How to Balance Your Hormone Levels

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A 2019 survey report showed that almost half of 47% of 2,000 American women, aged 30 to 60 have experienced the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. The results of the study suggested that many are not well-informed of the possible implications of hormones as the 72% only later have a clear insight about the cause of their symptoms. 

To learn and understand more about our hormones, we will discuss in this article hormones and their significance in our overall health, and the causes and effects of hormonal imbalance. We also provide some effective ways to balance your hormonal levels.

Hormones – Their Composition and Significance in Our Health

The endocrine system of glands and hormones is one of two systems that coordinate everything that goes on in the body. Simply, the billions of cells in the body and the hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions in each of these cells should be coordinated everywhere or life could not exist. As the cells are grouped like tissues and organs, each of them needs to work effectively with the other,  maintaining their teamwork. Research studies have shown that our endocrine and nervous systems work closely together in controlling everything inside our bodies.

Moreover, the authors explained that hormones act to control a cell’s activity, mainly by modifying or controlling the activity of genes or DNA in each cell. There are different types of hormones around our body systems as they assist each of them to function properly (Example: Estrogen – female reproductive system). Hormones are marvelous molecules that set them apart from other body chemicals. They are effective even in extremely small amounts and they are remarkably specific in their actions while affecting only certain cells and not others.

But what is the composition and structure of our hormones? 

There are two big categories of hormones based on the chemical structure: protein or protein-like hormones and steroid hormones. Epinephrine or adrenaline is one example of protein-like hormones which are hormones derived from a single amino acid. Some examples of steroid hormones are estradiol, progesterone, and cortisone as they have a core three-dimensional structure made up of different four rings of atoms.

To clarify, our hormones act as the chemical messengers which are produced in our endocrine glands. These are powerful chemicals that travel throughout our bloodstream in order to communicate to our tissues and organs what they should do. They are crucial when it comes to controlling many of the fundamental processes in our body such as metabolism and reproduction. Without the smooth cooperation of our cells, tissues, and organs, our bodies would simply be chaotic and confused.

The Causes, Effects, and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

The survey report from the introduction of the article also mentioned that more than two-thirds of the respondents reported knowing that mood swings, hot flashes, and weight gain are symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Also, less than half were aware that urinary incontinence, brain for, and memory loss can be symptoms of this condition. In this section, we will provide the causes, effects, and symptoms of hormonal imbalance according to Healthline

Causes

The cause of hormonal imbalance depends on which hormones or glands are affected.

  • Stress
  • Injury or trauma
  • Eating disorders
  • Cancer treatments like chemotherapy
  • Cancerous or benign tumors
  • Pituitary tumors
  • Hormone therapy
  • Medications
  • Diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
  • Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid 
  • Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid 
  • Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules
  • Thyroiditis
  • Hypogonadism
  • Addison’s disease
  • Cushing syndrome
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • PCOS
  • Hormone drugs like birth control  pills

Effects/Symptoms

The effects and symptoms of hormonal imbalance will depend on which hormones or glands are not working properly.

  • Weight gain
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • 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
  • Dry skin
  • Hair thinning
  • Puffy face
  • Purple or pink stretch marks
  • Puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Heavy or irregular periods, like missed periods, a stopped period, or a frequent period
  • Hirsutism
  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vaginal atrophy
  • Pain during sex
  • Night sweats
  • Headaches

Effective Ways to Balance Your Hormone Levels

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above, there are simple and effective ways to balance your hormonal levels and prevent them from being too much or too little. Even very small changes can have serious effects throughout your entire body. Consider when you are preparing a dish, too much or too little of any one ingredient affects the final outcome of the dish or food you’re making. Read carefully and take note of the ways that you can do to maintain balance in your hormonal levels:

  1. Manage or reduce your stress levelsAlter your stress and relaxation approach through meditation and mindfulness activities, acupuncture, massage, reading, spending time in nature, spending time with people you love, journaling, practicing gratitude, positive self-talk, seeking counsel for emotional trauma or past experiences, deep breathing exercises, laughing, regular orgasms, doing more of what you love, and focusing on the joys of life.
  2. Exercise regularly – Try brisk walking or light exercise to get your blood flowing. Or you can try some dance workouts while watching your favorite dance music video. Avoid high-impact cardio. Focus on walking and gentle exercise like pilates. 
  3. Tweak your diet and supplement regimenEat antioxidant-rich and wholesome foods which are also abundant in vitamins and minerals. Eliminate sugar and processed foods. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake. Set regular mealtimes. Add probiotics and digestive enzymes to your diet. Eat foods rich in zinc and eat more sea vegetables like kelp and nori seaweed. Take vitamin supplements to boost the function of your body systems while balancing your hormone levels like our Sakura Collagen Supplement!
  4. Get proper sleep – While sleeping, your body is actively repairing and recovering from the day. Cortisol levels stabilize and energy levels are restored and repair occurs. If you are having a hard time sleeping well, consider relaxing activities before bed like taking an Epsom salt bath, reading, essential oils, drinking herbal tea, or taking herbs to help with sleep.

CONCLUSION

Hormones have the ability to control more than most people think as they play an integral role as master switches for brain function, energy, growth, libido, mood, metabolism, reproduction, weight, and many others. To balance your hormone levels, follow the aforementioned ways in this article such as managing your stress levels, exercising regularly, modifying your diet and supplement regimen, and getting proper sleep. Ask your doctor to prescribe you the right medical treatments and medications that you can use for maintaining proper hormone levels.

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