How To Find Hormonal Imbalance

Key Hormone #: Estrogen

The first hormone is estradiol this is the form of estrogen produced in the greatest amounts by women of childbearing age. Estrogen is considered the happy hormone, because it boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which gives us a sense of pleasure and motivation. It is also great for:

• Irregular cycles

Beware Of Medications And Birth Control

Are you aware of your medications side effects? Some can disrupt your hormone balance, leading to side effects like fatigue, appetite changes, altered sleeping patterns, low libido, sadness and even depression.

Some medications that can mess with your hormone balance include corticosteroids, stimulants, statins, dopamine agonists, rexinoids and glucocorticoids. Beware of your medications, talk to your doctor about the side effects and research natural alternatives whenever possible.

Birth control is another medication that alters hormone levels. The pill is a type of hormone therapy that raises estrogen levels to levels that can cause many complications.

Studies show that the health risks of taking them, especially long term, may include issues like:

• Breakthrough bleeding between cycles
• Increased risk of uterine bleeding, blood clotting, heart attack and stroke
• Breast tenderness

Use Certain Essential Oils

To balance your hormones naturally, its important that you eliminate toxins in your body by avoiding conventional body care products that are made with potentially harmful chemicals, including DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. A better alternative is to use natural products made with ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, shea butter and castor oil.

The Environmental Working Group evaluated tens of thousands of products and ranked them in an easy-to-understand guide to make sure you have a resource to keep your family safe. Check out EWGs Skin Deep Cosmetic Database today for recommendations for which products to use and avoid.

To replace toxic body care and cleaning products, use these hormone-balancing essential oils:

Clary Sage

Clary sage helps balance estrogen levels because it contains natural phytoestrogens. It can be used to regulate your menstrual cycle, relieve PMS symptoms, treat infertility and PCOS, and even reduce the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.

It also serves as a natural remedy for emotional imbalances, like depression and anxiety. Diffuse three to five drops of clary sage to help balance hormone levels and relieve stress.

To ease cramps and pain, massage five drops of clary sage with five drops of coconut oil into your stomach and any other area of concern.

Fennel

You can rub two drops of fennel into your stomach or add one to two drops to a class of warm water or tea to take it internally.

Lavender

Sandalwood

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Problems With The Master Gland

The pituitary gland is a small structure located at the base of the brain. It is known as the âmaster glandâ because it produces several hormones that affect many bodily processes and other endocrine glands. Hormones produced by the pituitary gland include prolactin, growth hormone , thyroid-stimulating hormone , luteinizing hormone , adenocorticotropin , and follicle-stimulating hormone . The pituitary gland also releases antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. A pituitary gland tumor is the most common kind of pituitary disorder. They are usually benign . Sometimes these tumors secrete more or less of hormones made by the pituitary gland. Other tumors donât secrete anything. Some pituitary tumors produce symptoms because they grow large enough to affect the functioning of the pituitary gland or surrounding brain structures.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone has many similar symptoms to excess estrogen, with more muscle weakness and fatigue being the main difference, whenever you think of male hormone imbalance you usually think low testosterone is the cause.

• Similar to excess estrogen, low testosterone can cause low libido and erectile dysfunction.
• Muscle weakness and poor recovery from exercise.
• Fatigue and lack of energy, this can be caused by many things and low testosterone is one of them.
• Mood changes and depression.

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Cut Back On The Alcoholic Beverages

Ive often been told Im the bearer of bad news, but I promise that laying off the liquor will be a game changer.

A glass of alcohol is like consuming a handful of sugary cookies, just via another delivery method. It immediately hits your bloodstream, sending your blood sugar levels on a roller-coaster ride.

Alcohol also raises estrogen levels, because it creates a whole lot of extra work for your liver, so it cant effectively detox estrogen, which is one of its main jobs. This estrogen excess can trigger heavier, longer periods, breast pain, headaches, and raging PMS.

See the connection between what we eat and drink and our period problems?

Signs Your Hormones Are Off

Your hormones are a key modulator of health, so its unsurprising that they provide you with signs and warnings when theyre off-balance. Many hormones, like the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen, are associated with mental health and your day-to-day experiences. Here are some of the top signs your hormones are out of whack:

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Average Alcohol And Caffeine Consumption

Most often, its not problematic to eat alcohol and caffeine moderately . In extra, nevertheless, both substances wreak havoc in your hormones, particularly the pituitary hormones estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

Having fun with a average consumption of alcohol and caffeine, or letting it go altogether, is a straightforward solution to promote hormonal steadiness. Notice that it is a life-style shift that will take time. For those whore used to a number of cups of espresso or just a few glasses of wine a day, youll be able to slowly wean your self right down to only one or none over the course of some weeks to present your physique time to regulate.

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.

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It Starts With Your Diet

The saying “you are what you eat” is true. Foods play a vital role in our health. What we put into our bodies ultimately dictates how our body functions. I personally have eliminated the foods that cause inflammation and may make my symptoms worse. In Dr. Brighten’s book, Is This Normal, she mentions that, “Women should include nutrient-dense foods that provide us protein, fat, and fiber at each meal. This trifecta helps stabilize blood sugar, while also keeping us full and our bowels regular. Because many women experience menstrual cramps, I often recommend focusing on increasing omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, while decreasing omega-6, the latter can make cramps worse.”

Some foods that women with hormonal imbalances are encouraged to avoid are caffeine, sugar, alcohol, red meat, soy, dairy, processed foods, gluten, fried foods, and white carbs . These foods may cause inflammation and worsen current symptoms. When I removed these foods from my diet, there was such a big difference in my skin, energy, and my period. Not to mention, my fibroids have not grown any bigger either.

Symptoms Of Vaginal Atrophy

While vaginal atrophy is common, only 20 to 25 percent of symptomatic women seek medical attention from their doctor.

In some women, symptoms occur during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause. In other women, symptoms may not appear until years later, if ever.

Symptoms can include:

The cause of atrophic vaginitis is a decline in estrogen. Without estrogen, vaginal tissue thins and dries out. It becomes less elastic, more fragile, and more easily injured.

A decline in estrogen can occur at other times besides menopause, including:

• during breastfeeding
• after removal of ovaries
• after chemotherapy for treatment of cancer
• after pelvic radiation therapy for treatment of cancer
• after hormonal therapy for treatment of breast cancer

Regular sexual activity helps keep vaginal tissues healthy. A healthy sex life also benefits the circulatory system and improves heart health.

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Pms And Low Sex Drive

Low testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are all associated with a decreased sex drive in both men and women. This is especially common after age 50 when estrogen and testosterone production declines. Since estrogen is one of the main hormones regulating a womans menstrual cycle a decrease in production can also lead to irregular periods that are too long, too short, unpredictable, heavy, or painful, infertility, hot flashes, mood swings, or painful intercourse.

Hormone Imbalance & Mental Health

Hormone changes are closely linked with mental health conditions, such as depression, postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, and mood swings.

Hormone changes are natural and common all humans experience hormone changes throughout their lives. Women, however, are at a higher risk of hormone fluctuation. Then it makes sense that 1 in 5 women experience a depressive episode in their lifetime, often due to natural hormonal changes.

Depression can take many forms. Symptoms of depression include sadness, lack of motivation, sleep issues, isolation, drug or alcohol misuse, or even suicidal ideation. Its important to seek help for depression: check out SAMHSAs national helpline or call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger.

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Final Thoughts On Hormonal Imbalances

• Some of the most common symptoms of hormone imbalances include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in hair, skin, and nails.
• Root causes of hormonal imbalances include compromised gut health, elevated inflammation, and high stress levels.
• Natural ways to balance your hormones include eating anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fats, reducing your exposure to endocrine disruptors, getting adequate sleep, and using supplements to fill in any nutritional gaps related to gut health and vitamin D levels.

Natural Remedies And Supplements

Many nutritional supplements on the market claim to treat menopause and hormonal imbalance. However, few of them are backed up by scientific evidence.

Many of these supplements contain plant-derived hormones. These are sometimes called bioidentical hormones, because they chemically resemble the bodys natural hormones. Theres no evidence to suggest that they work better than regular hormone therapy, however.

Some people find that yoga helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Yoga is excellent for your strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also aid in weight loss, which can help regulate your hormones.

You can also make the following lifestyle changes:

• Lose weight. If your doctor has recommended it, a reduction in body weight may help regulate menstrual cycles and increase the chances of getting pregnant. Weight loss may also help improve erectile function.
• Eat well. A balanced diet is an important part of overall health.
• Use lubes or moisturizers free of parabens, glycerin, and petroleum.
• Avoid hot flash triggers when possible. Try to identify things that commonly trigger your hot flashes, such as warm temperatures, spicy foods, or hot beverages.
• Remove unwanted hair. If you have excess facial or body hair, you can use hair removal cream, laser hair removal, or electrolysis.

The primary cause of acne is excess oil production, which leads to clogged pores. Acne is most common in areas with many oil glands, including the:

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Make Time For Common Train

Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells convert sugar to burnable vitality within the bloodstream. If the cells lose sensitivity to insulin, youll be able to develop insulin resistance which places you in danger for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sudden weight achieve, or coronary heart illness. Happily, exercise boosts insulin sensitivity for as much as 72 hours, so the extra typically you progress, the extra youll delay this profit and assist rebalance this hormone.

I do know Im a Pilates teacher , however Pilates really is one type of train that may enable you reap all of those advantages, whereas not over-taxing your system. That is so necessary in the event youre in a state of hormonal imbalance.

If you wish to expertise the facility of Pilates, try a 14-day free trial of Lindywell. In our app, youll discover tons of of Pilates exercises, together with recipes and guided breathwork periods!

Can You Test Hormone Levels

Yes, you can. Hormone testing is routinely done these days and is available for all types of hormones that commonly become unbalanced, including women hormones, men hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisol and much more. Most hormone imbalance tests are blood tests that measure the level of certain hormones circulating in the blood stream, and in some cases, whether complimentary hormones estrogen and progesterone, for instance are present in the proper ratios to work together effectively.

• Hormone tests are commonly done for the following purposes:
• To diagnose hormonal imbalances
• To help identify the underlying causes of hormonal problems.
• To aid in formulating effective treatment plans.
• To monitor progress in bring hormone levels back into balance.

If you have concerns about your hormonal balance, your doctor can order hormone testing for you, or you can use an online lab testing service, like Health Testing Centers, to order your tests yourself. The advantages of ordering your lab tests directly include the ability to choose your own tests, ensuring that all of your concerns about your health are addressed, and lower costs, since you wont have to pay for office visits to have your tests ordered or to receive your results which will be delivered directly to you.

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What Is The Most Accurate Way To Test Cortisol Levels

Serum is not found to be a very helpful measure for cortisol levels, and this is because cortisol follows a diurnal pattern.

It rises when you get out of bed, hitting its peak about 30 minutes after waking, and then slowly falls as the day goes on. We arent able to see this pattern by performing a snapshot in time serum cortisol test. This is where salivary testing is thought to be the best option when testing free cortisol, especially when considering the cortisol awakening response .

How Is A Hormonal Imbalance Diagnosed

First, make an appointment with a health care provider for a physical exam. The health care provider will ask about your symptoms. Then, depending on your symptoms, they will suggest which hormone imbalance tests to do. These could be evaluations like:

• Blood test: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroxine, TTH, insulin, and cortisol levels can be detected in the blood.
• Pelvic exam: A health care provider will search for any lumps or cysts.
• Ultrasound: Images of your uterus, ovaries, thyroid, and pituitary gland can be obtained.

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What Doctor Should I See For Hormonal Imbalance

The human body produces over 50 hormones that are highly specific and effective in small quantities, enough to circulate in the bloodstream and target only the tissues they are intended for. If your endocrine system is in order, you must have a regular sleeping pattern, uniform growth, healthy bowel movements, etc. However, if something goes awry, your body will usually present with some signs indicating that you should see a doctor for hormonal imbalance as soon as possible.

Hormone Imbalance And Hormone Level Testing

Last Reviewed Date: Nov 18, 2021 Nov 18, 2021 Dec 05, 2018

Chapter 1: Hormone Imbalance Introduction Chapter 2: Causes and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance Chapter 3: Hormonal Imbalance and Men Chapter 4: Hormonal Imbalance and Women Chapter 5: More about Cortisol

Your entire endocrine system is composed of glands and hormones. It is one of two systems that help coordinate all the functions of your body.

This managerial role, of maintaining hormone levels over time and in various situations, is important for both your survival and well being. Hormone testing has shown that hormone levels decrease with age and that hormone replacement therapies may be helpful in maintaining youthful vigor.

The other critical system that regulates the functions of your body is the nervous system. Both the endocrine and nervous system work closely together to control a number of important functions:

• Your bodys growth and development
• Your metabolism
• Your mood and sleeping patterns

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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.

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What Are Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are chemical messengers produced in the body that control and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs. Neurohormones have an important impact on the brain. The human body produces hundreds of hormones, but the following four of them have a very direct influence on brain health/mental health: Thyroid , Estrogen , Progesterone and Testosterone , DHEA and Cortisol , and Insulin .

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