Do you experience rapid changes in your mood? Are you experiencing unexplained weight loss/weight gain, irregular menstrual cycle, acne problems? If so, then your hormones might be out of track. Hormonal imbalance is one of the common health problems faced by women these days. Their hormonal levels naturally fluctuate during different stages of life, especially during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Read this article to know all about the hormonal imbalance in women and get back to feeling yourself again.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Women?
Here are the most common causes of hormonal imbalance in women
Menstruation
Menstruation is a regular cycle that causes natural changes in the body. While an average menstrual cycle is 28 days, a normal menstrual cycle can range anywhere between 21 to 35 days.
During this period, the estrogen and progesterone levels in your body start to decrease, and prostaglandin levels rise in the latter part of the luteal phase. Due to this, the uterine muscles contract, and the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds off. This is called menstruation, the beginning of the monthly cycle. The menstrual flow normally lasts between 2 to 7 days. If it lasts more than seven days, consider talking to a doctor.
The change in hormonal levels during menstruation can cause abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, sudden mood swings, fatigue, headaches and lower back pain. It is perfectly okay to feel uncomfortable during menstruation. Fortunately, there are lots of natural remedies that can help with this.
Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster ride. Pregnancy affects your mood, hormones, and also causes tender breasts, morning sickness, and pregnancy fatigue. You start experiencing hormonal changes almost immediately after contraception. During implantation, hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (growth hormone) help the body support as well as sustain throughout pregnancy.
There are many toxic household products you must avoid during pregnancy. This is because they contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalance.
PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that causes premature ovarian insufficiency. In such a case, the ovaries may or may not produce eggs and ovulation may not occur. This leads to an irregular or absent menstrual cycle. Excess body hair, hair loss, weight loss/weight gain, acne, dry skin, and insulin resistance are some of the symptoms of PCOS.
Breastfeeding
When a woman stops breastfeeding, her breasts slowly return to the size, and her body starts feeling normal. But, weaning, the process of introducing the baby to solid foods while withdrawing mother’s milk may result in hormonal imbalance. During this time, most women become depressed or become irritable as well as moody.
Birth control options
During the menstrual cycle, the estrogen and progesterone levels in your body fluctuate. Birth control options very well disrupt the production of natural hormones in your body. Most of them suppress ovulation so as to prevent pregnancy.
The different forms of birth control options include pills, skin patches, contraceptive coils, hormone-releasing, vaginal rings, and hormonal injections.
Menopause
Menopause marks the time of a woman’s life when her period stops permanently. Even though it is a part of aging, it does have a tremendous impact on hormone production.
Most women experience menopause at the age of 52. But first, they go through a menopausal transition period known as perimenopause. During this period, the ovaries produce less estrogen levels than normal. The progesterone levels also start to fluctuate. Symptoms of this hormonal imbalance can cause hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, headaches, mood swings, and low libido.
If you are concerned about hormonal imbalance and the risks related to it, talk to a specialized doctor immediately. You can also consult a doctor online.
Foods That Causes Hormonal Imbalance
There are some foods that can cause hormonal imbalance. This includes:
- Soy
- Meat
- White bread
- Junk foods
- Dairy items
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower, broccoli, and kale
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Natural Remedies to Treat Hormonal Imbalance
Here are some of the best natural remedies to treat hormonal imbalance.
Avocado
Avocado is a great option to treat hormonal imbalance in women by simply providing them with essential nutrients they need to stay regulated. The natural ingredients present in avocados include plant sterols and other vitamins including vitamin K, C, E, A, and B, all of which help to improve your body’s ability to function properly.
Avocados work well in combating estrogen imbalance, and it can also increase the progesterone levels. They are also one of the best foods for male sexual health.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most adaptogenic herbs that help to balance hormones by boosting the efficiency of the sites where your hormones bind with cells. It relieves stress and anxiety, one of the main causes of hormonal imbalance. Ashwagandha is also considered as the best medicine in Ayurveda to resolve adrenal and thyroid hormone imbalance.
Ginger
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it highly effective in treating hormonal imbalance. It is loaded with magnesium, potassium and a polyphenol named gingerol as well.
Essential oil
Clary sage oil and thyme oil of the best essential oils that can balance your hormonal levels. Clary sage helps balance out the estrogen production in the body, and thyme oil improves progesterone production.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a good source of lignans which contain plant estrogen and antioxidants. They are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help to restore the hormonal imbalance as well as keep the balance intact.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that help in reducing the inflammation caused due to hormonal imbalance. It is also one of the best natural remedies for weight loss and also works well in stress management.
If you are taking any medications or have health problems, seek medical advice before taking these natural remedies.
