How To Balance Hormones Naturally

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, there are a lot of things that go unnoticed. But that shouldn’t be the case, especially when it comes to your health. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common health issues that many women seem to be unaware of until they notice symptoms like acne or sudden weight gain. And not treating it in time can have grave consequences. If you are suffering from any hormonal imbalance and want to bring your hormone levels back on track using some natural ways, this article will help you. Read on to find out how.

Table Of Contents

• What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
• Signs And Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance
• What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
• How To Treat Hormonal Imbalance Naturally

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body that are responsible for controlling many major processes like metabolism and reproduction. They are produced by the endocrine glands. When these glands produce too much or too little of hormones, it leads to a hormonal imbalance in the body.

So, how do you understand if you are suffering from hormonal imbalance? Check for the following signs and symptoms.

Back To TOC

Signs And Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is characterized by a broad range of signs and symptoms, depending on which hormones or glands are not functioning properly.

The symptoms of hormonal imbalance are usually different for women, men, and children.

Some signs and symptoms that are common to both men and women are:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Puffy face or dry skin
• Unexplained and sudden weight loss
• Weight loss
• Weakened muscles
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Pain or stiffness in joints
• Thinning and brittle hair
• Depression
• Decreased libido
• Anxiety
• Infertility
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
• Purple or pink stretch marks

Hormonal imbalance is usually triggered by a wide range of medical conditions and health factors. They are as discussed below.

Back To TOC

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

The common causes of hormonal imbalance are:

• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypogonadism
• Thyroiditis
• Hormone therapy
• Tumors
• Certain medications
• Stress
• Eating disorders
• Injury or trauma
• Cancer treatments
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
• Contraceptive pills
• Primary ovarian insufficiency

If you display any or most of the symptoms discussed here, get yourself medically examined to understand what could have triggered the hormonal imbalance.

And if you are among those who are looking for natural options to treat this problem, scroll down. Given below are different ways in which you can treat hormonal imbalance naturally.

Back To TOC

How To Treat Hormonal Imbalance Naturally

1. Follow A Healthy Diet
2. Use Essential Oils
3. Do Exercise And Yoga
4. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
5. Reduce Your Sugar Intake
6. Get Sufficient Sleep

Back To TOC

Natural Ways To Treat Hormonal Imbalance

1. Follow A Healthy Diet

You must include the following foods, herbs, and supplements in your daily diet to combat hormonal imbalance.

a. Coconut Oil

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1-2 tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Consume one to two tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil daily.
2. You can either use it in salads or replace your cooking oil with it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are extremely beneficial for your health. These fatty acids help reduce the inflammation within your body that might have occurred due to hormonal imbalance (1). Coconut oil is also great for your overall health as it helps you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and reduces stress and anxiety (2).

b. Avocados

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1 avocado

What You Have To Do

1. Peel an avocado.
2. Cut it into small cubes and add them to your favorite salad.
3. You can also blend them with some milk and honey to make a healthy smoothie.

How Often You Should Do This

You must consume this daily.

Why This Works

Avocado is a rich source of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat hormonal imbalance (3). Regular intake of avocados promotes heart health and also ensures an adequate supply of fibers and nutrients required for good health.

c. Ashwagandha

Shutterstock

You Will Need

300-500 mg ashwagandha supplements

What You Have To Do

Consume 300-500 mg of ashwagandha supplements.

How Often You Should Do This

Have these supplements thrice daily for maximum benefits.

Why This Works

Ashwagandha is one of the most significant herbs that can help you deal with hormonal imbalance. It helps relieve stress and anxiety – which are primary causes of hormonal imbalance (4). Ashwagandha also treats thyroid hormone imbalance by stimulating the thyroidal activity (5).

d. Yogurt

Shutterstock

You Will Need

A bowl of plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.

How Often You Should Do This

You can consume this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics that can help repair your gut lining and balance your hormones. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that your body needs to function properly. A deficiency in these bacteria can lead to digestion problems and inflammation, which may also lead to hormonal imbalance (6), (7).

e. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Shutterstock

You Will Need

250-500 mg of omega-3 fatty acid supplements

What You Have To Do

1. Consume 250-500 mg supplements of omega-3 fatty acid supplements daily.
2. Alternatively, you can consume fatty fish like salmon and sardines.

How Often You Should Do This

You must consume this once daily.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory nature of omega-3 fatty acids can work wonders in keeping your hormone levels balanced (8). These fatty acids not only reduce the inflammation caused by hormonal imbalance but also help alleviate stress and anxiety (9), (10).

f. Vitamin D

Shutterstock

You Will Need

1000-4000 IU vitamin D supplements

What You Have To Do

1. You must consume around 1000-4000 IU of vitamin D daily.
2. You can take supplements for vitamin D or by simply consuming foods like eggs, fish, mushrooms, etc.

How Often You Should Do This

You must consume this on a daily basis.

Why This Works

Vitamin D is another important nutrient that is actually a hormone within your body. It not only reduces inflammation and balances your hormones but also boosts your overall immunity (11), (12).

Caution

It is better to consult your doctor before taking additional nutrient supplements.

Back To TOC

2. Use Essential Oils

Using essential oils for a quick massage or simply diffusing them in your surroundings is another great way to treat a hormonal imbalance.

a. Clary Sage Oil

Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 3-5 drops of clary sage oil
• 10 drops of coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of clary sage oil to a diffuser and allow it to diffuse in your surroundings.
2. You can also mix clary sage oil with coconut oil and massage it gently on your stomach, behind your neck, and on the soles of your feet.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this daily until you see an improvement in your condition.

Why This Works

Clary sage oil contains phytoestrogens that can help balance hormones like estrogen. It can also help regulate the menstrual cycle and combat anxiety and depression (13).

b. Fennel Oil

Shutterstock

You Will Need

Fennel oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Add a drop of fennel oil to a glass of water and consume it.
2. You can also massage fennel oil on your stomach and the soles of your feet.

How Often You Should Do This

You must follow this procedure on a daily basis.

Why This Works

A healthy gut is very important for the healthy functioning of your hormonal glands. Regular use of fennel oil can improve your gut health and digestion and reduce inflammation in your gut (14), (15). This, in turn, helps treat hormonal imbalance.

c. Lavender Oil

Shutterstock

You Will Need

3-5 drops of lavender oil

What You Have To Do

1. Put a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and switch it on.
2. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this on a daily basis.

Why This Works

Lavender essential oil has the ability to calm and soothe you with its pleasant aroma. It can promote sleep and treat moodiness, stress, and anxiety, which are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance (16), (17).

d. Thyme Oil

Shutterstock

You Will Need

Thyme oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Add 10 drops of thyme oil to your bath and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Alternatively, you can also mix three drops of thyme oil with a few drops of coconut oil and massage it into your abdomen.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this on a daily basis for effective results.

Why This Works

Thyme oil is known to increase the production of progesterone and helps treat the symptoms of hormonal imbalance like infertility, PCOS, stress, hair loss, and insomnia (18), (19).

Back To TOC

3. Do Exercise And Yoga

You will be surprised to know that even simple workouts can be beneficial in combating hormonal imbalance naturally. Some exercises and yoga asanas that can help are listed below.

a. Walking

Shutterstock

How It Helps

Walking in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is not only great for your overall health but also keeps your hormone levels in control.

Duration

20 to 30 minutes

b. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Shutterstock

How It Helps

HIIT does not just help you burn those extra pounds, but it also helps in strengthening your heart and lungs and increasing the production of human growth hormone (HGH).

Duration

15 to 20 minutes

c. Resistance And Weights

Shutterstock

How It Helps

Strength training can keep your cortisol levels under control and help you build muscles. This can also have a positive effect on your hormonal problems.

Repetitions

8 to 12

d. Sasangasana

Shutterstock

How It Helps

Also known as Rabbit Pose, this yoga asana helps stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands and combat depression.

Duration

30 seconds

Repetitions

3

e. Bhujangasana

Shutterstock

How It Helps

This yoga asana is also known as the Cobra Pose. It helps massage your adrenal glands, thereby improving their functioning. This pose can also help relieve stress and tension.

Duration

1 minute

Repetitions

3 to 6

f. Ustrasana

Shutterstock

How It Helps

Ustrasana (Camel Pose) has quite a lot of benefits. It can help stimulate your internal organs, including your thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Duration

30 seconds

Repetitions

3

Back To TOC

4. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Avoid using anything that contains harmful chemicals. This includes your cosmetics and body care products. Do not use any products that contain potentially harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEA, and propylene glycol. You must also be well aware of the effects of any medications or birth control pills on your health and hormones.

Back To TOC

5. Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Hormonal imbalance is a result of many factors, one of which is the consumption of too much refined sugar. When you consume more sugar, the pancreas secretes more insulin. High levels of insulin can lead to the excess production of testosterone, which may prevent normal ovulation. Thus, it is best to reduce the intake of refined sugar to keep your hormones well balanced.

Back To TOC

6. Get Sufficient Sleep

Shutterstock

It is very important that you get enough rest and sleep every day. Disrupted sleeping patterns can cause hormonal imbalance and also suppress ovulation. This may also lead to other symptoms that are associated with hormonal imbalance like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Back To TOC

A combination of the above methods helps restore your hormonal balance effectively. If you are already on medications for hormonal issues, these remedies will increase their effectiveness. So, without further delay, get started with these remedies and tips to restore your hormonal balance. Let us know which one worked for you best by leaving a comment in the box below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What are the types of hormonal imbalances?

There are various types of hormonal imbalances that may be due to dysfunctioning of the endocrine glands. Some of them include:

• Progesterone deficiency hormonal imbalance
• Estrogen deficiency hormonal imbalance
• Excess estrogen hormonal imbalance
• Estrogen dominance
• Excess androgen hormonal imbalance
• Cortisol deficiency hormonal imbalance

Can I get pregnant if I have a hormone imbalance?

Yes, you can get pregnant even if you have a hormonal imbalance. However, you will always be at the risk of infertility if you leave your condition untreated for a long time.

Why do hormonal imbalances affect the entire body?

Since most of the major processes are controlled by hormones, a hormonal imbalance can affect the functioning of your entire body.

The post How To Balance Hormones Naturally appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

from STYLECRAZE http://ift.tt/2FYdwik