Are your hormones off balance?
With more than 50 known hormones in our body sending chemical messages to various organs, it’s no surprise that they play a crucial role in everything from mood swings and weight maintenance to libido, sleep quality, and skin health. In fact, the glands in our endocrine system use hormones to regulate essential bodily functions.
Hormonal changes are particularly noticeable during puberty and the menstrual cycle, often causing fatigue, low energy, mood swings (including those inexplicable crying spells), and skin issues such as acne. A more complex condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), occurs when small cysts form in the ovaries. This can result from the thyroid gland producing too much or too little of a specific hormone, often leading to unwanted weight gain. Weight fluctuations can also occur during life stages such as menopause, when declining estrogen and progesterone levels contribute to stubborn belly fat.
Skin breakouts or adult acne may be due to unbalanced hormones.
How Do You Know If Your Hormones Are Imbalanced?
Hormonal imbalances manifest in various ways. For instance, painful periods might indicate fibroids—non-cancerous growths in the uterus often linked to unbalanced estrogen levels. Symptoms include pelvic pain, discomfort during urination or intercourse, and digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea.
Frequent adult acne can be another sign of hormonal imbalance. Low estrogen and progesterone levels, combined with elevated testosterone or androgen hormones, are often linked to PCOS.
Because hormones regulate critical body functions, their fluctuations can have widespread effects. Estrogen, for example, influences serotonin levels in the brain. When estrogen levels fluctuate, serotonin production is affected, leading to PMS symptoms such as mood swings and irritability. Other signs of hormonal imbalance include frequent headaches, poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, low libido, and vaginal dryness.
Hot flashes—waves of sudden heat, particularly common during menopause—are another indicator of declining estrogen levels.
How to Restore Hormonal Balance
The first step in identifying hormonal imbalances is to consult your doctor for a blood test. This can reveal any irregularities and guide potential treatments.
Certain natural remedies may help restore balance. Ashwagandha, for instance, is a powerful adaptogen that can regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, and even assist with complex conditions like PCOS. St. John’s Wort is another herbal remedy that supports adrenal gland function, potentially reducing depression and mood swings.
A good starting point is testing your levels of key hormones, such as estrogen (estradiol), progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, through blood or saliva tests. Understanding these levels can help you identify and address specific imbalances.
Some of the most effective natural solutions I’ve personally tried are from Semaine Health. This brand offers a range of products designed to tackle hormonal imbalances using a blend of adaptogens and herbs. Their formulations help stabilize the body’s hormonal fluctuations, providing relief from common symptoms.
Give it a try and let us know your experience!
