We often blame the balance of hormone levels for a range of unwanted symptoms, from fatigue or weight gain to itchy skin or low mood.
Our hormones are indeed responsible for essentially every function in our bodies. These are chemicals secreted by our glands to send “messages” through the bloodstream. And these messages then tell our organs what to do to keep us alive and healthy.
It is quite normal that when we think “hormone,” we think about the sex hormones like testosterone or estrogen. More than 50 different hormones are working in your body right now.
Signs or Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are important for maintaining your overall health. So there’s a broad range of signs or symptoms that could signal a hormonal imbalance.
Several common hormonal conditions are affecting both men and women, and these could cause any of the following signs:
- weight gain
- a hump of fat between the shoulders
- unexplained, and sometimes sudden, weight loss
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
- increased or decreased heart rate
- sweating
- increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- frequent urination
- increased thirst
- increased hunger
- decreased sex drive
- depression
- nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
- blurred vision
- infertility
- thinning hair or fine, brittle hair
- dry skin
- puffy face
Potential Causes of a Hormonal Imbalance
Following are some of the common underlying causes:
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Chronic stress
- Diabetes
- Birth control or hormonal replacement
- Poor diet
- Cushing syndrome
- Exposure to endocrine disruptors
Causes Unique to Women
We can find out several causes of hormonal imbalance in women related to reproductive hormones. These include:
- menopause
- primary ovarian insufficiency
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- PCOS
- hormone drugs such as birth control pills
Essential Vitamins and Supplements For Hormonal Imbalance
These include the following:
1-B-Vitamin
A category of the top 5 supplements for hormone balance is the b-complex vitamins. The different B vitamins are necessary for producing substances in the brain that regulate hormone levels in various ways. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls your emotional state and mood, is one of the compounds produced by several B vitamins.
Another neurotransmitter affected by B vitamins is dopamine, which helps you feel motivated and enjoy different activities. Melatonin, an important hormone produced by the brain to help sleep, is also influenced by B vitamins.
2-Androgen(DHEA)
It is another one of the top five hormone-balancing vitamins. The adrenal glands are responsible for its secretion, but they also assist in developing other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Because DHEA is the most common biological hormone, a healthy person should have plenty of it in their body.
3-DIM(diindolylmethane)
As it helps treat estrogen abnormalities, DIM is another one of the top 5 supplements for hormone balance. One such vitamin is special because it contains cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. DIM can aid in weight reduction while also promoting estrogen metabolism.
4-Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is important because it supports the production of other hormones and the regulation of several physiological changes. When you don’t have enough pregnenolone in your system, your body reacts poorly to excess stress and anxiety, your memory reacts, concentration becomes more difficult, and your reproductive health fails. To help maintain enough levels in the body and repair a shortfall, it takes a simple daily pregnenolone tablet.
5-Vitamin D
Vitamin D can benefit in the regulation of insulin and thyroid hormone. According to studies, a lack of vitamin D is linked to a higher risk of thyroid antibodies found in people with autoimmune thyroid diseases. A vitamin D pill can help the body’s natural hormone cycles perform more efficiently by regulating insulin flow and balancing blood sugar.
exercise for hormonal balance for females.
Following a workout regularly is critical for endocrine health. It is essential to balance hormones like cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, and your sex hormones. It is better to consult your endocrinologist to understand which kind of exercise is better for you than other ones.
What is HIIT?
According to several new research, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), a workout style that combines brief bursts of highly intense activity with fast rest periods, can be extremely beneficial.
1-Yoga
It has several benefits for our bodies. It helps in the strengthening of our bodies, the maintenance of flexibility, the elimination of tension, and the enhancement of our mood. We can take it as one of the most effective anti-aging techniques.
2-Pilates
Pilates, like yoga, is a hormone-balancing workout that also reduces stress while increasing strength and stability.
Conclusion
Hormones have a role in almost every aspect of your health. You need them in very specific amounts for your body to function optimally. Consuming good meals, exercising regularly, and engaging in other healthy habits can all help improve your hormonal health.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1-What is a hormone imbalance test?
It is a sample of your blood to be checked in a lab for testing. Most hormones are detectable in the blood. This blood test examines your thyroid and estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol levels.
2-Can you balance your hormones in a week?
- Avoid caffeine-containing foods like coffee, black tea, and chocolate at least 3-4 hours before sleep.
- Eat a lighter dinner that’s high in healthy carbs from foods like sweet potatoes, vegetables, whole grains, along with some lean protein.
- Try a low dose of melatonin.
3-Can I take hormonal imbalance pills?
Hormonal birth control pills are generally safe, although there are certain risks associated with them, including Diabetes is more probable: This is something to think about if you have PCOS and are already diabetic. Cardiovascular problems, such as deadly blood clots in the legs, are a possibility.