9 Ways to Balance Your Hormones Naturally

A hormonal imbalance can completely throw you out of whack and leave you feeling sluggish, affect your metabolism, increase your heart rate, mess with your sex drive and reproductive function and a slew of other unpleasant symptoms without knowing exactly what is wrong. Hormonal imbalances happen when there is either too much or too little of a hormone in your bloodstream, and because hormones play such a big role in your body and well-being even the tiniest imbalance can cause big side effects throughout your body. Some of the main symptoms associated with a hormonal imbalance include unexplained weight gain or loss, excessive sweating, insomnia, changes in heart rate, irritability or anxiety, fatigue, depression, headaches, bloating, reduced sex drive and others. 

Some common causes of hormonal imbalances can be extreme or chronic stress, diabetes, thyroid issues, poor diet and nutrition, being overweight, hormonal replacement therapy or birth control medication, exposure to toxins like pesticides and herbicides as well as illnesses that can affect the endocrine glands. There are various medications and supplements that you can take to get your body back to normal, but today we’re going to share 9 ways to balance your hormones naturally before you start taking pills. 

1. Sugar and refined carbs create blood sugar spikes in your system and mess with your insulin, which is a hormone made by your pancreas that help transform glucose into energy and keep your blood sugar stable. Too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes. To avoid this, you need to avoid foods that mess with your hormones and keep refined carbs to a minimum. You can choose natural sweeteners instead that won’t make your blood sugar levels spike. 
2. Exercise is very important, and a combination of strength and cardio will increase your levels of dopamine – the feel-good hormone, which reduces stress and feelings of depression. Regular activity will also boost your serotonin levels, which can help you sleep better, aid in digestion, memory and even sexual function.
3. Try to eat an anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in wild-caught fish and high-fiber plant foods to lower inflammation in your body. Chronic inflammation can be a result of disrupted hormones, which can lead to many unpleasant symptoms and effects on your body and well-being.
4. Try to eat organic, grass-fed or pasture-raised proteins with every meal to help you feel satisfied and decrease the levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. When you eat organic foods, you will ensure that you are not consuming added hormones that are commonly used with conventionally raised livestock and fish.
5. Personal care products like lotions and deodorants can contain additives like phthalates and parabens, which are prominent hormone-disrupting chemicals. Read ingredient labels carefully and avoid products with toxic ingredients that can enter your bloodstream and mess with your hormones.
6. Sleep disturbances can contribute to hormonal imbalances, so it’s important to get a good night’s sleep for your overall well-being. Feeling rested helps you control your stress levels during the day and so you can be present and productive at work and at home. When you sleep, growth hormones are released in your body that boost your immune system and aid in tissue repair. To promote better sleep, turn off all of your electronics one to two hours before bedtime, unwind with a bath or shower and consider a natural supplement that can help you fall and stay asleep.
7. Chronic stress can create spikes and dips of various hormones in your body including adrenaline, cortisol, prolactin, thyroid hormones and growth hormone, which can lead to numerous health issues. While it’s impossible to avoid stress altogether, it’s very important to find ways to manage it through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, exercise and self-care.
8. There are many reasons why you should avoid using plastic, and naturally balancing your hormones if one of them. Nearly every type of plastic you can find will release chemicals that mimic estrogen in your body. The continuous exposure of these chemicals can lead to a hormone imbalance that can put you at risk for insulin resistance, breast or prostate cancer, infertility, male impotence and so many other health issues. Do your best to use glassware when possible or other reusable materials that you can easily clean and use time and time again.

Any hormonal imbalance needs a strategy to restore it back to normal, and you should speak with your healthcare professional for a dedicated plan for your unique situation. If you’re looking for additional ways to kickstart a healthy lifestyle, for successful weight loss programs or for support as you become the best version of yourself – connect with our team to learn more about us!