Ways To Balance Your Hormones Naturally
While hormonal imbalances sometimes require working with an endocrinologist or another specialist, you have tremendous power over balancing your hormones naturally. Start with what you eat. A hormone-balancing diet includes the right foods to steady your blood sugar levels and optimize insulin levels. When you support a healthy diet with the right nutrients and lifestyle factors, you can dramatically improve hormone levels. These 7 strategies provide a solid starting point.
When Hormones Are Out Of Balance
Hormones can affect nearly all aspects of our health and wellbeing. But we may notice an imbalance most when our sex hormones are out of kilter.
In women, this is most evident at times of change during the reproductive years puberty, around menstruation, during and after pregnancy, and throughout perimenopause .
You may experience:
- lack of or excess exercise
- a poor diet or reliance on stimulants and depressants like caffeine, sugar and alcohol
You can see from this list how easy it is for your hormones to tip out of balance. If youre stressed, for example, you may sleep badly and rely on alcohol. Or if you have a poor diet and dont exercise you can become overweight.
Control Your Hormones Its For Men Too
One important point, by the way: we tend to associate hormones with the menopause and so we assume theyre just a cross we ladies have to bear. But in fact, much of Nickis advice about how to control your hormones and their effect on your weight applies to men, too, so dont be put off watching, fellas!
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Do Hormonal Contraceptives Treat Or Cause Acne
In general, hormonal birth control pills are considered an effective treatment for acne in some women. In fact, using the pill to treat acne has been an accepted FDA-approved practice for many decades. Heres why it works.
As we mentioned, all women need androgens for their overall health , but when they have too much coursing through their veins, their skin gets too oily, their pores clog, and they develop acne.
But the estrogen and progesterone in oral contraceptives lowers your androgens, calms down the sebum production, and decreases your acne breakouts.
How To Control Hormonal Acne
Hormonal Acne, as the name implies, is the acne tied to fluctuations in your hormones. It develops in response to the hormonal changes, and especially a rise in androgens, such as testosterone. Acne is really difficult to deal with not only because they are pesky and painful but they lower your confidence as well. Although it is related to the hormone fluctuations during puberty, hormonal acne can affect adult of any age, especially women. If youre suffering from these breakouts then visit the best skin specialist in Gurgaon and get rid of this problem.
Lets find out some of the ways to control hormonal acne.
Ways to Control Hormonal Acne
Follow Good Skin Care Routine
Skin care routine is the best way to control hormonal acne.
Take Healthy Diet
Your diet has a direct connection with your acne condition. Though it may not cause hormonal acne but can definitely worsen the same.
- Acne basically happens when the body makes excess sebum, oil that stops the skin from drying out. Dietary fat and carbohydrates can enhance your sebum production and thus you should avoid the same to control acne condition.
- Refined Grains, Sweeteners, Dairy Products including milk and cheese, fast foods and cakes are some of the food items that you should avoid.
Medication can help
In addition to the good skin care routine and healthy diet, medications can also help in controlling and treating hormonal acne condition.
Recommended Reading: Symptoms Of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Read Also: How Much Will Clomid Raise Testosterone
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.
Natural Ways To Balance Hormones Post Birth Control
Women opt to stop taking birth control for many reasons, whether they are trying to conceive, tired of taking a pill every day, balancing hormones, or for other personal reasons. Whatever the reason, we want to support you with all the evidence-based information so you know exactly what to expect.
This article will discuss changes and symptoms you may experience after the pill, beneficial lab testing to monitor hormones, and how you can support your body as hormones balance out.
Also Check: How To Determine Hormone Imbalance
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Hormonal Acne
People who struggle with acne as they age can feel especially frustrated. It seems very unfair to have wrinkles and breakouts simultaneously. When breakouts persist past adolescence, theres typically a hormonal component we need to address.
Our patients with hormonal acne will end up with clear skin with the appropriate skin treatment no matter their age. With oral birth control pills and spironolactone, we can make the acne go away.
Hormonal acne is treatable, but its not always curable. We cant promise the acne wont come back when you stop taking the medication. Our first goal is always clear skin. Then, we want to keep the patient on the least amount of medication possible to maintain their clear complexion. If youre genetically predisposed to acne, it may return, but we can manage it with medication.
Women experiencing menopause may find they only need treatment for hormonal acne temporarily. After theyve completed menopause, they can often stop using these medications.
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Hormone Balancing Tip #: Consider Supplementing
The above suggestions will go a long way to improving your body’s production and elimination of hormones. Consider these initial steps as the ‘ground work’ for hormone balance. If you have implemented all of these tips, your next step is to consider adding 1 or 2 high quality supplements in to your regime
Magnesium: wonderful in helping the body cope with chronic, ongoing stress as magnesium is used in the stress response. Magnesium bisglycinate form is best for most people as it causes the least disturbance to digestive symptoms. 300mg per day is an effective dose for most people.
Zinc: Great for acne and digestive issues. 30mg per day in citrate or picolinate form after food .
Iron: great for heavy periods, low iron stores and fatigue. Please have your iron levels checked through a simple blood test which can be requested through your health care provider. Bisglycinate form is best as it causes the least digestive issues. 24mg every second day away from caffeine is a good dose for most people.
Here at Nourished, we have created a high quality all round vitamin to support your hormonal health. Our Period Repair + Regulate vitamin is designed to support your period throughout your cycle.
All of our vitamins are 100% natural and FDA approved. We offer free global shipping on any order size, so give it a try.
Recommended Reading: How To Know My Hormone Type
You Can Get Pregnant Rather Quickly
Increased libido combined with uninhibited ovulation is a recipe forâ¦pregnancy! If getting pregnant is your goal, then great, you are on the right track. One study found that at 12 months post oral contraceptive use, women had a quick return to fertility. Another study following 21 women of childbearing age showed that 18 of the 21 women were pregnant within 13 months of cessation of birth control.
What’s Within Our Control
Some hormones arent at all within our control. Sometimes theres nothing we can door not doto alter some of them. Sometimes thats goodsince many have to do with growth, development and large life changes. At other times, thats bad. For example, in type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer make insulin and patients with diabetes have to inject it daily.
However, there are a lot of things we do every day that trigger our hormones.
Technically, we cant control hormones, but we can certainly do things to influence them, he notes. Foods we choose to eat or drink can cause our hormone levels to go up or down. Extra weight can also have a significant impact on the way hormones work.
Here are examples of how the level of some common hormones can make you feel and what you might do to change them:
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Your Period Is Irregular
This one may seem obvious, but Ive spoken to women who were told it was normal to go months without having a period, despite not being on any kind of birth control.
The fact is, a healthy menstrual cycle is a product of a symphony or hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, that are also the same hormones involved in regulating your mood, metabolism, mental health, libido, digestion, and so much more! If youre not cycling, we need to find out why!
Is PCOS to blame for your missing period? Read 9 Unexpected Signs of PCOS
What Happens When These Hormones Become Imbalanced
When there is an excess of estrogen in your system, this can lead to heavy and painful periods, sore breasts, PMS, and weight retention around thighs and hips. The causes of estrogen excess include higher production from ovaries and poor metabolism and detoxification.
Low estrogen can also have negative effects on your health, which include low libido, missing periods, or very long cycles. The causes for low estrogen include under-eating, over-exercising, stress, and smoking.
The consequences of low progesterone include PMS, spotting before period begins, anxiety, and prolonged bleeding. The causes of low progesterone include stress and not ovulating.
Having high testosterone can cause acne, male pattern hair growth, hair loss, and irregular cycles. It is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome , which is associated with irregular cycles and excess androgens .
Read Also: Natural Hormone Replacement For Females
Puffy Swollen Or Rounded Face
Though this symptom of hormonal imbalance isnt talked about much, for those who experience it, it can be a major concern. And while this symptom is relatively painless, besides possible tenderness due to the swelling, it may be negatively impacting your quality of life. Sometimes referred to as moon face, this gradual rounding or swelling of the face is a common sign of high cortisol characterized by Cushings syndrome. If your adrenal glands release too much cortisol, theyre unable to properly regulate your blood pressure and inflammatory response. As a result, your body has a hard time keeping your blood vessels functioning appropriately, leading to swelling and a puffy appearance around your face or shoulders.
Eat For Optimal Blood Sugar Control
Avoiding blood sugar fluctuations by following a low-glycemic-index diet to control acne is one theory that has gained momentum in the science world.
The glycemic index is a measure of how slowly or quickly a food spikes your blood sugar levels.
Choosing foods with a high GI, such as soda, white bread, candy, sugary cereals, and ice cream, cause dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar and can exacerbate acne .
Eating sugary foods increases levels of insulin, which is a hormone that shuttles sugar out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy. This stimulates the release of other hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 .
This increase in hormones leads to hyperkeratinization and excess sebum production, which can worsen acne (
Therefore, cutting out sugary foods and beverages, as well as refined carbs, such as white pasta, pastries, and white bread, may improve your acne symptoms.
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Changes In Blood Pressure
Your hormones play a major role in heart health, primarily due to one of your bodys largest hormone-producing glands, the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Without proper regulation of this hormone, your body could end up with too much glucose in the blood, leading to cardiovascular problems like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has also been linked to thyroid dysfunction, testosterone deficiency, growth hormone excess or deficiency, and more.
Signs Of Hormone Imbalance
Men and women may experience similar symptoms when hormones are out of balance. You may have trouble sleeping or struggle to get up in the morning, even if youve had a full night of sleep. You rely on caffeine to get you through the morning and afternoon.
Your emotions are erratic. You get cranky and irritable often, and you have energy crashes. Stress seems overwhelming sometimes, and youre prone to depression or anxiety.
Hormones are also important to your sexual function. Men with hormone imbalances may experience a and erectile dysfunction. Women may also feel less than amorous in the bedroom and experience vaginal dryness that makes intercourse uncomfortable and even painful.
Weight gain is common with hormone imbalances. Women may start to see pounds pile around their middle, and men find it harder to build muscle while fat accrues. Hunger is uncontrollable at times.
Physical symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, and increased sensitivity to temperature.
Also Check: How To Check Your Estrogen Levels At Home
Read Also: Does Organic Meat Have Hormones
/8manage Stress In A Better Way
Erratic schedules, busy lifestyle or underlying problems are all contributors to stress and if not treated in time, the issues can become chronic. When the body is under stress, hormone production goes for a toss too. Cortisol and adrenaline, the bodys two fighters in an emergency get disturbed too and when they are not controlled in time, they can wreak havoc.
Hence, proper stress management is crucial. Meditation, yoga, aromatherapy or simply just working out need to be brought into use to promote hormonal balance.
How Can I Balance My Hormones Naturally During Menopause
Hormone Balance Tea | Green Tea | Fenugreek Powder | Ashwagandha | Other Ways To Balance Hormones
Finding a way to naturally balance your hormones during menopause can help reduce symptoms and shorten menopause. I know that balancing my hormones using herbal remedies made menopause much easier for me.
When your hormones fluctuate during menopause, it can affect your mood, weight, body temperature, skin and more. Herbal teas such as green tea, hormone balance tea, Fenugreek powder, and burdock root can balance your hormones.
If you arent sure if you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance, check out this article first to understand the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
It might sound like a lot of work, but balancing your hormones is easier than it sounds. And luckily for you, Ive found out the best ways to balance your hormones during menopause naturally. Check it out!
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Natural Ways To Balance Your Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that have profound effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health. For instance, they play a major role in controlling your appetite, weight, and mood.
Typically, your body produces the precise amount of each hormone needed for various processes to keep you healthy.
However, sedentary lifestyles and Western dietary patterns may affect your hormonal environment. In addition, levels of certain hormones decline with age, and some people experience a more dramatic decrease than others.
However, a nutritious diet and other healthy lifestyle habits may help improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel and perform your best.
Here are 10 natural ways to balance your hormones.
Green Tea For Natural Insulin Hormone Balancing
To help regulate hormones naturally, you need to ensure your insulin levels are correct. Luckily, green tea can be a natural way to regulate insulin levels and control your hormones.
Insulin is the hormone responsible for controlling your blood sugar level. When your blood sugar level is raised, your body stops worrying about other hormones and focuses on insulin production to lower your blood sugar.
Ensuring your insulin levels are balanced is the first step to naturally balancing other hormones by allowing your body to stop worrying about blood sugar levels.
Green tea contains natural plant polyphenols that help with blood sugar levels and insulin levels to ensure good health. With balanced insulin levels, your body will start to regulate other hormones. The additional antioxidant benefits of green tea help ensure your body is healthy and can regulate hormones effectively.
Research like this study from 2018 shows that green tea can be used during and after menopause to control blood sugar effectively and insulin levels to keep your body naturally balanced. By ensuring you have the right amount of insulin, your body will naturally regulate hormones more effectively, allowing the right amount of hormones to enter your bloodstream.
The plant polyphenols and catechins in green tea can also help by boosting oestrogen levels and binding with oestrogen receptors to help your body effectively manage hormone production.
Also Check: How To Measure Your Hormone Levels
Why Do Birth Control Pills Contain Estrogen
As Ive mentioned, combined birth control pills with estrogen and progestin, trick your pituitary gland into thinking you are pregnant. The constant doses of estrogen each day are pivotal to this trickery because of the estrogen:
Prevents your pituitary gland from producing the follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone so that ovulation doesnt take place.
Thickens the lining of your uterus, making the environment more hostile to conception.