Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are very common these days, and they affect men and women of all ages. Despite the fact that they are usually not dangerous, hormonal imbalances can trigger skin blemishes and discomfort with menopausal symptoms, especially since they are often associated with menstrual cramps, bothersome PMS symptoms, and mood swings.
Hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, diet, and underlying medical conditions.
Addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalance through lifestyle changes, stress management, and potentially supplements to balance hormones can be an effective way to the hormone imbalance, restore hormonal balance and alleviate related symptoms.
Balancing Hormones Naturally
Some of the best hormone supplements that may help regulate thyroid hormones, stress hormone levels estrogen metabolism, and overall hormone balance include vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and adaptogenic herbs.
However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, as individual needs and underlying conditions may vary.
By taking a proactive approach to managing hormonal imbalance through a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and potentially supplemental interventions, individuals can find relief from the disruptive effects of hormonal fluctuations and maintain overall hormone balance and well-being.
Here is a brief overview of 9 herbal supplements that are ideal for balancing hormones naturally:
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto extract comes in the form of soft gels and it contains numerous beneficial compounds that are known to restore the hormonal balance as well as to support prostate health in the long run (flavonoids, fatty acids as well as sterols).
Saw Palmetto is basically a low-growing palm tree that has been used for centuries due to its health benefits, and this extract is recommended to men over 40.
Addressing Hormonal Imbalances
For individuals struggling with hormonal imbalance, hormone imbalances, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, Saw Palmetto can be a valuable supplement to help balance hormones and alleviate related symptoms.
The active compounds in Saw Palmetto have been shown to modulate the activity of certain enzymes involved in hormonal health, which can help regulate thyroid hormones, stress hormone levels, and even support a healthy menstrual cycle.
Promoting Overall Wellness
In addition to its hormone-balancing properties, Saw Palmetto extract has also been studied for its potential to reduce mood swings and other unpleasant side effects associated with hormonal imbalance.
By addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances, this natural supplement can help individuals feel more energized, focused, and in control of their overall well-being.
Incorporating Saw Palmetto into Your Routine
For those interested in exploring hormone balance supplements containing Saw Palmetto, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it does not interact with any existing medications or conditions.
Incorporating Saw Palmetto into a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can provide a holistic solution for supporting optimal hormonal health.
Dandelion Root Supplement
Dandelions are widely used in traditional medicine, as they contain sterols, pectin, phenolic acids, vitamins, lutein and a wealth of carotenoids.
Dandelion root extract contains high amounts of vitamin A and C (perfect for strengthening your immune system), it contains lecithin which is essential for boosting your cognitive function, it acts as a hepatic stimulant and it also lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
At the same time, dandelion root extract is also known to support the proper functioning of the liver, an organ that plays a pivotal role in the elimination of toxins.
The liver is also responsible for hormone production, including androgens which are known to trigger acne breakouts. If you suffer from hormonal imbalance, then dandelion supplements will surely help you.
Motherwort
Just like the dandelion root, the motherwort also has a series of health benefits: it helps you relieve stress and improve heart function, it supports the health of your cardiovascular system and it also relaxes the muscles and the blood vessels.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart palpitations and high triglycerides, then motherwort can be your best ally. At the same time, motherwort is widely used to relieve the symptoms of menopause: this herb acts as a menstrual regulator that treats hot flashes and insomnia, and it is also known for its hormone-balancing properties.
Optimizing Hormonal Health with Motherwort
Beyond its cardiovascular benefits, motherwort has also been studied for its potential to support overall health and balanced hormone levels. This herb may help modulate stress hormones, improve insulin sensitivity, and even regulate menstrual cycles and luteinizing hormone production.
For individuals experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, or other menopause symptoms, incorporating motherwort into a comprehensive wellness plan that includes a balanced diet, vitamin D supplementation, and potentially a fish oil supplement may help restore healthy hormone balance and alleviate disruptive hormonal fluctuations.
As always, it’s recommended to consult with a functional medicine practitioner before adding any new dietary supplements to your regimen.
Evening Pimrose Oil
Evening primrose oil benefits women on many different levels: it has pain relieving properties, it can cure acne and relieve the symptoms of menopause, it can come in handy for weight control purposes and so on. This oil contains high amounts of essential nutrients that support skin elasticity.
Moreover, if consumed regularly the evening primrose oil can prevent migraines due to premenstrual syndrome and it can relieve the discomfort triggered by endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts and menopause.
Unlike hormone replacement therapy, evening primrose oil is a natural, complementary and integrative health approach that can help restore hormonal balance without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical interventions.
Supporting Women’s Health Holistically
Beyond its benefits for reproductive and mental health, evening primrose oil has also been studied for its ability to support bone health and nervous system function.
The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other fatty acids in this oil may help regulate key hormones produced by the thyroid gland adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in overall well-being.
By incorporating evening primrose oil into a comprehensive wellness plan, women can harness the power of this versatile natural remedy to address a wide range of health concerns, from skin issues to menstrual discomfort, without relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions.
This holistic approach can empower women to take an active role in managing their health and achieving hormonal balance.
Moreover, if consumed regularly the evening pimrose oil can prevent migraines due to PMS and it can relieve the discomfort triggered by endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts and menopause.
Blessed Thistle
The blessed thistle is basically a bitter tonic that contains tannin, essential oils, alkaloids and a wide array of other important compounds.
This supplement is known to prevent bloating and gas, it has diuretic properties, it is great for detox diets and it also repairs liver damage.
Moreover, blessed thistle is widely known for its anticancer properties and it has been used as a traditional tonic by women, to help them restore hormonal balance, regulate hormones, and maintain healthy hormone levels.
It can also be beneficial for women’s health by stimulating the production of mother’s milk as well as managing menstrual pain and irregular periods.
Supporting the Endocrine System
Beyond its reproductive health benefits, blessed thistle may also help support optimal health of the endocrine system by influencing insulin levels and adrenal hormones.
This can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with blood sugar control or hormone imbalances that contribute to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The hormone balancing nutrients found in blessed thistle, such as tannins and essential oils, may also help alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations, including PMS, hot flashes, and mood swings.
By promoting liver function and vitamin D levels, blessed thistle can play a role in optimizing overall hormonal health and well-being.
For women seeking natural ways to restore hormonal balance and support their reproductive and metabolic health, blessed thistle may be a valuable addition to their wellness regimen.
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for individual needs and circumstances.
Hemp Tree
Hemp tree supplements are perfect for women who are in their 30s and 40s and experience severe hormonal imbalances along with pain during the premenstrual stage of their menstrual cycle.
Hemp tree can alleviate typical PMS symptoms like brain fog, depression, fatigue, headaches, low sex drive, skin problems, weight gain, water retention and such.
Hemp contains great amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6, essential fatty acids that are responsible for the production of hormones.
Essential fatty acid deficiencies can lead to hormonal imbalances, and this is where hemp tree comes in. For postmenopausal women struggling with hormone fluctuations and elevated estrogen levels, hemp seed supplements may also help provide relief.
Optimizing Hormonal Health with Hemp
The unique composition of hemp, including its rich content of omega 3 fatty acids, can help support the body’s natural production of steroid hormones and promote optimal absorption.
This, in turn, can help alleviate PMS symptoms and maintain energy levels by regulating excess estrogen and decreasing testosterone when needed.
Incorporating hemp seed supplements into a balanced diet that includes cruciferous vegetables and other hormone-supporting foods can be a powerful way for women to naturally manage hormonal imbalances and optimize their overall reproductive and metabolic health.
By addressing the root causes of hormonal fluctuations, hemp can provide relief without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical interventions.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is a herb that is widely used in the Chinese and Japanese medicine, due to its anticoagulant properties and its balancing effects on the hormonal system of women.
This herb acts as a women’s tonic, it can relieve symptoms of menopause and menstrual cramps, it prevents and treats fibroid tumors, it lowers high blood pressure and it can also treat irregular menstrual bleeding.
Additionally, Dong Quai is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, making it beneficial for reducing menstrual pain and discomfort.
It may also help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. Some research suggests Dong Quai may even have a mild estrogenic effect, which could help address hormonal imbalances in women.
Asian Ginseng
Just like Dong Quai, the Asian Ginseng has also been used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for quite a while, in order to treat hormonal imbalance.
It is believed that ginseng supplements can regulate the function of the adrenal gland, which is responsible for the production of stress hormone. The stress hormone interferes with the production of sexual hormones as well, thus leading to imbalances, irritability, anxiety and agitation.
Ashwagandha
Last, but not least, Ashwagandha has a positive impact on the function of your pituitary gland, as it balances the levels of ACTH, TSH and CRH, three essential hormones. Moreover, Ashwagandha can also come in handy for those who suffer from hyperthyroidism, high cortisol levels and chronic stress. If used correctly, Ashwagandha can improve your mood and reduce the stress levels in the long run.
Adaptogenic Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help the body adapt to and cope with stress. By modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Ashwagandha can help regulate the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on energy levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
In addition to its stress-reducing properties, Ashwagandha has also been shown to support thyroid health. It may help optimize thyroid hormone production, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism, regulating body temperature, and supporting cognitive function. For individuals dealing with thyroid imbalances or autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Ashwagandha may be a beneficial complementary therapy when used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Furthermore, Ashwagandha’s neuroprotective and antioxidant effects may contribute to its ability to improve mood and cognitive function. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, this herb may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and brain fog that are often associated with chronic stress. Incorporating Ashwagandha into a holistic wellness routine can be a valuable tool for supporting overall mental and physical well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hormones and Hormone Supplements
Q1: What hormone causes weight gain in females?
A1: The hormone primarily associated with weight gain in females is estrogen. An imbalance in estrogen levels can lead to increased fat retention, particularly around the hips and thighs.
Q2: How do you fix hormonal imbalance?
A2: Addressing hormonal imbalance involves a multifaceted approach. Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep, can contribute to hormonal harmony. Additionally, certain hormone supplements, such as Evening Primrose Oil and Hemp Tree, are known to help balance hormones naturally.
Q3: What drink is high in estrogen?
A3: Soy milk is considered a beverage high in estrogen. It contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds with estrogen-like effects. However, it’s essential to consume such drinks in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with specific health concerns.
Q4: Which fruit is best for hormones?
A4: Avocado is a fruit that supports hormonal health. Rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, avocados contribute to hormone production. Additionally, fruits like berries, bananas, and oranges contain essential vitamins and antioxidants that can positively impact overall hormonal balance.
Q5: Who should avoid cloves?
A5: Cloves are generally safe for most people when used in culinary amounts. However, individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should avoid excessive consumption of cloves, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
Q6: Can folic acid correct hormonal imbalance?
A6: Folic acid is essential for overall health, but its direct role in correcting hormonal imbalances is limited. While it plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, addressing hormonal imbalances may require a more comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes and specific hormone supplements.
Q7: What exercises balance female hormones?
A7: Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercises, strength training, and yoga, can contribute to balancing female hormones. Exercise helps regulate insulin levels, reduce stress, keep energy levels and promote overall well-being. However, it’s essential to tailor the exercise routine to individual needs and consult with a fitness or healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Conclusion
Understanding the significance of hormone supplements in maintaining overall well-being is essential. Evening Primrose Oil, Blessed Thistle, and Hemp Tree stand out as valuable additions to your wellness toolkit. By addressing specific concerns such as skin elasticity, liver and gut health, and hormonal imbalances, these supplements empower you to take control of your health and unlock the benefits of hormonal harmony.
As with any dietary supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing new elements into your wellness routine. Embrace the power of these hormone supplements and embark on a journey towards a healthier and more balanced life.
