The five most important hormonal imbalances are diabetes, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypogonadism.
“This can occur for many reasons but obesity, stress, and exposure to xenoestrogens are some of the most common causes of hormonal imbalance,” continues Dr. Krieg.
Dangers of Hormone Imbalance
Particularly in women, a hormonal imbalance could indicate early onset of menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency and even ovarian cancer, among other conditions. In men, hormone imbalance could indicate any number of conditions, including prostate cancer.
Most kits allow you to check your hormone levels at home by sending you a kit with a small lancet. This device pricks a small hole in your finger, allowing you to collect a small drop of blood for testing. Some kits may also use saliva or urine samples.
How Long Does It Take to Balance Hormones? As you can imagine, this varies. However, research shows that by taking a holistic, well-rounded approach, you can balance your hormones in less than four months. In fact, you can significantly reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides in your body, in one week.
Too much or too little of a certain hormone can throw off your body's balance and have a series of strange effects, including weight gain, depression, anxiety, infertility, thinning hair, or even acne. Thankfully, hormonal imbalance can be treatable.
Stress can lead to changes in the serum level of many hormones including glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone and prolactin. Some of these changes are necessary for the fight or flight response to protect oneself.
The following foods will also restore hormonal balance by regulating stress, reducing inflammation, and thereby optimizing gut & period heath. 3. Magnesium-rich foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, spinach, avocados, bananas, and dried figs.
Your visit to the OBGYN:
Get the test taken during the first few days of your cycle (when you have your period), if possible. Ask your OBGYN for a hormone panel test that includes estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH (follicle stimulating hormone and lutenizing hormone).
Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all hormone balancing foods packed with great nutrients. Berries are rich sources of vitamin C, which regulates your progesterone levels, particularly during the luteal (PMS) phase of your cycle [1].
A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to lower estrogen levels, which can cause depression, hot flashes, mood swings, and much more. Parathyroid hormone imbalance. A vitamin D deficiency limits your body's ability to regulate calcium levels, which your parathyroid controls.
D2 and K2 are a powerful duo when taken as a supplement. Each of these vitamins is involved with balancing hormones, particularly those associated with weight management, and are viewed as safe vitamin supplements for people to take to support metabolic processes.
Walking – A brisk 30-minute walk four to five times a week can have a big impact on hormone balance. It's also a great low-impact option for older people or those with joint problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
In the United States, the most common endocrine disease is diabetes. There are many others. They are usually treated by controlling how much hormone your body makes. Hormone supplements can help if the problem is too little of a hormone.
It's true that hormone imbalances can be associated with many problems, such as period problems, unwanted hair growth, fertility struggles, weight gain, and even difficulty sleeping. You should absolutely talk to your doctor about these things.
The stress hormones, otherwise known as cortisol and adrenaline, are released when a person feels threatened or senses danger. These stress hormones initiate the fight-or-flight response to help cope with the threat and prepare the body to take action.
Imbalances in hormone levels leads to loss of focus, motivation and even constant mood swings. Hormonal anxiety could be extremely exhausting. In women it is essential to get your progesterone and oestrogen levels balanced and in men balanced levels of testosterone is crucial.
Stress hormones include, but are not limited to: Cortisol, the main human stress hormone. Catecholamines such as adrenaline and norepinephrine. Vasopressin.