Progesterone Helps You Sleep Better
If you canât sleep or you donât get good quality sleep, hormone balance may be to blame. Progesterone is one compound released by the ovaries that helps you sleep. Low levels may make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. A small study in postmenopausal women found that 300 milligrams of progesterone restored normal sleep when sleep was disturbed. Estrogen levels decrease in perimenopause and after menopause. This may contribute to night sweats and hot flashes, which often disrupt a womanâs ability to sleep. See your doctor if you believe an imbalance in hormones is contributing to sleep problems.
Look For Rapid Changes In Weight
Since multiple hormones work together to control metabolism, rapid weight gain or weight loss is a typical symptom of hormonal imbalance. Those with hormone imbalances have difficulties losing weight even with diet and exercise. Women often experience unexplained weight gain due to changes in estrogen and progesterone during menopause, or conditions such as PCOS. Spikes in cortisol can also create weight gain.
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.
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Not Getting Enough Sleep
When you dont get enough sleep, your body doesnt have time to properly recover from the days activities. This can lead to a whole host of problems, including hormonal imbalances.
Lack of sleep can cause an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, which can then lead to weight gain, anxiety, and depression. In addition, it makes it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels and regulate other hormones like insulin.
If youre not getting enough sleep regularly, make sure youre trying to take short naps during the day or going to bed earlier at night. You might also want to invest in some blackout curtains if its still light outside when you go to bed. Why Am I Not Sleeping Well?.
Tips To Balance Your Hormones Naturally During Menopause
When youre going through menopause, learning how to balance hormones naturally can be a great way to help you manage the more uncomfortable side effects of this transition.
Menopause can be a really challenging period in a womans life.
Hot flashes, weight gain, night sweats, anxiety, mood swings, hair loss, and a decreased sex drive are some of the most well-known symptoms that women, and people with a female reproductive system, may encounter during this critical time.
The physical and emotional changes can sometimes feel like a roller coaster that we cant wait to get out of.
Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate multiple vital bodily functions. Estrogen, testosterone, insulin, adrenaline, cortisol, and ghrelin are all hormones that affect everything from your reproductive system, sleep , and energy, to hunger levels.
When hormones are out of balance, even the most mundane tasks can feel huge.
You can feel tired, out of sync, low energy, too hungry, or not hungry at all – you get the gist. Most people go after hormone-balancing medication, but not everyone qualifies for them. Thats why finding ways to balance hormones naturally can be really helpful.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing some of the symptoms of menopause, these useful tips will help you feel better and get back into your personal groove.
Learn how to balance hormones naturally to slay your day and feel like you again.
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Pcos: How To Restore Your Hormonal Balance
One of my patients with PCOS had her ovaries removed after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She asked me, So now that my ovaries have gone, does that mean my PCOS has gone too? My answer was no. Removing her ovaries might have cured her of the ovarian cysts, but it did not entirely cure the underlying culprit. Poly Cystic Ovaries are only one aspect of PCOS.
Our body is such a complicated web of chemical communications, and the functions of our hormones are closely intertwined with one another. PCOS has a medley of out-of-sync hormones, ranging from well-known hormones like insulin, testosterone, and oestrogen, to lesser-known hormones such as Luteinising Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone .
If you are to conquer your PCOS, you need to know what your hormones are doing and how YOU can balance their functions.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers used by the trillions of cells we each have in our body. Hormones are one of the languages our cells use to communicate with each other, in order to work in an organised and unified manner. They have tremendous control over the functioning of every system in our body and also our mind. Hormones are unique in that they exert their actions on organs that are far away from where they are produced.
Where do hormones come from?
How do hormones work?
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What Do Hormones Do In Our Body
Our bodies contain over 50 types of hormones that act as chemical messengers that impact the way that our cells and organs function. Theyre responsible for several important functions such as metabolising food, growth and development, controlling our thirst and appetite, maintaining the bodys temperature, regulating our moods and cognitive functioning as well as initiating or maintaining our reproductive system.
Some of the most commonly known hormones are oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone, insulin, cortisol, ghrelin, leptin and thyroid hormones are the most known. These are associated with metabolism, mood, and fertility. So, with these hormones playing such essential roles in our bodies, its easy how an imbalance can affect us so strongly.
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Hormonal Acne: Causes Types And Treatments
Hormonal acne refers to breakouts that occur due to hormone fluctuations, particularly a rise in androgens such as testosterone. Although the acne that results from hormonal fluctuations in puberty is typically called hormonal acne, it may affect adults at any age. Its particularly common during menstruation and menopause.
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True Botanicals Clear Nutrient Toner
Offering a natural toner alternative with its black willow bark extract, olive leaf extract and sandalwood hydrosol formula, the True Botanicals Clear Nutrient Toner is packed with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to promote a healthier skin environment for those with acne. Its also great for reducing cystic acne redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich formula, which even helps prevent wrinkles and regulate oil production.
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Prioritize Sleep And Relaxation
In addition to a hormone balancing diet you can help balance hormones naturally with simple lifestyle changes, starting with a sleep routine and schedule that spans over the weekend. Theres a significant relationship between cortisol and sleep, the infamous stress hormone can leave your adrenal glands depleted when its overactive.
Our Tip: Leave the phone one hour before bed, avoid caffeine after 2:00 PM, and make relaxation time part of your schedule.
What Is The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is in charge of coordinating the relationship between different organs and hormones, which are chemicals that are released into your bloodstream from cells within your endocrine glands.
Hormones are secreted by various glands and organs, including your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas. The entire endocrine system works together to control the level of hormones circulating throughout your body, and if one or more is even slightly imbalanced, it can cause widespread health problems affecting growth, sexual development and function, sleep, metabolism and hunger.
Once your hormones are in circulation, they target specific tissues or cells by binding to receptors that are located inside the cell or on its surface. These hormones work as chemical messengers and play a key role in your bodys daily functions.
The endocrine system is made up of many glands, including the pituitary gland or master gland thats responsible for sending information from your brain to other glands in your body. The pituitary gland also produces many hormones that travel throughout the body and have different important functions.
The pituitary gland is made up of two different tissue types: the anterior pituitary that synthesizes and releases classic hormones, and the posterior pituitary gland that secretes neurohormones that are made in the hypothalamus.
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Ways To Balance Hormones Naturally
Home > Blog > Hormones | November 25, 2022
Hormones are powerful chemicals that tell the body what to do and when to do it. When you have a hormone imbalance, it can affect every part of your body. You may experience mood swings, sleep problems, memory issues, fatigue, weight gain, and more. Luckily, most hormone imbalances are reversible. Follow these ten ways to naturally balance your hormones, improve your health, and find the relief you desire.
Postpartum Hormone Balancing Bottomline
As a new mama, prioritizing your rest, wellbeing and self-care during the first few months postpartum has a huge impact on your healing and recovery, working to balance your hormones and optimize your overall health. Try any of the simple steps listed in this post to support you on your path, consult with your licensed medical practitioner, and above all always, always check in with yourself and what you need. You got this mama.
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Get Your Thyroid Checked
As mentioned earlier, an under active thyroid or hypothyroidism is a common postpartum hormone imbalance, contributing to symptoms of hair loss, fatigue, weight gain , cold hands or feet, brain fog, constipation, dry skin, and heavy or irregular periods. Thus its important to support your thyroid by following the steps in this blog post and getting a full thyroid panel done by your medical practitioner to identify if you need additional help.
Action Step:
Look into getting a full thyroid panel done by a licensed naturopathic/functional doctor or hormone health specialist, who tend to use the most optimal biomarkers . Make sure the panel includes TSH, Total and Free T4, Total and Free T3, Reverse T3, Anti-TPO and Anti-thyroglobulin.
Go With The Flow Helps Female Hormonal Imbalance
Think of this like a multivitamin for hormone balance.
Go With the Flow features a curated blend of adaptogenic herbs and plants that help balance hormones related to PMS, mood swings, menopause, and even PCOS. The formula includes:
- Black cohosh root, a proven relief for vasomotor menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.
- Dong Quai, a root that treats the symptoms of PMS, including mood swings and cramps.
- Chasteberry, a plant that contains hormone-like compounds that help alleviate issues like PCOS, early menopause, and infertility.
- Maca root, a powerful hormone balance herb used to treat depression and fatigue, as well as provide a natural boost for your libido.
Go With the Flow ingredients are 100% plant-based and non-GMO. Theyre highly bioavailable, which means that you can start bringing your hormones back into balance in just a few doses.
The effects of vitamin D on the body are notable. You need it for a range of different functions including:
- Maintaining immunity.
- Preventing weak and/or brittle bones .
- Ensuring good dental development and oral health.
When it comes to this vitamin for hormone imbalance in women, however, its your thyroid that benefits the most. Vitamin D plays an important role in insulin regulation and the production of the thyroid hormones.
Without this vitamin to balance hormones, you could develop both a vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism.
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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
What Causes Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Every womans menstrual cycle is different. Some women get their period at the same time each month. Others are more irregular. Some women bleed more heavily or for a longer number of days than others. Your menstrual cycle can also change during certain times of your life. That said, its really helpful to track your periods. Eventually, the goal is to sync your cycle with your life. Spoiler alertthats part of how to balance your hormones naturally. Any of these things can alter your menstrual cycle, causing hormonal imbalance:
This is not an exhaustive list of reasons why a menstrual cycle can be irregular. If you sense your period is irregular .
Image by Michelle Nash
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How To Treat Hormonal Imbalance With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that enhance healthy thyroid functioning so that it is useful for people suffering from hypothyroidism. Apart from that, this oil has the ability to boost the immune system, stabilize blood sugar levels, promote weight loss and speed up your metabolism. Furthermore, this oil can protect against heart disease. For this treatment, you can take 2-3 tbsp of extra-virgin coconut oil and eat it every day for a minimum of several months. You can use it in cooking because it doesnt produce harmful chemicals on heating because of the high smoke point.
See more other benefits of coconut oil
Weight Gain Or Difficulty Losing Weight
Why do so many people struggle with weight loss and maintenance? Usually, its because they are eating nutrient-poor foods and working too hard. The body processes this hard work as stress and when the body is stressed, it goes into survival or fight or flight mode, producing cortisol. When youre chronically stressed, your cortisol is always high and in an effort to protect itself from whatever danger it senses, your body holds onto fat as a form of energy.
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Avoid Sugar And Refined Carbohydrates
Sugar and refined carbohydrates have been linked to high insulin, elevated blood glucose, and insulin resistance, the main risk factor for metabolic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Avoiding sugars and refined carbohydrates helps maintain your insulin hormone within normal, thus preventing the associated complications.
While some people may choose to avoid some form of sugar like table sugar but consume others like honey or high fructose corn syrup, research has found that all these classes have similar metabolic effects on the body. How To Beat Sugar Cravings.
Magnesium Is Essential To Balancing Hormones
Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals to help balance hormones. While you can take a supplement, and even spray your skin with magnesium spray, theres no better way of getting the magnesium you need than from the foods you eat.
To ensure youre getting enough magnesium, be sure to eat plenty of the following:
- Dark leafy greens
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Muscle Weakness And Joint Pain
If you feel like it takes extra effort to move your body, or your joints are stiff and uncomfortable, this may be a symptom of hormonal imbalance. There are several different hormones that contribute to the strength of your musclesthink estrogen, testosterone, even your thyroid hormoneand could be behind your muscle weakness. Declines in both estrogen and testosterone have been associated with loss of strength, and muscle weakness and stiffness are often signs of a thyroid disorder, due the thyroids role in breaking glycogen into glucose, a main source of energy for your muscles.
Its Really Really Hard To Lose Weight
Weight gain or trouble losing weight is maybe the most frustrating symptom of hormone imbalance. No matter how much you exercise, or how long you stick with a healthy dietthe belly bloat wont budge.
Often, weight gain around the middle is linked to either stressed out adrenal glands or insulin resistance with PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects nearly 1 in every 10 women, and is also the culprit behind excess body hair , an irregular menstrual cycle, and fertility struggles.
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Reduce Exposure To Endocrine Disruptors: Xenohormones
Ways to support healthy endocrine function and avoid xenohormones:
- Eat organic foods
- Use recycled unbleached paper products
- Use non-chlorinated oxygen-based bleach in the laundry
- Exercise regularly, be sure you are sweating during exercise
In 2005, the Environmental Working Group found 287 chemicals were present in the umbilical cords of human babies. Toxins included a variety of pesticides, waste from burning coal, gasoline, oil repellents in fast food packaging, by-products of synthetic fabrics and textiles, PFOA found in Teflon, and flame retardants. Of the 287 chemicals found, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system. 208 have caused birth defects and abnormal development in animal tests. 180 of the chemicals are known to cause cancer. This test proves that chemicals in our environment are directly ingested, breathed and absorbed by our bodies and then are directly passed on to our children.