Do you experience sudden changes in weight, appetite or weight? Does it sound like a hormonal imbalance?
A sedentary lifestyle and faulty dietary habits hinder hormone functioning, and other factors like age, gender, or situations affect hormonal balance. As discussed in the post below, balancing hormones in numerous natural ways is possible.
Females are more vulnerable to hormonal Imbalance resulting from pregnancy, menopause or menstruation.
The human body functions on over 50 hormones, which work like an instrument to create harmony inside. Even a minor change in this rhythm can disrupt the balance. Hormones are released into the blood through tissues released by the organs. Any increase or decrease in these hormones can affect the body’s functions.
There are many reasons for natural hormonal Imbalance in people with AFAB. The transition from childhood to puberty to adulthood can further differ in the hormonal levels. There are other medical conditions resulting in hormonal fluctuations, such as:
Figuring out hormonal Imbalance is important and should be managed with natural remedies as much as possible. Here are the common symptoms indicating the fluctuation of hormones:
Uneven monthly periods are mainly responsible for hormonal Imbalance in most people. They can cause frequent, heavy, or absent menstrual cycles. Changes in estrogen (female hormone) levels can also be evident due to factors like mental health, diet, exercise, and other conditions.
Heavy hair loss is also a sign of hormonal Imbalance, as it affects the natural structure and cycle of hair. Women with thicker hair might experience heavy hair loss during pregnancy or after childbirth. Even heavy hair growth (hirsutism) signifies hormonal Imbalance. Women with dense hair growth near their chin or face indicate excessive production of male hormones or thyroid issues.
Hormonal imbalance is also responsible for changes in the texture and colour of your skin. The notable surge in progesterone hormone is evident in signs like face, back, or chest acne. Hormonal imbalances are also evident if you face hyperpigmentation or dark patches over your skin. You can also observe it on the groin, neck and under breast areas.
Hormonal Imbalance is also responsible for vaginal atrophy resulting in low libido, dryness and low libido levels. Inflammation also occurs due to low estrogen levels after menopause.
Undefined weight gain or loss is always a concerning factor. It is mainly due to hormonal Imbalance resulting from menopause or changes in testosterone levels. PCOS, Thyroid and Cushing Syndrome are other reasons for weight fluctuations.
A dip in estrogen level results in a drop of serotonin hormone, which balances your mood. When the level fluctuates, your nervous system and brain are unable to get in sync, leading to depression, irritability or anxiety. Mental health is also hampered due to hormonal Imbalance affecting your sleep and causing night sweats or insomnia.
If you are unable to have a healthy gut and facing issues like diarrhoea or constipation, then it is primarily due to an Imbalance of hormones. It has other repercussions like irritable bowel syndrome or gastrointestinal issues in people.
Before switching to any hormonal therapies or pharmaceutical drugs, it is safer to try natural remedies for managing hormones. Here are some of them etched in detail.
Sleep is a crucial factor in hormonal Imbalance. Hormonal levels might fall or rise throughout the day, depending on sleep quality. A study indicates that when people suffer from sleep deprivation, their ghrelin, cortisol, and growth hormones increase while the leptin hormones decrease.
Lack of sound sleep increases glucose levels and reduces RMR and insulin resistance. Sound sleep at night is immensely important for regulating the body’s overall hormonal cycle.
Exposure to artificial or blue light emitted from devices like smartphones, laptops, or TV screens can damage your sleep cycle. Your natural hormonal cycle reacts actively in daylight and gets into rest mode during the evening.
Exposure to bright artificial lights can confuse your hormones and suppress the melatonin hormone, which can have negative effects on your body’s functions. Avoiding blue light restores natural hormone levels and maintains a sound circadian rhythm.
Scientific studies reveal the link between your endocrine system, stress, and hormonal levels. Experts establish a strong link between lower stress levels and endocrine responses. Stress surges cortisol and adrenaline levels in your blood. When these hormones are high, they hamper your hormonal balance and result in conditions like mood changes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems.
Hormonal Imbalance is manageable by including regular exercise in your regime. Physical activities keep you away from binge eating disorders and also control the risks of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Excess intake of sugar-based foods can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic diseases. It is advisable to manage or cut down your sugar intake in your diet to balance hormones like insulin and avoid other health conditions. Eating sugary foods in the evening can keep you active and disturb your sleep.
Healthy fats create a hormonal balance that comprises metabolism, appetite, and fullness. Fatty acids found in red palm oils or coconut oil actively regulate cells responsible for developing the body’s response to insulin. Olive oil also balances the GLP-1 hormone, which manages appetite and stimulates protein and fat digestion.
Fibre is beneficial for gut health and helps regulate insulin hormones. A few fibre types also help balance other hormonal levels responsible for weight management. Thus, fibre-rich foods are key to a well-maintained hormonal system.
The next easy remedy to balance cardiovascular health and manage hormones is the intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish. Fish is a healthy food for the brain’s hormonal balance and central nervous system. Eating a diet enriched with oily fish also helps avoid mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. In some cases, merely adding such fish to the diet can help treat such disorders.
Overeating is directly relevant to metabolic issues disrupting the hormonal ecosystem. Even the changes in short-term overeating can pile up oxidative stress and increase levels of fats. It can also lead to a surge in ceramides, the fat cells within the skin, leading to increased insulin resistance.
Tobacco content impacts the thyroid hormone levels and also increases the steroid hormones like cortisol relevant to stress. It is ideal to quit smoking and find joy in other things, such as going for a nature trail or meditation, which balances your inner happiness.
Quick Tips for Females
– Avoid intake of dairy products like yoghurt or cream.
– Alternative therapies
– Supplements can help in balancing hormones
Quick Tips for Males:
– Limit the Alcohol Intake
– Practise stress management to feel relaxed
– Keep a check on testosterone levels
Quick Tips for Children:
– Limit the intake of refined carbohydrates
– Refrain from sugary foods or beverages
– Avoid exposure to blue light
Hormones are chemical messengers that considerably affect your physical, mental and emotional health. Any fluctuations in the bodily hormonal environment result in its Imbalance, causing several issues.
Though these natural remedies might benefit some people, it is better to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Get in touch with us to know more.
Hope you have Happy & Healthy Hormones!
