Different organs and glands within the body secrete chemicals known as hormones. Estrogen, serotonin, thyroxin and adrenaline are a few of the most well known ones, but all of the hormones within your body have a profound effect on your health. The endocrine system is responsible for circulating these chemicals throughout the body but sometimes, they become imbalanced. Learning ways to balance hormones naturally is the healthiest way to correct or help prevent this problem from occurring.
It can be difficult to know if you have a hormone imbalance because it’s not always obvious, but there are some signs to look for that may indicate a problem.
Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Excessive weight gain or loss
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Infertility
- Digestive problems
- Hair loss
If you’re experiencing one or more of these problems with no apparent reason, then you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance. Depending on your particular symptoms, your doctor may prescribe thyroid medications, birth control pills, insulin or some other type of medical treatment to help correct the problem. While these options can help to balance your hormones, they do have some negative side effects.
For example, these synthetic treatments could make you more susceptible to serious medical conditions such as cancer and strokes. They may even have a negative effect on your reproductive system. Another problem to consider is that your body may become dependent on these treatments, forcing you to take them for the rest of your life to keep your hormones in balance.
They also mask the problem instead of correcting it, which means that you are not treating the actual problem causing the imbalance. Fortunately, you have the option of treating your hormonal imbalance naturally. 6 of your options are discussed below.
How to Balance Hormones Naturally
Use Adapotogens to Help Relieve Stress
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Ginseng, holy basil, rhodiola rosea, astragalus, ashwagandha, maca, licorice, eleuthero, schisandra and withania are examples of adapotogens. They are healing plants that boost the immune system, reduce anxiety and help relieve depression. They support the thyroid and adrenal gland functions while increasing endurance, energy, strength and stamina.
Adapotogens also help clear your mind, slow down brain cell degeneration, lower cholesterol and stabilize your insulin and blood sugar levels. All of these things help to relieve stress, which is a leading cause of hormonal imbalance. Therefore, these herbs can help keep you hormones in balance by relieving stress naturally.
Eat Foods High In Fatty Acids
Some foods such as fish, eggs, almonds, flax, walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables are high in omega 3 fatty acids. Fatty acids helps your body reduce inflammatory and balance hormones naturally so foods containing them are a good addition to any diet.
However, you may want to limit your omega 6 fatty acid intake because they increase inflammation within the body, which can lead to a variety of health problems. You’ll find Omega 6 in many oils such as peanut, canola, sunflower and soybean oils.
Avoid Products that Have a Negative Effect on Your Hormone Levels
Do you know what’s in that lotion you’re rubbing all over your body? What about the cleaner you’re spraying on your kitchen table and counters? Many beauty products and cleaning supplies contain harmful ingredients such as propylene glycol, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and DEA that can affect the way the body produces hormones.
Instead of using commercial products that may contain one or more of these chemicals, make your own skincare and cleaning products using pure grade essential oils. They’re healthier and offer a variety of therapeutic benefits that can help improve your overall health. DIY Natural has a great recipe for a non-greasy hand and body moisturizing lotion that uses all natural ingredients.
Promote Good Gut Health
PRO-Women: Probiotics for Women with Cranberry Extract & D-Mannose – 15x More Effective than Probiotic Capsules with Patented Delivery – 30 Once Daily Time Release Tablets – Supports Urinary Health Did you know that your gut or stomach plays a big role in your overall health? It can even affect the natural balance and production of hormones your body produces. Poor gut health can lead to a condition called leaky gut syndrome in which food particles left undigested seep or leak through your stomach into your bloodstream.
This condition causes inflammation that reduces the amount of healthy bacteria within your body. These good bacterial help regulate the leptin, insulin and ghrelin hormones, which are some of the main chemicals your body needs to stay healthy.
Some ways to promote a healthy gut is by eating prebiotic and probiotic whole foods or taking probiotic supplements. Be sure to drink plenty of water, limit processed foods and refined sugar, avoid foods containing gluten, control stress and try to avoid taking antibiotics because they kill the good bacterial along with the bad.
Using essential oils such as peppermint, thyme, lavender, myrrh, tea tree and bergamot can also help you maintain a healthy gut. Your nervous system and gut are connected. When you use oils that affect the nervous system in a positive way, it has a positive effect on the gut, as well.
Get Plenty of Rest
The Effortless Sleep Method: The Incredible New Cure for Insomnia and Chronic Sleep Problems Do you get enough sleep? If not, you may be contributing to the problem. The average person needs around 8 hours of sleep each night. If you’re not getting enough rest, it affects every aspect of your health, including the production of hormones. You’re more emotional, anxious and become stressed easier.
Staying on a regular schedule and getting enough sleep will help you feel calmer and you’ll be able to handle stress much better, which in turn helps to keep your endocrine system functioning properly.
If you suffer from mild or severe insomnia, diffusing lavender essential oil may help you relax and sleep more peacefully.
Commit to a Good Exercise Routine
Following a good exercise routine has many benefits that go far beyond building muscle mass and maintaining a healthy weight. A high intensity training routine can help you sleep better, reduce stress and give your metabolism a boost. All of these benefits will keep your hormones in balance naturally.
When a hormonal imbalance occurs, even a slight one, it can wreak havoc on your mental, physical and emotional health. You can learn more about hormones, their functions and why keeping them in balance is so important at Health Guidance.
When you understand how hormones affect your overall health, it might encourage you to find natural ways to help your body keep them in balance. If you’re already receiving some type of hormonal treatment, talk to your doctor about balancing your hormones naturally. You may be able to a few simple changes in your lifestyle that will help.
