Estrogen Reduction And Menopause
Many of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disorders and anxiety, are caused by a decline in estrogen production as a woman ages. A combination of herbal remedies, diet and bioidentical hormone therapy can ease these symptoms and balance estrogen levels. Ginseng may ease anxiety and mood swings, while black cohosh, dong quai and evening primrose can provide relief from hot flashes. According to a study by the Linus Pauling Institute, foods rich in phytoestrogens include: flaxseeds and sesame seeds; carrots, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower; alfalfa and clover sprouts; split peas, pinto beans and chickpeas; and tofu and other soybean products. Its also important to choose organic, hormone-free meats, dairy and eggs instead of their hormone-supplemented counterparts.
You Can Stop Hormonal Imbalance From Getting Worse
At every age, your hormones are fluctuating on a daily basis, in mostly predictable patterns. But sometimes your hormones fluctuate more dramatically: puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause. When the changes become too extreme, or if your hormones cant return to natural balance, you’ll experience problems.
You may first sense that something is “off” or “not quite right” in your body. As the hormonal imbalance intensifies, you can experience physical and emotional symptoms that could become severe. As an imbalance worsens, symptoms can multiply, or their severity and frequency can increase.
The longer it goes on, the harder it can be to get back to a state of hormonal equilibrium. So it pays to take action sooner than later.
Symptoms Of A Hormonal Imbalance Women Should Never Ignore
Are you suffering from a hormonal imbalance? When you mention hormones, people automatically think of a teenager with acne that they cant control. Another thought that comes to mind is a pregnant lady with mood swings and cravings that drive her mad.
While those things are examples of hormonal problems, things take a dramatic shift during menopause that is not so kind. Dealing with zits and pregnancy problems can be severe, but nothing prepares a lady for the hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause.
You might be tempted to take some hormonal replacement that can help you through this challenging time, but its not advisable as these are known to increase your chance of cancer.
You May Like: How To Overdose On Melatonin
Period Problems And Period
A common complaint of women who visit Madison Womens Health is irregular periods or unexpected changes to their periods. A period is considered irregular when it occurs more often than before or less often than before, or if the amount and duration of bleeding has changed significantly for repeated months. Is your period suddenly much heavier than it has been? Or are you not having a period at all?
Keep track of your cycles, when you begin to bleed, and for how long. A popular app among our patients for tracking cycles is Period Tracker Period Calendar , although there are many options. Let your doctor know how many days there are between your periods and what your typical flow is like. Discuss what is different and why you are concerned. Let them know if youre under more stress than before, if youve changed your diet or exercise recently, or if you have a family history of irregular periods.
These changes could have a structural cause having to do with your cervix or uterus or a hormonal cause. Your doctor will likely want to perform a physical exam and may also check specific hormones on a specific day of your menstrual cycle.
Final Thoughts On Identifying A Hormonal Imbalance
Menopause can be an exceedingly difficult time in a womans life, but its nothing that you cant overcome. Before going to your doctor to get estrogen replacements, try something natural to calm your hormones. There are many foods and spices high in estrogen that can help with the fluctuations.
Try adding eggs, chives, bakers yeast, garlic, and dairy products to your diet. There are many ways to combat this difficult time in life, and your body will soon level out, and you will experience a new normal.
You May Like: How Much Will Clomid Raise Testosterone
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.
Vitality And Hormone Imbalance Symptoms
When people think about hormones, most immediately think of estrogen and testosterone. If youve been around The Wellness Way for any length of time, you know that estrogen isnt actually a hormone! Besides testosterone and estrogens, there are several other hormones, organs, and systems operating to maintain health and vitality. Many women experience hormone imbalance symptoms. Digestive issues, inflammation, skin reactions, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, infertility, weight gain, and more are all signs hormone imbalance could be the underlying cause. At The Wellness Way we have a saying, common doesnt mean normal! Just because many women experience life this way doesnt mean that its normal and it certainly shouldnt be as common as it is.
Medical doctors rely on birth control, hysterectomies, fertility treatments, hormone therapies, and various other hormone-affecting drugs and procedures. These hormone altering practices set women up for not just hormone imbalance, but a whole list of symptoms that affect the delicate balance needed to sustain health.
Don’t Miss: How Can You Raise Your Testosterone
Learn To Manage Stress
Lastly, stress can wreak havoc on your hormones. For that reason, try to incorporate stress-reducing activities to your self-care routine, such as:
- meditation
- massage
- listening to soothing music
Calming activities such as these can help naturally balance your cortisol levels and effectively reduce stress over time.
Breast Changes Might Be An Estrogen Imbalance
Estrogen that is too high or too low may lead to changes in breast tissues. High estrogen may cause lumpy or dense breast tissue, even cysts. Estrogen levels that are too low may cause decreased breast tissue density. In one study, postmenopausal women who took estrogen plus progesterone hormone replacement therapy experienced an increase in breast density compared to women who took a placebo. Xenoestrogens are compounds that mimic estrogen function in the body. They are naturally occurring in some plants and fungi but they are also found in some drugs, industrial by-products, and pesticides. Non-naturally occurring xenoestrogens may produce a number of harmful effects in the body, including effects on breast density and the risk of breast cancer. They may also disrupt the endocrine system. If you notice any breast changes or are concerned about your estrogen levels, see your doctor for an evaluation.
You May Like: How Much Hormones Does Nexplanon Release
Can Anything Help To Restore The Balance
- In overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome, weight loss of just 5% can lead to improvements in symptoms.
- For hot flushes during the menopause, it can help to wear light clothing, reduce stress levels, keep your bedroom cool at night, and take a cool shower.
- More research is needed, but some studies show that vitamin B6 supplements could help to reduce PMS symptoms.
- Regular activity can help to reduce the raised risk of osteoporosis and heart disease thatâs sometimes linked to the decrease in estrogen during menopause.
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.
You May Like: What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Testosterone Shots
Answer When Your Body Asks For Help
If you know you have hormonal imbalance symptoms, you can provide the targeted support your body needs to naturally rebalance its hormones. Effective natural options can help resolve the root cause of all your symptoms, not just a select few.
You can take our Hormonal Health Quiz to find out more about your symptoms, whether or not you are near menopause. Its important to know that you can relieve your symptoms and feel better even if youre frustrated right now.
Eating right and supplementing your nutrition, adding movement to your day and reducing the impact of daily stressors will tell your body that the hormonal emergency is over and that will make all the difference.
Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome : Symptoms. Mayo Clinic Web site. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/symptoms/con-20028841.Accessed May 1, 2016.
WebMD. Menopause and Perimenopause Symptoms. Last updated February, 2014. WebMD Web site. http://www.webmd.com/menopause/tc/menopause-and-perimenopause-symptoms.Accessed May 1, 2016.
Badawy A, State O, Sherief S. Can thyroid dysfunction explicate severe menopausal symptoms? J Obstet Gynaecol. 2007 Jul;27:503-505.
Avis NE, Brockwell S, Randolph JF Jr, et al. Longitudinal changes in sexual functioning as women transition through menopause: results from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. Menopause. 2009 May-Jun;16:442-452.
Wathen PI, Henderson MC, Witz CA. Abnormal uterine bleeding. Med Clin North Am. 1995;79:329-344.
What Happens When Estrogen Levels Are High
High estrogen levels can lead to a host of different issues! One of the most common issues found in women with elevated estrogen is thyroid dysfunction, in particular hypothyroidism, which decreases the ability to lose weight, increases fatigue, and more.
High levels of estrogen may increase the risk for blood clots, stroke, and cancer.
But even on the most basic level, estrogen dominance makes for unfavorable day-to-day symptoms in women.
Also Check: Is Nature Made Melatonin Gluten Free
Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalances
- Mood swings: Estrogen affects serotonin a chemical that affects mood, so fluctuations in estrogen can cause premenstrual syndrome and depressions during perimenopause.
- Heavy, painful periods: Estrogen fluctuations can cause abdominal pain, lower back pain, frequent urination, constipation, painful intercourse, and heavy bleeding during periods.
- Low sex drive: Falling estrogen and testosterone levels at the onset of, during, and after menopause can cause low libido, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, and sweating at
- Insomnia: Both estrogen and progesterone regulate sleep cycles, so falling levels of these hormones can cause low-quality sleep, and hence fatigue, lack of energy, and mood swings.
- Weight-gain: A combination of various unexplained factors triggered by hormonal imbalance can cause weight gain, especially in the abdomen area.
The Negative Impact Of Hormone Imbalance And How We Can Help
Hormones help regulate many of your bodily functions. They help you sleep through the night, have babies, grow hair, grow your body, metabolize food, and keep you warm, to name just a few functions that rely on hormones.
If your hormones are imbalanced, this imbalance can have a significant impact on your body, mind, or mood. Everyone has imbalances on occasion like during times of intense stress or, for women, just before or after a menstrual period. Women also experience imbalances during pregnancy, perimenopause , and menopause.
Hormone imbalances usually happen when your endocrine glands, which produce and release hormones, are out of whack. The improper functioning of your endocrine glands can be brought on by many things including:
- Certain medications
Addressing the causes directly is the first step in balancing your hormones.
Recommended Reading: Does The Nexplanon Have Hormones
Discover The World’s First Birth Control App
Dani Roche
Dani manages and maintains the content for the LetsGetChecked blog. With a passion for all things health and wellness, she boasts years of experience writing about a variety of wellbeing topics and is enthusiastic about empowering people to take control of their health.
Scientifically Reviewed
Jack Pearson
With 10 years of experience working in the field of fertility, Jack Pearson is Natural Cycles in-house expert. As Medical Affairs Manager, he dedicates his time to conducting groundbreaking research and educating healthcare professionals.
Want to learn more about a hormone-free future?
Hormones And Their Role In Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms In Females
First and foremost, lets do a quick review on what hormones are and which are the most important female hormones to have balanced.
Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of another part of the body. Hormones serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout the body affecting a variety of processes like growth and development, reproduction, and sexual characteristics.;
Now just as a disclaimer, there is one group of hormones that we will not dive into today. These include the thyroid hormones thyroid-stimulating hormone , free and total T4, free and total T3, and reverse T3. The thyroid hormones are a huge piece of the puzzle because they highly influence all hormones discussed in this post; however, they are super complex and nuanced and deserve an entire post to themselves. Stay tuned!;
You May Like: How To Safely Increase Testosterone
What Is The Treatment For Hormonal Imbalance In Females
The treatment for hormonal imbalance in females depends on the cause for the same. Some of the treatment modalities may include:
- Thyroid medications
- Weight loss
- Medications for the treatment of any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, eg. Metformin
- Hormonal birth control, which includes birth control pill, vaginal ring, intrauterine device , birth control patch.
- Anti-androgen medications
What Are Hormonal Imbalances
Your hormones, which your endocrine system makes, are your bodys messengers. They travel throughout your body, helping control the functions of your major processes and maintain balance within your body. They help manage energy levels, metabolism, reproduction, and more.;
If your endocrine system makes too much or too little of a hormone, you develop a hormonal imbalance. Even small imbalances can create problems, such as health issues, early onset menopause, or ovarian cancer. There are many signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women, as well as many different causes. Diagnosing the imbalance and finding the cause can lead to a treatment that restores proper balance and health.;
Read Also: What Is The Best Vitamins To Take For Hormonal Imbalance
What Is Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are part of the endocrine system, which regulates chemical messages throughout the body. The endocrine system regulates hormones that control your metabolism, reproduction and growth. Today, mens and womens hormone levels are more imbalanced than in the past. Compared to two decades ago, the average testosterone levels of men have decreased at least 15%.; For women, about 10% live with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, caused by reproductive hormone imbalance. This change has many causes, but some can be attributed to the use of tap water, certain personal hygiene products, chronic stress and sleep deprivation.;
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?
Also Check: Are Melatonin Gummies Safe To Take Every Night
Ii How To Treat Hormonal Imbalance
If you are looking for natural ways on how to treat this health problem, keep both of your eyes on the following ways:
1. Coconut Oil
This is the first one among great ways on how to treat hormonal imbalance with foods that we want to mention in this article. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are very good for human health. Coconut oil can be used to reduce the inflammation caused by hormonal imbalance. Besides, it also helps you lose weight and reduce anxiety and stress. You can consume 1-2 tbsp. of organic coconut oil on a daily basis. Alternatively, you can add it to your salads or use it instead your cooking oil. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times daily.
Read on Top 7 Simple Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Burns And Cuts On Face And Hands to discover some of the best ways to treat burns and cuts on face and bodys parts with the help of coconut oil.
2. Do Regular Exercise
When it comes to learning how to treat hormonal imbalance naturally at home, you should try doing regular exercise. Physical activity can affect hormonal health. For example, it can reduce insulin levels and simultaneously increase insulin sensitivity. Many kinds of physical activity can help increase insulin sensitivity and simultaneously reduce insulin levels. They include strength training, aerobic exercise, and endurance exercise.
3. How To Treat Hormonal Imbalance With Food Ashwagandha
4. Vitamin D
5. Manage Stress
6. Yogurt
7. Avocados
Directions:
8. Avoid Overeating And Undereating
Dangers Of Hormone Imbalance
The most dangerous thing about a hormonal imbalance is not actually the symptom, but what it may represent. Common causes of a hormonal imbalance range from diabetes to thyroid issues, to glandular issues and possible tumors either benign or malignant. If your body is reacting in these ways to changes in your bodys chemicals, it could be sign of a deeper issue, which could be dangerous if left untreated.
Particularly in women, a hormonal imbalance could indicate early onset of menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency and even ovarian cancer, among other conditions. In men, hormone imbalance could indicate any number of conditions, including prostate cancer.
Talk to your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms that are not typical of your personality or body. Many people keep a log to keep track of changes; this is helpful when describing to their doctors any concerns or symptoms. Once diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to prescribe medicine, advise life-style changes, conduct additional testing, or refer you to a specialist.
Remember, a hormonal balance can be serious if left untreated, but speaking to your doctor even if youre wrong can only help make the issue better.
Read Also: How Much Are Estrogen Patches