What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body that are responsible for controlling many major processes, like metabolism and reproduction. They are produced by the endocrine glands. The three major categories are thyroid, adrenals, and sex hormones, and they all work together. When one of these glands produces too much or too little of hormones, it leads to a hormonal imbalance in the body as the other glands have to pitch in, which puts a strain on them and can lead to more imbalance. If you are among those who are looking for natural options to treat this problem, scroll down. Given below are different ways in which you can treat hormonal imbalance naturally.
How To Treat Hormonal Imbalance Naturally
Natural Ways To Treat Hormonal Imbalance
1. Follow A Healthy Diet Including Herbs And Dietary Supplements
You can include the following foods, herbs, and supplements in your daily diet to combat hormonal imbalance.
a. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are extremely beneficial for your health and provide building blocks for hormones. These fatty acids help reduce the inflammation within your body that might have occurred due to hormonal imbalance (1). Coconut oil is also great for your overall health as it helps you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and reduces stress and anxiety (2). 1-2 tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil You can do this 2 to 3 times daily.
b. Avocados
Avocado is a rich source of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat hormonal imbalance (3). Regular intake of avocados promotes heart health and also ensures an adequate supply of fiber and nutrients required for good health. It may also help reduce the weight gain due to hormonal imbalance. 1 avocado You can consume this daily.
c. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most significant adaptogenic herbs that can help you deal with hormonal imbalance. It helps relieve stress and anxiety – which are the primary causes of hormonal imbalance (4). Ashwagandha also treats thyroid hormone imbalance by stimulating thyroid hormone activity (5). 300-500 mg ashwagandha supplements Consume 300-500 mg of ashwagandha supplements. Have these supplements 3 times daily.
d. Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics that can help repair your gut lining and balance your hormones. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that your body needs to function properly. A deficiency in these bacteria can lead to digestion problems and inflammation, which may also lead to hormonal imbalance (6), (7). A bowl of plain unsweetened yogurt guaranteed to contain natural probiotics Consume a 6 oz dish of plain yogurt. You can consume this 1-2 times daily.
e. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The anti-inflammatory nature of omega-3 fatty acids can work wonders in keeping your hormone levels balanced (8). They provide building blocks to create hormones. These fatty acids not only reduce the inflammation caused by hormonal imbalance but also help alleviate stress and anxiety (9), (10). 250-500 mg of omega-3 fatty acid supplements
- Consume 250-500 mg supplements of omega-3 fatty acid supplements daily. 2. Alternatively, you can consume fatty fish like salmon and sardines. You can consume this once daily.
f. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another important nutrient that is actually a hormone within your body. It not only reduces inflammation and balances your hormones but also boosts your overall immunity (11), (12). To activate supplemental vitamin D or sunshine vitamin D, you require magnesium, and to avoid creating magnesium deficiency, take only 1,000-2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. Taking both together will increase your vitamin D levels much more than taking vitamin D alone. 1000-2000 IU vitamin D supplements You must consume this on a daily basis.
g. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is great for supporting adrenal health and is thus a great way to regulate your hormones (13). 250-500 mg vitamin C Consume 250 to 500 mg of vitamin C daily. You can do this by either increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and green leafy veggies, or take additional supplements for it. Make sure you consult a doctor before taking any supplements. Incorporate vitamin C into your daily diet for the best results.
h. Magnesium
Magnesium is active in over 600 metabolic processes in the body and is thus essential for balancing your hormones. The adrenals also depend on magnesium for proper function (14). 600 mg of magnesium Do this on a daily basis.
i. Multiple Minerals
The thyroid requires nine minerals to make thyroid hormones. They are iodine, selenium, magnesium, copper, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, boron, and chromium. Look for a multiple mineral supplement that includes most or all of these minerals.
Caution
Consult a natural medicine doctor before taking additional nutrient supplements.
2. Use Essential Oils
Using essential oils for a quick massage or diffusing them in your surroundings is another great way to treat a hormonal imbalance. Give yourself a timeline when using essential oils. If you don’t notice that they are helping within 3-4 weeks, discontinue and try another essential oil but don’t use too many at once and don’t use them indefinitely. Note: These oils alone can not give effective results. Along with them, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle for beneficial results.
a. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil contains phytoestrogens that can help balance hormones like estrogen. It can also help regulate the menstrual cycle and combat anxiety and depression (15).
3-5 drops of clary sage oil 10 drops of coconut oil
You must do this daily until you see an improvement in your condition.
b. Fennel Oil
A healthy gut is very important for the healthy functioning of your hormonal glands. Regular use of fennel oil can improve your gut health and digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut (16), (17). This, in turn, helps treat hormonal imbalance. Fennel oil (as required) You must follow this procedure on a daily basis.
c. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil has the ability to calm and soothe you with its pleasant aroma. It can promote sleep and treat moodiness, stress, and anxiety, which are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance (18). 3-5 drops of lavender oil You must do this on a daily basis.
d. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is known to increase the production of progesterone and helps treat the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, like infertility, PCOS, stress, hair loss, and insomnia (19), (20). Thyme oil (as required) Do this daily.
3. Do Exercise And Yoga
You will be surprised to know that even simple workouts can be beneficial in combating hormonal imbalance naturally. Some exercises and yoga asanas that can help are listed below.
a. Walking
Walking in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is not only great for your overall health but also keeps your hormone levels in control. 20 to 30 minutes
b. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT not only helps you burn those extra pounds, but it also helps in strengthening your heart and lungs and increasing the production of human growth hormone (HGH). However, if you are sweating copious amounts, be aware that you are also sweating out your minerals. As noted above, minerals are very important for keeping your hormones balanced. Keep yourself hydrated using sea salt water. Drink half your body weight (measured in pounds) in ounces of water. To every quart of drinking water, add ¼ teaspoon of unrefined sea salt. 15 to 20 minutes
c. Resistance And Weights
Strength training can keep your cortisol levels under control and help you build muscles. This can also have a positive effect on your hormonal problems. 8 to 12
d. Sasangasana
Also known as Rabbit Pose, this yoga asana helps stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands and combat depression. 30 seconds 3
e. Bhujangasana
This yoga asana is also known as the Cobra Pose. It helps massage the adrenal glands, thereby improving their functioning. The neck tilted back in this pose also massages the thyroid. This pose can also help relieve stress and tension, especially in the lower back. 1 minute 3 to 6
f. Ustrasana
Ustrasana (Camel Pose) has quite a lot of benefits. It can help stimulate the internal organs, including the thyroid and parathyroid glands. 30 seconds 3
4. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Avoid using anything that contains harmful chemicals. This includes your cosmetics and body care products. Remember, your skin will absorb whatever you apply to it. Do not use any products that contain potentially harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEA, and propylene glycol. You must also be well aware of the effects of any medications or birth control pills on your health and hormones.
5. Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Hormonal imbalance is a result of many factors, one of which is the consumption of too much refined sugar. When you consume more sugar, the pancreas secretes more insulin. High levels of insulin can lead to the excess production of testosterone, which may prevent normal ovulation. High levels of insulin are also responsible for fat storage and weight gain. Thus, it is best to reduce the intake of refined sugar to keep your hormones well balanced.
6. Get Sufficient Sleep
It is very important that you get enough rest and sleep every day. Disrupted sleeping patterns can cause hormonal imbalance and also suppress ovulation. This may also lead to other symptoms that are associated with hormonal imbalance like stress, anxiety, and depression. A combination of the above methods helps restore hormonal balance. If you are already on medications for hormonal issues, these remedies will increase their effectiveness. How do you understand if you have a hormonal imbalance? Check for the following signs and symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is characterized by a broad range of signs and symptoms, depending on which hormones or glands are not functioning properly. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance are usually different for women, men, and children. Some signs and symptoms that are common to both men and women are:
Fatigue Weight gain Increased sensitivity to cold or heat Constipation or diarrhea Puffy face or dry skin Unexplained and sudden weight loss Weight loss Weakened muscles Increased thirst and frequent urination Pain or stiffness in joints Thinning and brittle hair Depression Decreased libido Anxiety Infertility Sweating Blurred vision Purple or pink stretch marks
Hormonal imbalance is usually triggered by a wide range of medical conditions and health factors. They are as discussed below.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
The common causes of hormonal imbalance are:
A poor diet leading to nutrient deficiencies – especially minerals, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Diabetes Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Hypogonadism Thyroiditis Hormone therapy Tumors Certain medications Stress Eating disorders Injury or trauma Cancer treatments Menopause Pregnancy Breastfeeding PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Contraceptive pills Primary ovarian insufficiency
What are the types of hormonal imbalances? There are various types of hormonal imbalances that may be due to dysfunctioning of the endocrine glands. Some of them include: • Progesterone deficiency hormonal imbalance • Estrogen deficiency hormonal imbalance • Excess estrogen hormonal imbalance • Estrogen dominance • Excess androgen hormonal imbalance • Cortisol deficiency hormonal imbalance via the adrenals • Hypothyroidism Can I get pregnant if I have a hormone imbalance? Yes, you can get pregnant even if you have a hormonal imbalance. However, you will always be at the risk of infertility if you leave your condition untreated for a long time. Why do hormonal imbalances affect the entire body? Since most of the major processes are controlled by hormones, a hormonal imbalance can affect the functioning of your entire body. How long does it take to balance hormones? According to anecdotal reports, depending on the course of treatment followed, it may take up to 6 months or less to balance hormone levels. What happens when estrogen levels are high? Some common symptoms associated with high estrogen levels are headaches, heavy menstruation, irritability, sleep disturbances, and mood swings (21).
