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Nutrient Fact Sheets. Research Studies. Running Your Business. Women's Health. Estradiol E2 Estradiol is the most potent estrogen during reproductive years in terms of absolute levels and impacts.

Estriol E3 This is the least potent and dominant estrogen during pregnancy since it is manufactured in high quantities by the placenta. The most common signs of imbalanced estrogen include: Bloating and digestive upset, Acne Low libido Irregular periods Tender, swollen, or fibrocystic breasts Headaches Weight gain Hot flashes Endometriosis Fibroids Mood swings Polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS.

Estrogen Imbalance Possible Causes In addition to being made in the ovaries, adrenals, placenta, and fat tissue, estrogens are regulated by gut bacteria and obtained from environmental exposures. Poor Gut Health The estrobolome is a collection of bacteria in the gut capable of metabolizing and modulating the body's circulating estrogen.

Xenoestrogens Xenoestrogens are estrogen-mimicking compounds. Mineral Deficiencies Micronutrients are essential for sex hormone synthesis and metabolism, particularly during the age-related decline in the endocrine system. Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Estrogen Imbalance Sex Hormone Panels Saliva, serum, and urine tests can measure estrogens and other sex hormones.

Liver Function Tests Unused estrogen is primarily metabolized by the liver in processes that require vitamins and minerals to function. Comprehensive Stool Test Once the liver processes estrogen, it moves into the gut for further modification and elimination.

Genomics Several genes that impact the processing of estrogen can be assessed with a functional medicine genomic lab test. Eat a Hormone Balancing Diet Eating a more high-fiber whole foods diet creates greater bacterial diversity in the gut and a balanced estrobolome.

Adequate quality protein is also essential for optimal liver detoxification. Supplements Calcium-d-glucarate supplementation can also help support the excretion of excess estrogen since it inhibits beta-glucuronidase and allows more estrogen to leave the body in the stool.

Reduce Xenoestrogens Since manufactured xenoestrogens mimic natural estrogens and alter the microbiome, reducing exposure helps restore balanced hormones. Minimize plastic use, especially when heated Opt for non-chemical plant-based laundry and household cleaning products without synthetic fragrances Avoid phthalates, stearalkonium chloride, and parabens in personal care products Opt for organic food whenever possible Balance Exercise Regular moderate-intensity exercise helps keep estrogen levels balanced.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Some can disrupt your hormone balance, leading to side effects like fatigue, appetite changes, altered sleeping patterns, low libido , sadness and even depression.

Some medications that can mess with your hormone balance include corticosteroids, stimulants, statins, dopamine agonists, rexinoids and glucocorticoids. Beware of your medications, talk to your doctor about the side effects and research natural alternatives whenever possible. Birth control is another medication that alters hormone levels.

Studies show that the health risks of taking them, especially long term, may include issues like:. A lack of sleep or disturbing your natural circadian rhythm can be one of the worst habits contributing to a hormone imbalance.

A lack of sleep, long-term use of corticosteroids and chronic stress are three of the biggest contributors to high cortisol levels. Sleep helps keep stress hormones balanced, builds energy and allows the body to recover properly.

Excessive stress and poor sleep are linked with higher levels of morning cortisol, decreased immunity, trouble with work performance, and a higher susceptibility to anxiety, weight gain and depression.

To maximize hormone function, ideally try to get to bed by 10 p. Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr.

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There are many things that can disrupt the body and lead to a hormone imbalance. The longer your hormone levels are out of balance, the more difficult it is to rebalance your hormones.

Finding the root cause of your hormone imbalance is key. Some of the common causes of a hormone imbalance include chronic stress, a poor diet, exposure to endocrine disruptors, diabetes , and thyroid disease. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance, there are some things you can do to improve your health and begin experiencing relief.

The following ten tactics will help to rebalance your hormones and heal your body naturally. Chronic inflammation can lead to hormonal problems like thyroid disease , insulin resistance , adrenal fatigue , and imbalanced sex hormones.

You can combat inflammation by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Avoiding inflammatory foods helps to restore your health and rebalance your hormones. The following foods have been linked to chronic inflammation:.

Removing these foods from your diet and replacing them with healthy fats, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables reduce inflammation naturally and correct hormone imbalances. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that are found in many different everyday products like pesticides, detergents, plastics, cosmetics, herbicides, fertilizers, antibacterial products, and naturally occurring phytoestrogens.

Choosing organic foods, natural cosmetics, and soaps, avoiding plastics, and limiting the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can help minimize the exposure to endocrine disruptors and restore hormone health. Balanced blood glucose levels are essential for balanced hormones. You must eat well balanced meals that contain plenty of leafy green vegetables.

Additionally, each meal should contain healthy proteins and healthy fats to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your diet can help reduce sugar cravings and improve glucose levels.

Finally, refined sugar can increase insulin levels, glucose levels, and inflammation. Reducing sugar intake can help normalize blood sugar levels and balance your hormones naturally. When you are craving sugar, enjoy some fresh fruit.

This will relieve your sugar cravings without causing blood sugar spikes. If your hormones are not balanced, your functional medicine doctor may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This therapy helps restore natural hormone levels.

Bioidentical hormones can be used for both males and females. Bioidentical hormones can ease perimenopause symptoms, impotence, insulin resistance, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid disease.

The world is filled with toxic substances which can disrupt hormone production. An effective detoxification program involves replacing processed foods with whole foods, sugary drinks and alcoholic drinks with water, sweating to help remove toxins , and supplements to support the body.

Exercise works in several different ways to help rebalance hormone levels. First, exercise increases the production of dopamine in the brain, which can help reduce stress. Exercise also causes the body to release serotonin which can help improve sleep, digestion, and sexual health.

Testosterone levels and estrogen levels can also be increased with daily exercise. For best results, incorporate both aerobic exercise and strength training to optimize hormone levels.

When your gut is unhealthy, it can cause chronic inflammation and hormone disruptions. Gut health can impact estrogen regulation, serotonin production, reduced thyroid hormone creation, and insulin resistance.

Eating probiotic rich foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt with live cultures along with taking a probiotic supplement can improve gut health which in turn can help balance your hormone levels. Your body recovers and repairs itself while you sleep. When you do not get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, it can cause imbalances in the hormonal endocrine system.

If you suffer from insomnia or other sleep difficulties, it is essential that you practice good sleep hygiene. You can improve your sleep quality by turning off electronics , including the television, your cell phone, your tablet, and your computer at least two hours before bedtime.

In addition to this, you should make your bedroom conducive to sleeping by installing room darkening blinds, using a white noise sound machine, and lowering the temperature in your bedroom by a few degrees. When you are under stress, your adrenal glands produce the stress hormone, cortisol.

When cortisol levels become elevated, it can cause chronic inflammation and hormone imbalances. Practicing stress relief techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, journaling, yoga , and prayer can help reduce cortisol levels and improve your hormone health.

Adaptogenic herbs and vitamin and mineral supplements help the body cope with chronic stress, toxin exposure, and inflammation.

Low levels of B vitamins, vitamin d, iron, zinc, magnesium, and iodine can lead to a hormone imbalance. Taking a vitamin and mineral supplement along with eating a healthy diet can help correct nutrient deficiencies and promote balanced hormones. Some of the top adaptogenic herbs for optimal hormone levels are American ginseng, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Holy Basil, Licorice root, and turmeric.

Hormonal imbalances cause a host of unpleasant symptoms. Because every system in the body needs hormones, a hormone imbalance can fatigue, insomnia , skin problems, digestive woes, weight gain, and more. The root causes of hormone imbalances include elevated stress levels, poor gut health, and inflammation.

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing endocrine disruptor exposure, getting enough sleep, and taking supplements can help correct your hormone imbalances. Finally, bioidentical hormone replacement offered by a functional medicine doctor may help correct your imbalances and bring the body back into alignment to optimize your health.

Diet and Nutrition.

Nutrition can be a powerful tool when addressing hormone imbalances as when hormones are in harmony you reclaim your life back! Here are my top 10 foods to eat to help restore hormone balance.

Also read my read post on: Top 10 Daily habits to promote Hormone Balance. These are part of the brassica family and when cut, chewed or cooked a phytochemical known as Indolecarbinol is produced. Cruciferous vegetables should be eaten daily to as part of your hormone detoxification and balancing system.

Examples include:. Eating good fats is essential for hormone production as it is these fats that build our hormones as well as reduce inflammation. So always include a portion of fat in each meal which can come from olive oil, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, raw unsalted nuts or seeds, nut butter and avocados.

By eating a rainbow of vegetables with a wide variety of colours we can be sure we are getting different nutrients and a wide variety of different vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat portions daily a portion is roughly a fist size.

Protein fills us up and keeps us fuller for longer thus keeping our blood sugar levels balanced. Whether this is animal or plant protein is a personal choice, I would normally recommend a mix of both and with animal protein to be sure that this is hormone free by choosing organic grass fed meat.

Defining meal requirements for protein to optimize metabolic roles of amino acids. Am J Clin Nutr. Sánchez-Zamorano LM, Flores-Luna L, Angeles-Llerenas A, Ortega-Olvera C, Lazcano-Ponce E, Romieu I, Mainero-Ratchelous F, Torres-Mejía G.

The Western dietary pattern is associated with increased serum concentrations of free estradiol in postmenopausal women: implications for breast cancer prevention.

Nutr Res. doi: Epub Apr PMID: Cano A, Marshall S, Zolfaroli I, Bitzer J, Ceausu I, Chedraui P, Durmusoglu F, Erkkola R, Goulis DG, Hirschberg AL, Kiesel L, Lopes P, Pines A, van Trotsenburg M, Lambrinoudaki I, Rees M. The Mediterranean diet and menopausal health: An EMAS position statement.

Epub Jul Gorbach SL, Goldin BR. Diet and the excretion and enterohepatic cycling of estrogens. Prev Med. A Natural Approach To PCOS.

Cholesterol: Balancing The Good And The Bad. Support Your Immune Health This Fall. top of page. Latest Articles. Laurianne Scott, DO Apr 15, 6 min read.

Balancing Estrogen and Progesterone. The Link Between Estrogen and Progesterone. Estrogen Dominance: When Hormones Go Off Kilter. What Causes Estrogen Dominance? How To Balance Estrogen and Progesterone.

Hormones Womens Health Estrogen Progesterone Estrogen Dominance. Recent Posts See All. Post not marked as liked. They called for further research into this area. Green tea is a generally healthy beverage containing antioxidants and compounds that boost metabolic health.

A review points to a link between green tea and reduced fasting insulin levels. For example, according to a study , the smoke may alter thyroid hormone levels, stimulate pituitary hormones, and even raise levels of steroid hormones, such as cortisol, which is linked to stress.

Dairy is an important source of nutrients for many people. However, females concerned about levels of reproductive hormones may wish to use caution, especially before consuming cream or yogurt. A study notes that eating dairy can reduce levels of some protective hormones. In addition, the authors point to an association between eating cream and yogurt and missing ovulation.

The link is unclear, and the researchers call for further studies. There is some evidence that alternative therapies or supplements may address some hormonal issues.

For instance, a study found that a Chinese herbal therapy routine resulted in doubled pregnancy rates among female participants with infertility when compared to Western, drug-based treatment.

A study reports that Nigella sativa , known as black seeds or fennel flower seeds, helped raise estrogen levels in an animal model.

If studies in humans confirm these findings, the supplement may be beneficial for people going through menopause. While most doctors consider drinking small amounts to be consistent with a healthy diet, a study of 1, Danish men aged 18—28 years old found that even modest alcohol consumption may disrupt hormone levels in young men.

The researchers noted a connection between regular alcohol consumption and reduced sperm quality, as well as changes in testosterone levels. For males with concerns about hormone levels, it may be best to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption.

Processed carbohydrates , such as white bread products and baked goods, may also contribute to insulin resistance. A study of children between the ages of 10 and 18 in Mexico City found a link between diets high in refined carbohydrates and insulin resistance in children.

Eliminating processed carbs may help reduce this risk. Hormones affect a wide range of bodily functions, and even small imbalances can have significant consequences. For some people, making dietary and lifestyle changes can restore a healthy balance.

The strategies in this article may help, but anyone concerned about their hormone levels should consult a physician. Summary description Female sex hormones, or sex steroids, play crucial roles in sexual development, sexual desire, and reproduction.

They also…. Hypopituitarism occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms can vary and may depend on an individual's sex.

Learn more. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 MEN2 is a rare cancer syndrome, a type of disorder a person can inherit that causes a higher-than-usual risk of…. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 MEN1 is a genetic condition where tumors grow in the endocrine glands and other organs.

It is usually not…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect.

Please complete our form or call us at for general questions or to get started. Weight Gain and Other Signs of a Hormonal Imbalance When our hormones are imbalanced , we may experience varied symptoms including: Major mood swings and irritability Trouble sleeping Increased PMS symptoms Poor digestion or irregular bowel movements Decrease in sex drive Painful periods Irregular menstrual cycle Weight gain Hot flashes May feel like a decrease in overall health Loss of energy and zest for life Elevated estrogen levels as well as other hormone levels As a result, bone health, our relationships and mental health may suffer, and we may feel as if our energy levels and quality of life has suddenly dropped dramatically as well.

A Healthy Diet is Key to Hormone Balance When it comes to using supplements to balance hormones and getting all the essential macronutrients and micronutrients necessary to balance hormones, we should always turn to food first. Magnesium is Essential to Balancing Hormones Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals to help balance thyroid hormones.

Choose Dark Chocolate for Magnesium and Other Health Benefits Last but certainly not least — dark chocolate makes our magnesium-rich list of foods! There are nine B vitamins in total, and certain foods contain specific vitamin Bs.

For example, salmon is an excellent source of many B vitamins. It contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, and even romaine lettuce contain B9, also known as folate.

Eggs are one of the best sources of B7, also known as biotin. They also contain B2, B5, B9, and B For vegans, a supplement is absolutely necessary.

And so is nutritional yeast, which is great sprinkled on popcorn. Nutritional yeast contains incredibly high amounts of B1, B2, B3, and B6, a fair amount of B9 and B12, and a little B5. Other foods with notable amounts of vitamin Bs are: Sunflower seeds Beef Trout Clams Mussels Oysters Turkey Chicken Milk Yogurt Beans Organ meats like liver Probiotics Probiotics are essential to healthy gut bacteria help balance out stress levels, hormone levels and hormones out.

Liver-Enhancing Nutrients Your liver is the hormone balance and primary organ that breaks down and rids the body of excess estrogen, a common cause of hormonal imbalance. Vitamin D3 Forty-one percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research.

Hormone Balance Supplements and a Balanced Diet vs. Thyroid Hormones For postmenopausal women, maintaining balanced hormones becomes increasingly vital for overall health and well-being. Ready to Regain Hormonal Balance and Improve Your Quality of Life? New Patients.

Name Required First Last. Phone Required. Email Required. Physician - First Choice Physician - First Choice John C. Foster, M. William Johnson III, M. Rupa D. Goolsby, M. Mallory Scogin, M. Jodie Benton, M. No Preference. Physician - Second Choice Physician - Second Choice John C.

Obstetric Services. Gynecological Services. Adolescent Women's Services. MonaLisa Touch. Hormone Replacement. SmartFit Weight Loss. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The link is unclear, and the researchers call for further studies.

There is some evidence that alternative therapies or supplements may address some hormonal issues. For instance, a study found that a Chinese herbal therapy routine resulted in doubled pregnancy rates among female participants with infertility when compared to Western, drug-based treatment.

A study reports that Nigella sativa , known as black seeds or fennel flower seeds, helped raise estrogen levels in an animal model. If studies in humans confirm these findings, the supplement may be beneficial for people going through menopause.

While most doctors consider drinking small amounts to be consistent with a healthy diet, a study of 1, Danish men aged 18—28 years old found that even modest alcohol consumption may disrupt hormone levels in young men.

The researchers noted a connection between regular alcohol consumption and reduced sperm quality, as well as changes in testosterone levels. For males with concerns about hormone levels, it may be best to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption.

Processed carbohydrates , such as white bread products and baked goods, may also contribute to insulin resistance. A study of children between the ages of 10 and 18 in Mexico City found a link between diets high in refined carbohydrates and insulin resistance in children.

Eliminating processed carbs may help reduce this risk. Hormones affect a wide range of bodily functions, and even small imbalances can have significant consequences. For some people, making dietary and lifestyle changes can restore a healthy balance.

The strategies in this article may help, but anyone concerned about their hormone levels should consult a physician. Summary description Female sex hormones, or sex steroids, play crucial roles in sexual development, sexual desire, and reproduction.

They also…. Hypopituitarism occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms can vary and may depend on an individual's sex. Learn more. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 MEN2 is a rare cancer syndrome, a type of disorder a person can inherit that causes a higher-than-usual risk of….

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 MEN1 is a genetic condition where tumors grow in the endocrine glands and other organs. It is usually not…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How can I balance my hormones? Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — By Jon Johnson — Updated on January 3, Sleep Light at night Stress Exercise Avoid sugars Healthful fats Fiber Fatty fish Avoid overeating Green tea Quit smoking For females For males Tips for children Takeaway A hormonal imbalance can significantly impact overall health.

Getting enough sleep. Avoiding too much light at night. Managing stress. Avoiding sugars. Eating healthy fats. Eating lots of fiber. Eating plenty of fatty fish. Avoiding overeating.

Drinking green tea. Quitting smoking. For females. For males. Tips for children. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause.

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