruation), chronic stress, poor diet, disorders, or medications. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, and adrenal dysfunction can also cause hormonal imbalance.
Conventional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are available for managing hormonal imbalances, but they come with their side effects and are not for everyone. Natural approaches are generally safer and can also assist the body in restoring hormonal balance. These natural treatments include dietary modifications, stress management techniques, proper sleep, regular exercise, and certain supplements.
Find out more about the symptoms, causes, and natural treatment options for hormonal imbalances.
What Are Hormonal Imbalances?
A hormonal imbalance occurs when the body produces too much or too little of a hormone. Since hormones regulate key functions like metabolism, mood, and sleep, even small imbalances can cause widespread health issues.
There are over 50 hormones in the body, including estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and melatonin. Any deviation from their normal range indicates an imbalance. While both men and women can experience hormonal imbalances, they are more common in women, especially during the reproductive years from puberty to menopause.
What Are the Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances?
The symptoms of hormonal imbalances depend on the affected hormones. For instance, the symptoms of insulin imbalance will not be identical to estrogen imbalance symptoms. Certain hormones may have interconnected or multiple functions, meaning the hormone imbalance symptoms of some hormones may be similar. A practical example is cortisol and insulin, where symptoms of low insulin levels may be similar to symptoms of high cortisol levels.
Here are some of the typical hormone imbalance symptoms, grouped by gender:
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances in Women
Some of the hormone imbalance symptoms in women are:
- Irregular periods
- Infertility
- Weight changes (weight loss or weight gain)
- Skin problems, such as acne
- Hair thinning and breaking
- Mood swings
- Altered mood
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain
- Low sex drive
- Brittle bones
- Vaginal dryness
- Persistent headaches
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances in Men
Some of the hormone imbalance symptoms in men are:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Low sex drive
- Weight changes
- Brain fog
- Muscle loss
- Excess sweating
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
- Skin problems, such as acne and hyperpigmentation
- Reduced hair growth
What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?
Hormonal imbalances can be caused by normal physiological processes like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These imbalances may also be caused by external factors and underlying conditions like medications, stress, and health conditions.
Depending on the hormone and its functions, there are normal hormonal fluctuations throughout the day and month. A good example is cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol levels change throughout the day. They are high on waking and steadily increase for the next 30 to 40 minutes, reaching a peak between 7 and 8 a.m., and subsequently falling as the day progresses, reaching their lowest point between 2 and 4 a.m. In fact, the time of day cortisol accounts for over 70% of the variation in salivary cortisol levels during testing.
Hormonal fluctuations can also be observed in the menstrual cycle of women. These hormonal fluctuations are often not a source of concern. However, it is possible for more serious conditions, like autoimmune diseases, to cause hormone imbalances. These cases usually demand closer attention.
Here are some causes of hormone imbalances, grouped on whether they are normal physiological processes or due to underlying medical or external factors.
Normal Physiological Causes
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
Underlying Medical and External Factors
- Chronic stress
- Autoimmune diseases, such as Graves’ disease, Addison disease, Hashimoto’s disease, Type 1 diabetes
- Side effects of medications, such as steroids and hormone replacement pills
- Endocrine gland injury
- Tumors and cancer
- Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders
Natural Treatments of Hormonal Imbalances
The natural treatment of hormonal imbalances combines dietary modifications, supplements, and the right lifestyle changes. These natural treatment options cannot cure hormone imbalances, but they can help manage some of their symptoms and possibly reduce the risk of these imbalances worsening.
The management of hormonal imbalance with conventional medicine is not straightforward, depending on multiple factors, not least the exact hormone that is imbalanced. The reason for the imbalance may also affect the choice of conventional treatment options.
Regardless, most conventional treatments often boil down to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone replacement therapy does just what it sounds like and usually involves pills, patches, rings, injections, and special devices. These options are usually effective, but there are several side effects associated with their use, ranging from headaches, weight gain, mood changes, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vaginal bleeding to more serious risks like increased risks of cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Also, some patients may simply be ineligible for hormone replacement therapy, especially older women.
Therefore, there is a need for natural alternatives that are similarly effective in managing hormonal imbalance issues. There is usually a never-ending comparison of natural treatment options and their conventional medicine counterparts in the management of most conditions today. However, the goal of every health provider is to find the best treatment path for their patient depending on their specific conditions, so ensure you speak to your healthcare provider before making drastic changes to your treatment approach.
Below are some of the natural remedies for managing hormonal imbalances.
Diet
Here are some of the foods to eat and foods to avoid for hormonal imbalances:
Foods to Eat
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli
- Fruits, such as avocados, apples, grapes, berries
- Low-fat dairy products, such as low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) yogurt or milk
- Seeds and nuts, such as almonds and peanuts
- Protein, such as
- Legumes, such as beans and lentils
- Wholegrains, such as quinoa and buckwheat
Foods to Avoid
- Saturated fats, which are present in foods like red meat, butter, and cheese
- Processed meats, such as ham, sausages, and bacon
- Sugary beverages, such as sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit drinks
- Sweets
- Pastries and baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and pies
- Caffeine
- Soy
- Potatoes
- Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk and heavy cream
Diet does not replace hormones, but it can support the physiological processes (normal organ growth and the stress response system) and biochemical pathways involved in balancing hormones. Studies in the National Library of Medicine show that malnutrition and excess calorie intake can disrupt hormone balance, affecting reproductive health and fertility.
Managing hormonal imbalance starts with understanding which foods support or disrupt hormone levels. However, a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective since individual nutritional and metabolic needs vary. A personalized diet plan tailored to your metabolic and hormonal profile is essential for achieving a safe and effective balance.
To get personalized diet advice and plans for hormone imbalances, you can contact us at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic in Panama City, Florida. The lead health practitioner, Dr. Tony Salamay, is a clinical nutritionist experienced in assessing nutritional needs and metabolic profiles. Dr. Salamay uses this information to draft a plan that will work best for you and your symptoms. Reach us at (850) 785-9372 or email info@thebaydoctor.com.
Supplements
Supplements add nutrients that may be lacking in a regular diet but are not a substitute for proper nutrition. While some supplements support hormone balance by aiding antioxidant activity, gut health, weight management, and stress reduction, not all are effective.
Always consult a healthcare provider before using supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.
Supplements that can potentially help manage hormone imbalances are:
- Magnesium
- Probiotics, such as kombucha, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, and yogurt (fat-free)
- Vitamins B and D3
- Selenium
- Ashwagandha
- Zinc
- Inositol
- Black Cohosh
- Fenugreek
- Valerian root
- Vitex
- Curcumin (from turmeric)
- Licorice
- Chamomile
Remember, supplements are not enough on their own to manage health conditions. Therefore, they should only complement, not replace, other hormonal imbalance treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle modifications can help manage hormonal imbalances and their symptoms. Like other natural treatment strategies of hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes cannot directly replace hormones and should not be used as alternatives to hormone replacement options. However, they can assist various physiological processes in the body, affording the body more control over hormonal levels.
Below are some of the useful lifestyle changes for managing hormonal imbalances:
Regular Physical Activity
There is a modest relationship between physical activity and circulating hormone levels, according to research from the St-Sacrement Hospital in Quebec City, QC Canada. The CDC recommends 30 minutes daily of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Moderate-intensity exercise includes brisk walking, swimming, hiking, and gardening.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
There is no consensus definition of a healthy weight that applies to everyone, but many healthcare providers use BMI (body mass index) readings. BMI measures a person’s body weight (in kilograms) relative to height (in meters). A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Before drastically cutting or gaining weight, ensure you speak to your healthcare provider.
Stress-Management Practices
Stress can alter the levels of multiple hormones, including prolactin, glucocorticoids, and growth hormones. Stress can also worsen hormonal imbalance conditions in people who already have them. Therefore, stress management is key to managing hormonal imbalances. People have different activities that they turn to for stress relief, but we recommend breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and journaling.
Quality Sleep
Poor sleep quality can negatively impact hormonal rhythms and metabolism, eventually leading to hormonal imbalance and hormone-related conditions. Some specific hormones that poor sleep affects include growth hormone, cortisol, leptin, melatonin, and ghrelin. As an adult, you need around 7 to 8 hours of refreshing sleep. See a professional if you are having problems reaching these figures nightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Prevent Hormone Imbalance?
No, hormone imbalance cannot always be prevented, especially when its cause is related to normal physiological processes. Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are some of the biggest contributors to hormone imbalance, and they are all normal biological processes. It is extremely difficult to prevent any hormone imbalance resulting from these physiological factors.
Autoimmune conditions and serious conditions like cancer may also cause hormone imbalance. These conditions cannot be confidently prevented in an individual, considering their genetic components, making hormone imbalances resulting from them also difficult to prevent. However, when the cause of hormone imbalance is related to external factors like stress and side effects of certain medications, there is a better chance of preventing the imbalance.
Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Infertility in Women?
Yes, hormonal imbalance is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. The female body needs hormones for the development and normal regulation of the reproductive system and its functions, including pregnancy. A disruption of the normal secretion of reproductive hormones like the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can cause an imbalance of these hormones, which can cause infertility and other reproductive disorders.
The impact of hormone imbalance on fertility is not just restricted to reproductive hormones, though. There is evidence of a relationship between thyroid hormone imbalance and infertility. In fact, measuring thyroid hormone levels and thyroid functions is recommended before trying other assisted reproductive technologies for infertile women.
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance?
The symptoms of thyroid hormone imbalance depend on the exact imbalance, whether hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism refers to an underproduction of thyroid hormones, and its symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, slowed heart rate, and irregular periods. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism refers to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, with symptoms like weight loss, heat intolerance, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can cause irregular periods and skin problems.
What Are the Natural Ways to Balance Hormones After Pregnancy?
Natural ways to balance hormones after pregnancy include personalized dietary modifications and lifestyle changes. Several hormones, including thyroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, are imbalanced during pregnancy. Restoring these hormones to their normal levels after pregnancy requires a personalized treatment plan.
A personalized treatment plan is specially designed for an individual, considering their needs and body limits. It is difficult for patients to fully understand what their specific needs are and how much their body can and should tolerate, making the role of a health practitioner critical. The health practitioner often devises a plan centering around diet and lifestyle practices, but different people will have different recommendations. You can also contact us at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic, Panama City, Florida ((850) 785-9372 or email info@thebaydoctor.com) for more information.
How to Check Hormone Levels?
You can check your hormone levels by doing physical and laboratory tests at a health facility or laboratory. Lab tests are particularly effective in measuring the levels of different hormones in the body. These lab tests usually assess biological fluids (saliva, blood, and urine).
The type of test a health practitioner recommends depends on the exact hormone under review and the conditions at the time of the test. For instance, you may be required to take a saliva test for cortisol at certain times of the day, and at other times, your health practitioner may pivot towards blood tests.
Conclusion
Hormonal imbalances occur when hormones fall within their normal levels, either as excesses or deficiencies. The conventional approach to managing hormonal imbalances is based on hormone replacement therapy. While this approach is effective, it has unpleasant effects and may not apply to everyone. Natural treatment options for hormonal imbalances represent another approach to managing hormone imbalances, and treatment plans are personalized and emphasize dietary modifications, supplement use, and the right lifestyle changes.
If you need a personalized treatment plan or more information on hormonal imbalances, contact us at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic in Panama City, Florida. Contact us at (850) 785-9372 on cell or info@thebaydoctor.com.
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