The Importance of Natural Supplements to Balance Hormones

HORMONAL IMBALANCES can cause various problematic conditions and symptoms for women, including PMS, irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, low sex drive, infertility, and weight gain. Conventional therapy for resolving hormonal imbalances often involves placing menstruating women on SYNTHETIC HORMONES — in the form of BIRTH CONTROL — to help regulate estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. However, this is often a band-aid solution and doesn’t fully address the ROOT CAUSES nor resolve the underlying imbalance or symptoms. The importance of supplements to balance hormones cannot be ignored.

NATURAL WHOLE FOOD supplements can be used to restore balance to hormones, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. When using supplements to balance hormones, it’s most beneficial to use them in COMBINATION FORMULATIONS. In order to see the most benefits from hormone-balancing supplements, it’s best to also adopt a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a NOURISHING FOOD PLAN and EXERCISE regimen.

 

Probiotics

The GUT HEALTH (MICROBIOME) and the endocrine system are highly interconnected.

Research shows that women with certain hormonal disorders may have decreased diversity in gut flora, intestinal dysbiosis, increased GI inflammation, and an increase in gut barrier permeability.

Having healthy gut bacteria is essential to endocrine health, as they play an important role in the DETOXIFICATION of certain female hormones. A DYSBIOSIS (imbalance) in the microbiome can disrupt estrogen levels and lead to changes in hormone levels. Furthermore, dysbiosis and GUT INFLAMMATION can damage the lining of the GI tract and decrease the absorption of important nutrients. This is problematic, as your body cannot create hormones without the proper number of vitamins, minerals, and fats, potentially leading to a hormonal imbalance.

 

Fortunately, probiotics can restore normal gut bacteria, regulate the immune system to reduce inflammation, and improve the intestinal lining (reversing leaky gut).

Because of their positive effects on the digestive tract and endocrine system, probiotic supplements can reduce symptoms of various hormonal disorders, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

 

Black Cohosh

This popular herb may reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms in menopausal women. Research supports that its effects are particularly evident when menopausal symptoms present alongside mood changes and sleep disturbances.

Black cohosh’s ability to balance hormone levels and reduce menopausal symptoms is likely magnified when used in COMBINATION with other herbal supplements, such as Dong quai, milk thistle, red clover, vitex and American ginseng.

One study showed that when these botanicals were used together, menopausal women experienced nearly a 70% decrease in hot flashes and night sweats, along with an overall improvement in sleep quality. More importantly, in all of the research studies that we reviewed, the use of these herbs was shown to be SAFE.

Vitex (also known as chaste tree or chaste berry) may be especially useful for balancing hormones in cycling women. Its influence on PROGESTERONE LEVELS can help regulate irregular and painful menstrual cycles, improve fertility, and lessen PMS symptoms. Common PMS symptoms include cramping, breast pain and/or swelling, headaches, low energy levels, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and mood swings and irritability.

Research shows that vitex may lessen some of these symptoms, particularly mood disturbances, like anxiety, low mood, and irritability. This makes it a promising herbal supplement for minimizing the severe mood swings that present with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Furthermore, vitex may reduce mood changes and pain associated with post-menstrual syndrome — a condition similar to PMS, but which presents after the menstrual cycle and prior to ovulation.

When used in combination with other herbs, like LICORICE vitex may relieve symptoms in menopausal women, making it a good and safe choice for women under STRESS.

 

Managing STRESS to Balance Hormones

Fortunately, there are many other effective ways to manage stress, including movement and practices like yoga, tai chi, and qi gong, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, social support and making time for hobbies, enjoyable activities and plenty of rest.

Each of these methods can help REDUCE CORTISOL LEVELS and improve overall hormone balance. EXERCISE in particular, is a highly effective method for reducing stress and supporting hormonal balance. High-intensity exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, increase testosterone and growth hormone levels, and reduce cortisol.

However, it’s important to start slowly and ramp up your exercise routine gradually, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are new to exercising. Otherwise, it will simply be another form of STRESS to which your body is unable to adapt.

 

Final Thoughts on Supplements for Hormones

Hormonal imbalances are a common problem that can cause a variety of symptoms, including PMS, irregular or heavy periods, low sex drive, infertility, and weight gain. By taking a holistic approach that includes healthy LIFESTYLE HABITS and HIGH-QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS, you can help restore balance to your hormones and improve your overall quality of life. Probiotics, B vitamins, lecithin, and botanicals like black cohosh and vitex are useful in regulating hormone levels and reducing symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

Building a foundation of healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet is essential for supporting healthy hormone levels. It’s important to work with a FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure that you are taking the right supplements at the RIGHT THERAPEUTIC DOSES. By following these recommendations and working with your healthcare provider, you can achieve optimal hormonal health and reduce your symptoms of hormonal imbalances.