Your
hormones have a dramatic effect on your wellness—and
life—but the symptoms of a hormone imbalance can shift just as radically: At times, hormonal fluctuations may seem subtle, from feeling fatigued or emotionally a bit off. Other times, a lack of hormonal equilibrium practically screams at you, arriving in the form of hot flashes, severe
mood swings and inexplicable weight gain.
The latter applied to my client, Caroline—a woman in her mid-40s who, in addition to those raging mood swings, also began experiencing bloating, tender breasts, and heavy periods.
A blood test taken in the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle (or the second half) confirmed that she had
estrogen dominance, a condition in which estrogen reigns over progesterone—another hormone, generated in your adrenal glands and ovaries, that helps women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) maintain stable hormone balance and all the joys that come with it. (Think: happiness, well-being and vitality.)
If Caroline’s symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone: It’s estimated that estrogen dominance is one of the most common hormone imbalances, particularly once
perimenopause, or the years before menopause, arrives.
And yet, imbalanced estrogen levels are not the
only hormone imbalance. So how can you tell if your hormones are off-kilter? Or if the shifts you’re experiencing in your hormones are a normal part of womanhood?
Let’s dig into how hormonal imbalances manifest, what they may say about what’s going on in your body—and the myriad ways you can urge your hormones back on track.
What are the primary hormones you should be concerned about?
Aside from estrogen—what I like to call your “feminine hormone”—and progesterone, which I’ve dubbed your “age-defying hormone,” you host more than 50 different hormones, all of which swim through your body and guide everything from metabolism to sleep.
A few of the most important hormones to keep in mind and monitor include:
- Testosterone (yes, it’s not just a male hormone)
- DHEA
- Cortisol
- Thyroid hormone
Each of these hormones play an essential role in the female body, influencing your cognition, emotional regulation, sexuality, behavior and, of course, your overall health.
What causes hormone imbalance?
The answer to this question is unique to each person.
With Caroline, for example—and, as discussed—she was in the early stages of perimenopause, a time during which progesterone, that calming hormone that ushers in a good night’s rest and emotional durability, begins to decline. As such, her moods blazed and sleep eluded her, among other signs that her hormones were out of whack.
Julia, another client of mine, experienced the polar opposite of Caroline: She had an overabundance of progesterone, which led to weeping, fatigue, nausea, headaches, sleepiness and
light periods. This was due to taking too much over-the-counter progesterone cream.
And yet another, Aurora, demonstrated a surplus of
cortisol and constantly felt anxious, agitated, and even hyperactive, all the while being unable to think clearly or make sound decisions. The culprit? Chronic stress, which a mounting body of research reveals changes two major parts of the brain: The hippocampus and
prefrontal cortex, which can ultimately cause long-term cognitive damage.
All of this is said to emphasize the fact that, if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you may have either a deficiency or an excess of a certain hormone.
What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Your body naturally knows when to produce specific hormones during certain times of your life—whether that’s during your normal menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause.
And while you may be well-acquainted with the telltale signs of PMS, such as water retention, and
menopause, like night sweats, a hormonal imbalance can appear in any of the following ways (and with multiple, conflicting symptoms at that):
- Mood changes, including depression, anxiety, irritability, frustration, aggression, sexual impulsiveness, lack of libido and general moodiness
- Cognitive changes, such as forgetfulness, brain fog and difficulty making decisions
- Physical changes, like shifts in sleep patterns and weight, acne, hair growth on your torso and face, an intolerance to cold and increased blood pressure
Luckily, there are dozens of ways to address hormonal imbalance—and the first step is to schedule an appointment with your trusted healthcare professional for a hormone test.
How can you manage hormone imbalances?
While this will depend entirely on your particular imbalance—or your distinct deficiency or excess—what follows are a few fresh solutions for common imbalances:
Lifestyle tweaks
The way you conduct your daily life sets the whole tone for your hormones—and the more you commit to self-care, the greater your chances your hormones will find stability. Practicing the basics of a wholesome lifestyle—
restful sleep, a diet that promotes balance and longevity (as in one that features a wealth of organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins), sufficient exercise, adequate hydration, and wise, stress-busting activities—go a long way towards ensuring that
all of you discovers that peaceful, even place.
Adrenal Encouragement
Your
adrenal glands—which sit above your kidneys—may often be compared to party hats but they have far more responsibilities than giving you the energy to be playful. Your immune system, your metabolism, blood sugar control and your stress response are all regulated by these triangular-sized glands.
And yet, when perimenopause arrives—and your hormones start changing—your adrenals must take over the tasks of your ovaries. In sum? They’re prone to stress.
To this end, it’s vital to protect them.
Herbal Support:
Rhodiola rosea is one way to naturally support your adrenals.
† The inclusion of
rosavins in this ancient herb has a long history of
supporting adrenal health and the lightheadedness, low blood pressure and difficulty sleeping that may arrive with it.
†
Rhodiola rosea isn’t the only herb on the block. A mounting body of research reveals that several other herbs can help restore the body to balance. These include:
- Fenugreek, which naturally supports relief from menstrual cramps, promotes healthy sexual libido, and helps support healthy weight and blood sugar levels†
- Saffron, which organically champions a brighter mood†
- Siberian rhubarb, which may help offer relief from common menopausal discomforts†
- Pine bark, which helps promote a healthy inflammatory response and immune health†
Yoga
Yoga has as long of a history of creating balance in the body. In addition to assisting with bone health and an increased sense of serenity, it bolsters hormone health: Pranayama, or deep breathing (which is the core of yoga), organically reduces cortisol, thereby decreasing stress and coaxing your hormones into action.
Smiling
Smiling?
Yes.
Research shows that the mere act of smiling (and laughing out loud) can help release neuropeptides—small molecules in the brain that help you combat stress.
So: Watch that comedy. Laugh with a friend. Or giggle just because. Your hormones, in response, may thank you—and find that equilibrium they’ve been craving.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
