Acupuncture For Hormone Balance
Acupuncture originates from China, and it has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It involves the insertion of small and fine acupuncture needles into the specific anatomic points placed all over the body. Once set, the needles stimulate these points, encouraging blood circulation and the flow of the vital energy , which flows through the meridians in the human body. Acupuncture stimulates the pieces of energy that have been stuck, which is a key to retrieving the balance and establishing the order in the organism. Acupuncture has positive effects on the internal organs, physical, and mental health, and its entirely safe and painless. Acupuncture therapies have proven to be efficient in treating PCOS, amenorrhea, infertility, and other conditions associated with womens health. Knowing that these conditions are closely related to hormone imbalances, youll see improvements pretty soon. Your acupuncturist will determine the specific number of therapies you should receive, and it will depend on your condition and overall health. Its essential to follow their instructions and suggestions in order to get better and more long-lasting outcomes. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, PCOS is associated with dampness , blood stagnating , liver qi stagnation , spleen deficiency , and kidney energy deficiency . All these inconveniences can be solved with adequate herbal and acupuncture therapies, a balanced diet, and a healthier lifestyle.
Using Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Hormone Imbalances
If natural remedies arent enough and youre looking for an effective treatment option for your hormone imbalance symptoms, it may be time to consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy . While this treatment is not appropriate for all women with hormone imbalances, it is often a critical part of healing for patients with hormone-related health conditions.
BHRT medications are created using plant sources to perfectly match the hormones your body naturally produces and help restore your hormones to healthy levels. This therapy can be prescribed by highly trained hormone health practitioners who will work to establish an accurate diagnosis and provide ongoing monitoring and support to help you manage your symptoms over time. Significantly, they will ensure that you understand the benefits, risks, and potential side effects of any treatment you choose and can tailor your care to meet your needs and preferences.
If you think you are experiencing a hormone imbalance, dont take matters into your own hands. No matter what hormone-related symptoms youre experiencing, an expert hormone health specialist can help you find a treatment plan that will safely and effectively help you feel like yourself again.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.
Increase Alkaline Foods And Decrease Acidic Foods:
Meat-based proteins coffee, alcohol, sugar and processed grains all foods that are a big part of the typical American dietare acid-forming in the system. This leads to a condition called acidosis. Acidosis is the technical term for over-acidification. The main symptom of acidosis is fatigue.
Other symptoms include loss of enthusiasm for life, loss of sex drive, poor sleep quality, depression and tiring quickly both mentally and physically. Advanced stage symptoms of acidosis include sensitivity to cold, low blood pressure, hypo or hyperthyroid and low blood sugar.
These symptoms are caused because the main minerals that are required to nourish the nervous system, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are the very same minerals that the body uses to neutralize acids!
Studies show that alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains help neutralize these acids Just by eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in replace of meat, sugar and other processed foods you will not believe how amazing you feel in just a few days!
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The Link Between Cortisol And Belly Fat
Lets face it: its a pretty stressful time to be alive. That means we should all be aware of how the hormone cortisol is impacting our lives and bodies. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands. It puts your body into a fight-or-flight state, flooding your bloodstream with glucose and enhancing the brains ability to use it. It also stops or slows down any non-essential bodily functions, like digestion.
This was all well and good when we were living in caves and being hunted by tigers: your body would be flooded by cortisol when it saw a threat, then once the threat passed, cortisol levels would drop and your body could get back to functioning normally. The issue today is that many of us go around with chronically elevated cortisol levels, which can also mean high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and impaired digestion. All of that is often bad news for your weight and waistline.
Besides the biological relationship between cortisol and belly fat, there are also behavioral factors at play. We can probably all relate to reaching for unhealthy food when were stressed out , and so high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain in this manner. Plus, stress can cause digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and IBS, all of which can cause gas and belly bloating.
Be Wary Of Dairy Products
Dairy is an important source of nutrients for many people. However, females concerned about levels of reproductive hormones may wish to use caution, especially before consuming cream or yogurt.
A 2017 study notes that eating dairy can reduce levels of some protective hormones.
In addition, the authors point to an association between eating cream and yogurt and missing ovulation. The link is unclear, and the researchers call for further studies.
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Natural Remedies For Hormone Imbalances
CUT OUT SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
Apart from the environmental benefits, some studies show how storing foods in single-use plastics can disrupt xenoestrogen hormones causing abdominal weight gain in women. This is because Estrogen is actually a fat-storing hormone, and balancing out ‘dirty’ hormones is critical, so your estrogen levels are in sync with your progesterone levels.
A high mineral WATER source is hugely beneficial for hormonal balance.
AVOID PROCESSED FOODS
Processed foods lead to estrogen dominance we are seeing more women with estrogen dominance vs. progesterone and testosterone when it comes to diet. Avoiding processed foods is also hugely beneficial for digestive pathways.
BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Consuming a lot of glucose can lead to insulin resistance leading to a negative impact on hormone production. For example, my own insulin resistance due to a change in my eating habits actually threw my hormones off balance. It resulted in breakouts as it caused excess testosterone and DHEA production.
CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
Brussel sprouts, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage – these vegetables work to clean out our ‘dirty’ hormones. There are 3 types of Estrogen. Often when women go on the contraceptive pill, it favors one type and neglects the other two, which is why so many women struggle with getting their hormones back to ‘normal’ after coming off the pill.
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Hormones And Your Health
Hormones are chemical messengers that help your cells communicate and trigger various actions. Theyre the bedrock of your bodys endocrine system, which regulates growth, reproduction, metabolism, temperature, and even your mood.
Hormones and the endocrine system keep your body in a balanced state of homeostasis. Therefore, having a hormonal imbalance too little or too much of a certain hormone can have harmful side effects.
Oxidative stress, infertility, and endocrine disorders like thyroid disease are just a few conditions that can result from hormonal imbalances (
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Whats more, Nigella sativa extract exhibits estrogenic activity, meaning it acts similarly to the hormone estrogen in your body .
In fact, some studies in rats are exploring whether nigella seed extracts could be an alternative to hormone replacement therapy during menopause, a time when the body typically produces less estrogen than it used to .
Concentrated Nigella sativa supplements are becoming increasingly popular and sometimes marketed as black seed or black cumin seed. Whole nigella seeds have an herby aroma and are easy to add to bread, salads, and other dishes .
Still, keep in mind that most studies on nigella seeds and hormones were conducted in animals and used concentrated extracts or isolated thymoquinone. Thus, while using whole seeds in cooking can be healthy and delicious, it may not confer the same benefits.
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Follow A Stress Management
Another one of the great natural remedies for hormonal imbalance in females is to consume a diet rich in nutrients known to support adrenal health. Remember that when youre under chronic stress, your adrenal glands go into overdrive and produce too much cortisol to help your body manage that stress.
As a result, your other hormones take a back seat, which results in some of the symptoms we discussed above. Thats why eating a diet full of whole foods rich in nutrients such as stress-fighting B vitamins and healthy omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent and even improve hormone imbalances.
You can learn more about how to follow a stress management-focused diet in my article about adrenal fatigue.
How Do You Know You Have An Imbalance
Symptoms can vary depending on the exact issue. Natural life cycles will of course cause fluctuations for both men and women, like when going through puberty, but it is possible that these changes are accidentally kicked into overdrive and have a negative impact on your life. It is important to be able to recognize when there is an imbalance and to seek out medical attention if it becomes too much of a problem. If traditional medical care is not something you are interested in then you may want to see a holistic doctor, as there are some natural remedies for hormone imbalances.
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How Are Hormonal Imbalances Treated
Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on whats causing it.
If you have lower-than-normal hormone levels, the main treatment is hormone replacement therapy. Depending on which hormone is deficient, you may take oral medication or injection medication.
For example, if you have low thyroid hormone levels , your provider can prescribe synthetic thyroid hormone pills. If you have growth hormone deficiency, youll likely have to take injections of synthetic growth hormone.
If you have higher-than-normal hormone levels, there are many treatment options depending on the cause. Options include medication, surgery, radiation therapy or a combination of any of these.
For example, if you have a prolactinoma, a benign tumor that causes excess prolactin , your provider may prescribe a medication to shrink the tumor or you may need surgery to remove it.
So What Can You Do Now
Make an appointment with a doctor who can help to determine what medications or supplements to balance hormones are appropriate for your type of hormone imbalance.
References:
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What Is Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands that are secreted directly into the bloodstream. Through the blood stream, the hormones are carried to various organs of the body to regulate numerous bodily functions. The major hormones are thyroid hormones , estrogen and progesterone and testosterone .
Hormones influence and impact every systemic function in the body. When theyre properly balanced, you feel positive, energetic, well, and motivated when they arent, you may feel sluggish, unwell, too warm, too cold, weak, dizzy, or even extremely sick. In rare cases, imbalances may even cause dangerous or deadly health conditions like thyroid storm that may endanger your life. Luckily, there are different types of remedies for hormonal imbalance.
Because patients experience symptoms with even the slightest hormone change, and because the risk of a more serious condition is so high, doctors like to treat hormone problems early and effectively.
This list of 12 remedies for hormonal imbalance contains a mixture of natural, synthetic, and compounded solutions to help you understand the many options you have for correcting issues like menopause, thyroid conditions, and more.
When To See Your Gp
Some hormone imbalances need medical intervention. Always tell your GP if you experience any symptom thats not normal for you.
If you suspect an imbalance and your symptoms dont respond to diet and lifestyle changes, see your GP to rule out other causes.
5 October 2021
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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Foods For Healthy Hormonal Balance
We already know that diet plays a major role in the state of our health, including hormonal balance. To help restore and maintain hormonal balance in the body, there are certain dietary modifications you can make to safeguard your health:
- Maintain a diet high in fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Aim for 5 cups of vegetables per day.
- Include essential fatty acids from raw nuts, seeds, avocado, fish and lean protein sources in your diet.
- Consume cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts Cruciferous vegetables are important for the detoxification of hormones.
- Eat organic foods to avoid hormone-potentiating pesticide residues.
- Include detoxifying foods such as beets, carrots, yams, garlic, dark leafy greens and lemons in your diet.
- Fibre is important as it facilitates the excretion of metabolised hormones and toxins.
- Water intake should be at least eight glasses per day or more. Add an extra litre for every hour of exercise. Note that herbal teas have therapeutic benefits such as balancing your hormones, supporting detoxification and calming your nervous system and also count as water.
Natural Remedies For Hormonal Imbalance In Females
Hormonal imbalance markedly increases nowadays with the modern lifestyle. Fortunately, hormone imbalances can be naturally controlled by healthy habits and home remedies for hormonal imbalance to improve your hormonal health.
Hormones are essential substances secreted by endocrine system in limited amounts. Hormones organize the bodys emotional, physical, and mental functions, so they are the primary controller of your appetite, weight, and mood.
Some of the hormones in the body include, testosterone, growth hormone, estrogen, insulin and progesterone. The endocrine glands produce hormones from amino acids.
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Types Of Hormone Imbalances
Estrogen Dominance Estrogen dominance is a quite common cause of hormone imbalance that occurs when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone levels. This can happen in a few ways:
Symptoms of estrogen dominance include: Tender breasts, irregular cycles long or short, bloating, acne, breast cysts, PMS, headaches, anxiety, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, hair loss, and difficulties getting pregnant. However, this is not an all-inclusive list.
The graphic above shows a healthy pattern and 3 patterns of estrogen dominance. Please take note that all of the unhealthy patterns are still within a typical lab reference range. Your hormones will come back normal. Its the ratio between the hormones that are important! Adding a healthy pattern to the previously mentioned reasons for Estrogen Dominance leaves us with the following patterns for your hormones.
Diet Herbal Medicines Nutrients & Vitamins
Taking healing herbs, having a healthy diet comprising of fresh whole foods, and supplementing for any vitamin deficiencies is beneficial to hormone health.
Nature has provided us with an abundance of herbs to treat hormonal imbalances no matter what stage of life you are at. From puberty to menopause there are herbs that are safe and effective to help you achieve healthy hormonal balance. I do advise that you have professional advice when supporting your endocrine system with herbs as they are very powerful and if prescribed incorrectly could cause your symptoms to worsen.
I really struggle to not step in and offer advice when I see people picking up herbal remedies off the shelf at the supermarket please dont just take a herbal supplement because a friend recommended it. We are all individuals with our own genetic make-up and what is the perfect herbal remedy for one person may be detrimental to another.
When working with hormonal imbalances in women I will commonly request blood and urine pathology for both iodine and vitamin D. These are two of the most common deficiencies I see in women impacting on not only hormones but also in the prevention of cancer.
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Impressive Herbs That Help Balance Your Hormones
Herbs are a group of plants whose leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds are used for various purposes.
If you love to cook, you may be most familiar with using herbs as cooking ingredients. Interestingly, humans have also used them for healthcare, spiritual rituals, and more for thousands of years .
Traditionally, some herbs have even been used to balance hormone levels. Although rigorous research on the topic is limited, some evidence suggests that certain herbs could influence hormone levels in your body, as well as other related functions of the endocrine system.
Still, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to using herbs for medical or health reasons.
Thats why weve sifted through the science and put together this list of 5 herbs, all of which have evidence to support some of their hormone-balancing claims.