Understand How Insulin Impacts Weight
Insulin is one of the most important hormones when it comes to weight loss and weight gain. Made by the pancreas, insulin is responsible for storing blood sugar, or utilizing it, depending upon your bodys needs of the moment. After you eat a large meal, a substantial amount of insulin releases itself into the bloodstream. It also enters the bloodstream as needed throughout the day, ensuring that blood sugar levels remain stable.
Another key function of this essential hormone is fat storage. Insulin decides how much fat to store, and how much to convert for energy expenditure. Chronically high levels of insulin can lead to a condition known as insulin resistance, which is linked to an uptick in blood sugar as well as continued elevated insulin levels.
Preventing this insulin imbalance is crucial, as it leads to weight gain, and eventually type 2 diabetes. When insulin levels remain high over an extended period of time, obesity and metabolic syndrome are often the unfortunate outcome.
Read Also: Does Birth Control Lower Estrogen
Essential Vitamins And Supplements That Help Balance Hormones
Hormones can cause issues for many women, especially upon entering perimenopause. All sorts of frustrating fluctuations can occur, and these fluctuations impact nearly every aspect of a womans life. When our hormones are imbalanced, we may experience major mood swings and irritability. We might have trouble sleeping. We may experience a . We might gain weight. We may lose our energy and zest for life. As a result, our relationships may suffer, and we may feel as if our quality of life has suddenly dropped dramatically as well.
Fortunately, there are all sorts of tried and true ways to help balance hormones. One such way is by ensuring youre getting all the right hormone-balancing nutrients from your diet. Supplementing with certain vitamins and supplements may help as well. Relief is possible, with the right approach.
Hormone Balancing Tip #: Get Off The Sugar Roller Coaster
Eating large amounts of processed sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance. This is where your body gets tired of receiving the signal that your blood sugar is high, and becomes less responsive to it. Excess insulin production causes inflammation in the body and increased production of testosterone from the ovaries. This can lead to irregular cycles, acne and hair growth on the face.
Also Check: How Do I Get Tested For Hormonal Imbalance
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance
Powered by our endocrine system, hormones are powerful messengers within our bodies, communicating with our organs and tissues through our bloodstream. Thats no small feat! Every major process in our body is dictated by hormones.
For example, corticosteroids help us maintain blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and salt and water balance, while functions as a sort of warning hormone, helping us adapt to stress. These are just two of the more than 50 hormones in the human body, all with their own unique jobs to carry out.
Hormones naturally fluctuate with age, but imbalances can be triggered by many things, including stress, environmental chemicals, medical conditions, tumors, or medications.
Supplements For Balancing Your Hormones
#1: DIM for Healthy Estrogen Metabolism
Diindolylmethane is a phytochemical compound derived from the digestion of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Following the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, a precursor called indole-3-carbinol breaks down into DIM during digestion.
DIM supports the breakdown of estrogen into healthy metabolites in your liver. It also inhibits aromatase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Additionally, DIM partially blocks the effect of testosterone and other androgens.
Diindolylmethane supports cellular detoxification pathways and has demonstrated chemopreventive activity during all stages of breast carcinogenesis.
Research shows DIM can also improve your health by preventing obesity, providing neuroprotection, and reducing inflammation in your body.
Animal safety studies show that even a dose of DIM ten times greater than therapeutic doses is not dangerous.
In summary, DIM can help you balance your hormones by raising good estrogen levels, lowering bad estrogen levels, and blocking hormones like testosterone.
How to Take DIM
DIM-Evail by Designs for Health is an excellent choice if you want to try DIM. Each soft gel capsule provides 100 milligrams of DIM made with non-GMO ingredients. Begin with one capsule daily, taken before meals.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, dont take DIM. There isnt enough data to guarantee its safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How to Take Maca Root
Don’t Miss: Anti Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer
Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Weight Gain
Yes, certain hormone imbalances can cause weight gain, including:
- Hypothyroidism: This condition happens when you have low levels of thyroid hormone, which causes your metabolism to slow down. This can cause weight gain.
- Cushings syndrome: This is a rare condition that happens when your body has too much of a hormone called cortisol. It results in rapid weight gain in your face , belly, back of your neck and chest.
- Menopause: During menopause, many people assigned female at birth gain weight due to hormonal changes that cause their metabolism to slow down. Its important to remember that this type of hormonal imbalance is natural and an expected part of life.
Several other factors contribute to weight gain. If youre experiencing unexpected weight gain or are concerned about your weight, talk to your healthcare provider.
Puberty & Menopause Problems Caused By Hormone Imbalances
Getting First Period too Young or too Old
Typically, a girl will begin her period at a similar age to when her mother began getting hers. Some girls have their first period as early as 10 or 11. Others dont get their first period until theyre 15 or even 16. If you or your daughter are outside those age ranges and are concerned about that first period, it is worth a visit to her Pediatrician, Family Doctor or OBYGN.
Common factors that affect when a girl begins her period are weight changes, environmental factors that stimulate the hormones, or adrenal gland problems.
Irregular Periods in Teens
Pre-teens and teenagers have very irregular periods as their bodies mature. Sometimes, teens have unusual bleeding because they arent ovulating regularly. In this case, they have some hormonal development that isnt complete so the uterus isnt getting a clear enough signal of what to do.
Issues During Menopause
When women approach their mid- to late-40s, their cycles may become irregular as they enter the perimenopausal stage. You can read more about what to expect in perimenopause in our recent article. Signs that you may be experiencing perimenopause include skipping periods and having lighter periods.
If your periods are becoming heavier, more frequent, prolonged, or with spotting between periods, you should mention this to your doctor. These changes could indicate menopause, but they could also be caused by abnormalities in your cervix or uterus.
Don’t Miss: How Can You Tell If Your Hormone Levels Are Off
Ways To Improve Your Gut Bacteria Based On Science
There are around 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are found in your gut.
Collectively, they are known as your gut microbiome, and theyre incredibly important for overall health. However, certain types of bacteria in your intestines can also contribute to many diseases.
Many factors, including the foods you eat, can impact the type of bacteria found in your digestive tract.
Here are 9 science-based ways to improve your gut bacteria.
Feed Your Gut Microbiome
For hormone production and balance we need to ensure our gut bacteria are flourishing so eating fermented foods daily , prebiotic foods and probiotic yoghurts etc as well as eating as many different foods as possible in a week will help maintain the diversity you need.
If you feel that you could benefit from additional support, they you can learn more by reading my page about hormone imbalance or dont hesitate to contact me using the form below.
Also Check: Can My Doctor Check My Hormone Levels
Help For Hormonal Imbalance Near You
While a hormone imbalance is a frustrating and difficult experience, there is help. Various treatments, including natural therapies, medication and lifestyle changes, may be successful in addressing hormonal imbalances.
Perhaps the most common medical treatment of hormonal imbalance is the prescription of bioidentical or synthetic hormones. This is known as hormone replacement therapy.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from a natural substance.
Synthetic hormones are created to mimic the effects of natural hormones.
Both types of hormone replacement therapy can be very effective at restoring balance and resolving symptoms. Ask your provider for more details. Also, your provider at Rocky Mountain Womens Health Center may provide you with specific lifestyle changes and guidelines that can help naturally restore hormonal imbalance.
Female Hormone Imbalance: Causes And Treatments
Hormones are essential to your overall wellbeing. They relay chemical messages throughout the body, helping to keep your emotions and body systems in check. One of the key body systems affected by the balance of the hormones in your body is the reproductive system. A female hormonal imbalance could cause heavy periods, infertility, and endometriosis.
Read Also: Does Lo Loestrin Have Estrogen And Progestin
Signs And Symptoms Of A Hormonal Imbalance
Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. As a result, theres a broad range of signs and symptoms that could signal a hormonal imbalance. Your signs or symptoms will depend on which hormones or glands are not working properly.
Common hormonal conditions affecting people of all genders could cause any of the following signs or symptoms:
- rounded face
- purple or pink stretch marks
Keep in mind that these symptoms are nonspecific. Having one or a few of them doesnt necessarily mean that you have a hormonal imbalance.
Some of these symptoms may also reflect other chronic conditions. So, if you find yourself dealing with any notable changes in your body or energy levels, its a good idea to talk with your doctor.
Hormone Balancing Tip #: Support Hormone Detoxification
Our liver and gut are the two major organs responsible for breaking down and clearing hormones once they have been used in the body. It’s so important that these systems are working properly to prevent build-up of hormones which contributes to hormonal imbalances. Heres a brief overview of how to support these two systems of detoxification.
Also Check: How To Build Testosterone After 50
Balance Your Hormones In Seven Natural Steps
Hormones have a huge influence on our health and wellbeing, but there are ways you can manage them, naturally.
Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate different processes in the body. From feeling hungry to when its time to sleep, we need hormones to keep our bodies on track.
But what happens when your hormones are out of balance? Discover seven natural ways to help prevent the hormonal see-saw.
What Are The Bare Vitamins To Take For Hormonal Imbalance
Not every vitamin can cure all Hormonal Imbalances, so it is important to see a medical professional before consuming any course of vitamins. Although, here is the list of vitamin that is commonly recommended by doctors for the minor Hormonal Imbalance:
- Vitamin D:
Deficiency of vitamin D is often associated with an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Research shows that consumption of vitamin D and A supplements can help you regulate your blood sugar, insulin, and thyroid level more effectively.
- Vitamin B6:
Optimum amount of B6 supplement can do wonders during PMS! Vitamin B6 helps to synthesize the neurotransmitters that are responsible for balancing your mood swings.
- Vitamin E:
The vitamin can help alleviate many common menopausal symptoms, like night sweats, insomnia, palpitations, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
- Niacin:
Known as one of the B-complex vitamins that helps an individual to relax and have a sound sleep. B3 relaxes helps in decreasing stress in muscle tissue which widens the arteries. This increases blood flow in the body. If taken in the prescribed amount, B3 can reduce stress and anxiety level.
Don’t Miss: How Many Types Of Testosterone Are There
Does It Allow For Dietary Restrictions Or Preferences
Vegetarians and vegans: The diet includes protein sources that would work for you.
Gluten-free: You give up gluten for the first 2 weeks of this diet. After that, gluten isnt completely off-limits. Turner does advise readers to avoid some processed carbs, like white flour and white rice, and to steer clear of any foods that they felt they had a bad reaction to after the detox phase.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Hormone Health And Weight Loss Cost
What Conditions Are Caused By Hormonal Imbalances
Dozens of medical conditions are caused by hormone issues. For most hormones, having too much or too little of them causes symptoms and issues with your health. While many of these imbalances require treatment, some can be temporary and may go away on their own. Some of the most common hormone-related conditions include:
Also Check: What Hormones Are Used In Ivf
Herbal And Alternative Medicine:
I love using herbal formulations with my patients in order to provide safe and effective relief for their symptoms. Herbals are a gentle way to treat for many symptoms such as hot flashes, painful periods, unpredictable periods, hormonal acne, fertility, sleep, and more! Here are some common herbal supplements to balance hormones and combat these unwanted issues
Unfortunately, there are so many wonderful herbal supplements to balance hormones that I cannot possibly mention them all. It is also important to know that there is more to herbs that simply checking what health issues they are indicated for. They also have synergistic properties, which means that some herbs work better together! A naturopathic doctor can come up with a herbal formula that is dosed safely and appropriately for your individualized health history and concerns. There are also pre-made supplements on the market which are formulated for hormone balance. My trustworthy brands in this category include Vitanica and Femenessence.
What Are The Treatment Options
Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most common treatments of low hormone levels.
For people experiencing menopause, premature menopause, or primary ovarian insufficiency as well as after oophorectomy or chemotherapy estrogen therapy can offer some relief. Estrogen therapy alone is recommended for those who have had a hysterectomy. You can take estrogen in different forms, generally estrogen pills and estrogen patches.
Don’t Miss: Is Melatonin For Toddlers Safe
How To Balance Hormones
Hormones are the chemical messengers that affect your mental, physical, and emotional health. They are your bodys chemical messengers, traveling to tissues or organs in your bloodstream. Hormones work overtime and affect several different processes throughout the body, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, mood, and more. Typically, the body produces a precise amount of each hormone needed for various processes to stay healthy. Contact our obgyn in Lake Success for help with hormone balancing.
Your Hormones Your Health
Feeling bloated, irritable, or just not your best? Shifts in your hormones could be to blame. Hormones are chemical âmessengersâ that impact the way your cells and organs function. Itâs normal for your levels of them to shift at different times of your life, such as before and during your period or a pregnancy, or during menopause. But some medications and health issues can cause your levels to go up or down, too.
Don’t Miss: Will My Doctor Prescribe Testosterone
Hormone Balancing Tip #: Manage Stress
Stress wreaks havoc on our hormones, particularly our production of progesterone. Progesterone is produced from the same building blocks as our stress hormone cortisol . When we are stressed, our body ramps up its cortisol production and slows down on progesterone, contributing to a number of hormonal imbalances.
For many of us, we have little control over the stressors that are thrown on us on a day to day basis. The key then to managing stress is learning how to change your relationship with stress. Shifting your mindset around stress is the cornerstone to changing the way that it affects your body.
Salmon And Albacore Tuna
Fat and cholesterol are the building blocks of hormones. You need enough cholesterol to make sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. The key is to choose fats high in omega-3s and to limit saturated fats . Salmon, canned albacore tuna, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, avocados and chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Salmon also stabilizes your hunger hormones and is high in vitamin D, which helps regulate female testosterone levels, says Carrie Gabriel M.S., RDN, a dietitian and owner of Steps2Nutrition. The good fats in fish improve overall hormonal communication. The endocrine system uses hormones to communicate with the brain, which in turn boosts our mood and gives us better cognitive skills.
Read Also: Is There An Over The Counter Estrogen Supplement
Why You Should Consider Taking Vitamin Supplements For Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is a term used to describe the estrogen, progesterone, estrogen dominance issue many women have. If youve ever experienced symptoms of hormonal imbalances obesity, depression, anxiety, irritability, infertility or menopausal problems then chances are that your estrogen levels are out of balance.
Estrogen vitamins for imbalance can help to regulate your hormones, and by taking the right supplements you can restore balance and reduce symptoms.
Incorporate Stress Reduction Techniques
No surprise here. Stress causes your body to go into fight or flight modeits just the way were wired. And when were stressed, cortisol rises. In turn, elevated cortisol affects your hormones, including ovulation. Chronic stress can lead to late periods. From stress-relieving yoga poses to stress-reducing teas, there are a variety of ways to bring more om into your life. Making time to de-stress does wonders for your mind, body, and hormones.
Image by Michelle Nash
You May Like: What Vitamins Should I Take For Hormonal Acne