Hormones have become a bit of a buzzword these days. We often talk about hormones causing different changes in our bodies, but what are hormones and how do they function? Basically, hormones are produced by the endocrine glands and carried through the bloodstream to other parts of the body to deliver chemical messages. Hormones are produced in the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, pancreas, ovaries, and other parts of the body and control literally everything from blood sugar levels, blood pressure, sleep, inflammation, metabolism, fertility, our periods, and more. Literally all of the things.
It is crucial for hormones to be well regulated, or you can experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance. hormonal imbalance symptoms. It is important to know that in order to truly address these issues, you have to consider the WHOLE body. That’s why I take a holistic approach with my clients. The fact is that all our bodily systems are closely connected, and our hormones are linked to ALL of them. When hormones are out of whack, the symptoms they create are your body’s way of telling you it’s not getting the support it needs to function optimally.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Since hormones control so many areas of the body, identifying the symptoms of a hormone imbalance are crucial to finding a solution! Any one of those symptoms might be written off but when they occur together and frequently, a hormone imbalance might be to blame.
Many physical and mental symptoms can be attributed to a hormone imbalance including depression, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.
When symptoms start to stack up and have no obvious reason, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a hormone imbalance. This may be caused by outside issues like toxins in the air or in products around you or internally through problems with your thyroid or other hormonal glands!
If one hormone is off balance, all the others can be affected. Some symptoms of hormone imbalance are:
Stress
Acne Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
Change in sex drive
Irregular or painful periods
Inflammation
Chronic bloat
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Weight gain
Fatigue
Migraines
If you experience more than one of these symptoms, especially if they are constant or cyclic, it’s definitely worth taking a self-assessment, like my hormone imbalance quiz. From there, you can decide to get tested. I offer support for testing inside my Vibrant Woman Course. I always like to say “Test, don’t guess!” This way, you can nail down exactly what hormones are out of whack, and repair them at the root level.
We’re seeing more and more women with hormone imbalance (more than 50% of women suffer from whacked out hormones!). This is due to our modern lifestyles which are so fast-paced. We’re always on the go, so we eat garbage and we’re stressed out. Also, as women age, they go through so many hormonal shifts in their life – from puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause which naturally causes hormones to become imbalanced.
Don’t fret though, there are somethings you can do to improve your hormone health so that you can live a balanced, happy, and vibrant life where you show up looking and feeling your best literally every day. Proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplementation are key to this which is why my Vibrant Woman Course uses my proprietary 4-part method to help women find hormone + weight loss harmony. It also includes my Savvy Supplement protocol. The course is basically a step-by-step roadmap for empowering women to take control of their health and live their best lives.
(You can learn more about my 4-part Happy Hormones Method here by watching my free webinar!)
Here are 7 tips for balancing female hormones and feeling your best.
Tip 1: Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for hormone balance. Sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt other hormones in the body. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. I feel so strongly about the importance of quality sleep for your hormones and optimal health that I dedicated an entire module to it in my Vibrant Woman Course.
Tip 2: Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is key for hormone balance. Eating a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help keep hormones in check. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars, which can cause spikes in blood sugar and lead to hormone imbalances. Savvy Hormone Coach has tons of hormone healthy recipes, check out What to Eat during Your Luteal Phase and the Hormone Balancing Recipe Library here!
Tip 3: Reduce Stress
Stress can have a major impact on hormone balance. Try to reduce stress in your life by taking time for yourself, engaging in calming activities such as yoga or meditation, and getting enough sleep. To learn more about the effect of stress on your hormones, read my post on managing stress here.
Tip 4: Exercise Regularly
Exercise is important for hormone balance. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and regulate hormones. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement per day. Now, I don’t mean you have to run three miles every day, but taking a long walk or doing a yoga class will have the same benefits for your hormones. Not to get confusing, but over-exercising can actually increase stress on your body and disrupt your hormones. While I love doing HIIT workouts, it’s important to build in proper rest days so your body can catch up.
Tip 5: Avoid Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, plastics, and air pollution, can disrupt hormones and lead to imbalances. Try to limit your exposure to these toxins by eating organic foods, avoiding plastic containers, and using natural cleaning products. I understand organic food may not always be in the budget, so I recommend checking out the dirty dozen list by the EWG. These foods have the highest rate of residual pesticides and should be bought organic or cleaned thoroughly. A soft brush and a 1% baking soda water mixture will do the trick just fine. The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh forgoing them just because you can’t afford organic. I’m going to do an entire post on building a non-toxic kitchen, because it’s a common question I get. Keep your eyes peeled!
Tip 6: Consider Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements, such as maca, chasteberry, and ashwagandha, can help balance hormones and reduce symptoms of hormone imbalances. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they are safe for you. Learn all about the supplements I recommend for hormone balance in my Savvy Supplement Protocol mini-course. I cover what supplements I recommend, dosages, and addressing symptoms of PCOS, Endometriosis, Painful Periods, Fertility + Menopause.
I truly believe in the power of quality supplementation, ESPECIALLY when it comes to balancing our hormones. If you want to learn more, check out my post, The Best Supplements for Hormone Balance.
Tip 7: See a Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalances, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatments to help balance your hormones.
Hormone imbalances can cause a range of symptoms and can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to balance hormones and restore health. By following these 7 tips, you can help balance your hormones and feel your best.