Supplements to Balance Hormones

Supplements to Balance Hormones. One of the most frequent reasons patients see me for the first time is for hormone balance, and they frequently ask if I suggest taking supplements to achieve this balance. Women’s health has shifted in recent years from being solely focused on annual breast exams and PAP smears to including discussions of optimal wellness and fitness. Women now feel more comfortable discussing issues with their healthcare professionals that were once thought to be “normal,” such as painful periods and PMS symptoms, which include cravings, mood swings, acne, and perimenopause changes. Women can now begin the path to total well-being and optimum health by seeking therapy for hormone imbalance.

I wanted to talk about some of my favorite minerals, herbs, and diet choices that support hormone balance.

It can be challenging to choose vitamins for hormone balance, though. The reason behind your hormone imbalance may require a different approach to therapy.

HORMONE IMBALANCE TYPES:

Elevated Oestrogen Levels: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), ovarian cysts and tumors, poor hormone metabolism, medicines, and environmental exposures can all raise estrogen levels.

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A heavy or irregular menstrual flow, fibrocystic breasts, mood swings, headaches and migraines, weight gain and water retention, or acne are some of the signs and symptoms.

Reduced Progesterone Levels: 

PCOS, menopause, stress, medicines, and hypothyroidism are among the factors that can cause reduced progesterone levels.

Menstrual irregularities, infertility, painful or heavy periods, mood swings, exhaustion, restless nights, or menopausal symptoms are among the warning signs and symptoms.

Low Oestrogen: 

This is a hallmark of postmenopausal and perimenopausal women. A woman’s estrogen levels decrease when she enters menopause because her menstruation is intermittent or nonexistent. This transition is moderate for some women and extremely harsh and debilitating for others.

Hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, dry vagina, joint and muscular pain, cognitive fog, bone loss, and poor sex drive are some of the warning signs and symptoms.

Elevated Progesterone: 

Although less frequent than estrogen dominance, this hormonal imbalance can nevertheless occur. The most common cause of high progesterone is hormone replacement treatment administered at the incorrect dosage. It can also happen with tumors, ovarian cysts, and other congenital conditions.

Bloating, drowsiness and grogginess, as well as mood swings, are among the symptoms of progesterone dominance, which vary greatly depending on the underlying cause.

Increased Testosterone:

 This is frequently observed in conditions such as less common congenital diseases, hirsutism, improperly dosed hormone replacement treatment, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Acne, unwelcome or inappropriate hair growth on your chin, irregular periods, and a “more aggressive/irritated” sensation are all indicators of elevated testosterone.

Other hormone imbalances:

 Variations in the health of female hormones can affect the thyroid and adrenal glands. On the other hand, thyroid and adrenal gland problems may affect the health of female hormones. Seeing a medical professional with experience in treating hormone imbalances is the best method to identify a diagnosis and course of treatment.

Hormone Balance: Herbs, Nutrients, and Nutritional Options

Being a naturopathic physician, I am fortunate to have a plethora of “tools in my toolbox” at my disposal to treat patients who are experiencing problems with their hormone balance! I can select the optimal solution for the patient from a range of options based on their preferences and the severity of their symptoms. I frequently utilize vitamins to balance my hormones, and this is just one of the many reasons I adore naturopathic medicine.

HERBAL & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE:

I enjoy giving my patients safe, long-lasting symptom alleviation by employing herbal formulations. Many problems, including hot flashes, painful periods, irregular periods, hormonal acne, infertility, insomnia, and more, can be gently treated with herbal remedies! Some popular herbal pills can help regulate hormones and address some bothersome concerns.

Black cohosh:

Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga or Actaea racemose, is a well-known herb used to treat hot flashes during menopause. Although scientific studies on the effectiveness of this plant have yielded conflicting results, many patients have found it to be therapeutically useful. I think it’s a fantastic alternative for a menopausal formula when combined with other herbals. This plant is excellent for PMS, period cramps, and irregular periods, but its reputation for helping with menopause has overshadowed its benefits.

 Chaste Tree (Vitex annus):

A well-known plant for hormone balance, Chaste Tree Berry has been used historically for many years! It stimulates ovulation and raises progesterone by acting on the pituitary gland to enhance luteinizing hormone (LH). It is frequently used to reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms. 

Kava:

Kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is one of my personal favorites! Why? It’s one of the greatest herbal supplements for hormone balancing because it does so much! It is well known for treating menopausal symptoms and having relaxing, non-sedative effects2,5. Because of its muscle-relaxing qualities, it is also beneficial in easing painful times.

Lepidium peruvianum:

Lepidium peruvianum, or maca, is another one of my particular favorites. It is amazing for women at every stage of life, from easing menopausal symptoms to assisting young women in regulating their cycles.

 Fenugreek:

This herb’s most well-known usage is in stimulating nursing mothers’ milk production. Improving libido and helping women with reduced testosterone levels are two of its less well-known benefits. It constantly has a good effect on libido, while it is still unclear if it causes a direct increase in testosterone. Additionally, it has been shown to be beneficial for reducing insulin sensitivity, a typical side effect among PCOS patients.

Licorice and Saw Palmetto:

These herbs are excellent options for people who want to reduce their testosterone levels, such as PCOS patients.

Inositol:

When taken as directed, this medication is frequently used to treat PCOS and thyroid issues, and evidence of its efficacy in these situations is extremely encouraging.

Regretfully, I cannot list all of the amazing herbal supplements available for balancing hormones. It’s also critical to understand that there is more to herbs than just looking up the conditions for which they are recommended. Additionally, certain herbs have synergistic qualities, which means they function better when combined! For your unique health history and concerns, a naturopathic doctor can create an herbal formula that is dosed safely and appropriately. Additionally, premade supplements with a focus on hormone balance are available on the market. In this category, I trust brands like Femenessence and Vitanica.

NUTRITION:

 Often, using herbal supplements alone isn’t enough to regulate hormones; we also need to mix them with other strategies. Dietary advice is one of my favorite methods to support herbal therapy.

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Vegetables: 

Eating vegetables is an excellent approach to support optimal hormonal health. Many have significant fiber content, which can improve digestion and insulin sensitivity. Cruciferous vegetables are particularly noteworthy because they contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which can aid in the improved metabolism of estrogens. 2. Overall, vegetables can improve liver function, which is crucial since if your liver isn’t functioning at its best, metabolites related to estrogen can accumulate.

Flax seed:

Known as a superfood, flax seed serves as a phytoestrogen and is a great addition to your diet to aid with hormone imbalance. 

phytoestrogen: 

what is it? It is a substance that functions similarly to estrogen in the body. It can, therefore, assist with either high or low estrogen levels. How? Because it acts on estrogen receptors in the body, it enables the body to properly balance hormone levels, resulting in a weakly estrogenic or antiestrogenic state. 

It is excellent for high or low estrogen levels and can help control menstrual periods in this way. In addition to being a fantastic source of fiber, it can aid in binding up excess androgens, such as testosterone, if levels are excessively high (as in PCOS). Certain people shouldn’t use phytoestrogens because of their diagnosis, medical histories, or current prescriptions.

spearmint tea: 

For those who are trying to lower their testosterone levels because of medical issues like PCOS, spearmint tea is a fantastic choice.

Steer Clear of Sugar and Caffeine: 

These substances can exacerbate symptoms of increased estrogen levels. It is crucial to stay away from beverages that include these ingredients.

The best person to advise you on whether a diet plan centered around these modifications is appropriate for you is your healthcare provider.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT):

Supplements to balance hormones might not be sufficient for women with more severe symptoms; in this situation, BHRT can be a fantastic alternative. When combined with appropriate lab work, follow-up, and tailored dosage, this can be a safe advancement in a patient’s therapy beyond more all-natural options. Keep in mind that the most important thing is safety; it’s best to use the least amount of treatment necessary to relieve symptoms adequately!

There isn’t a single herb, diet, product, or treatment that works wonders for all hormone-related issues—finding out what kind of hormone imbalance you have and why is crucial. You can regain long-lasting, ideal health by identifying the underlying reason for your health problems; herbal remedies, a good diet, and prescription drugs can support you in this endeavor. For your particular needs and objectives, a trained medical practitioner can provide testing, interpretation, diagnosis, and treatment!

What, then, can you do?

If you are currently experiencing your menstrual cycle, begin recording all of your symptoms.

“Clean Up” your surroundings by avoiding processed foods, using glass or metal water bottles instead of plastic ones, and being aware of what is in your personal care items.

Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable professional, such as a naturopathic physician, who specializes in treating hormone imbalances.

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Have your hormone labs conducted and reviewed by a licensed functional medicine practitioner or naturopathic physician?

Examine your diet; keep a food journal detailing everything you eat for a week and show it to your naturopathic physician so they can determine which foods are promoting or inhibiting your hormones.

Make an appointment with a doctor so they can advise you on hormone-balancing medications or supplements that are appropriate for the specific type of imbalance you are experiencing