How Hormonal imbalances affect you as a Woman

Hormones what are they?

In a woman’s body, there are several types of hormones that play important roles in various physiological processes. There are other hormones in a woman’s body that also contribute to overall health and well-being.Some of the key hormones:

1. Estrogen: Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, and plays a role in maintaining bone density.
2. Progesterone: Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the body for pregnancy. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg, and supports early pregnancy.
3. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is responsible for stimulating the growth and development of ovarian follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs.
4. Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It also stimulates the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum, a temporary structure in the ovary.
5. Prolactin: Prolactin is primarily known for its role in milk production after childbirth. It also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and has various other functions in the body.
6. Oxytocin: Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” plays a role in bonding, social bonding, and childbirth. It helps stimulate uterine contractions during labor and promotes the release of milk during breastfeeding.

What are the symptoms of Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances in women can manifest in various ways and may vary depending on the specific hormone or hormones involved. Here are some common symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women:

1. Irregular menstrual cycles: Changes in the length, timing, or flow of menstrual periods.
2. Mood swings: Experiencing sudden shifts in mood, including feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
3. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, lack of energy, or difficulty concentrating.
4. Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain or weight loss despite no significant changes in diet or physical activity.
5. Acne: Increased occurrence of acne or other skin conditions.
6. Hair and skin changes: Thinning or loss of hair, excessive facial or body hair growth (hirsutism), dry skin, or excessive oiliness.
7. Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or interrupted sleep.
8. Hot flashes: Sudden and intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushed skin.
9. Changes in libido: Decreased sex drive or changes in sexual function.
10. Digestive issues: Digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
11. Changes in appetite: Increased or decreased appetite and cravings.

Please note that the symptoms mentioned above can also be caused by various other factors, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you suspect a hormonal imbalance. Most of the time women’s health is often overlooked and not taken seriously please do your best to always advocate for yourself if you are not feeling good. Your body shows you signs/symptoms that something is wrong so follow your gut instinct and see your Doctor.

Testing Your Hormones

There are several functional tests available to assess hormonal imbalances in women. Here are a few commonly used tests:

1. Blood tests: Blood tests can measure hormone levels in the body. This may include testing for estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid hormones, and others. Blood tests can provide valuable information about hormone levels and help identify imbalances.
2. Saliva testing: Saliva testing involves collecting a sample of saliva to measure hormone levels. Saliva tests can be used to evaluate levels of hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
3. Urine tests: Urine tests can measure hormone levels, including estrogen metabolites and other hormone metabolites. This can provide insights into hormone metabolism and potential imbalances.
4. Comprehensive hormonal panels: These panels typically involve a combination of blood, saliva, and/or urine tests to assess a wide range of hormones, including sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and thyroid hormones. These panels offer a more comprehensive evaluation of hormonal balance and function.
5. Pelvic ultrasound: In cases where hormonal imbalances are suspected to be related to structural issues, a pelvic ultrasound may be recommended. This imaging test can help evaluate the ovaries, uterus, and other pelvic organs.This is especially important for PCOS diagnosis.

Naturopathic Testing

Naturopathic medicine often takes a holistic approach to hormone testing in women, which may include assessing both traditional and holistic markers. Here are some naturopathic hormone testing types commonly used for women:

1. DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones): This comprehensive test measures levels of hormones, their metabolites, and hormone pathways in dried urine samples. It provides a detailed analysis of sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and their metabolites, offering insights into hormone production, metabolism, and balance.
2. Saliva Testing: As mentioned earlier, saliva testing is commonly used in both conventional and naturopathic medicine. It allows for non-invasive collection of saliva samples to measure hormone levels, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
3. Thermography: Thermography is an alternative to mammograms for breast health assessment. It uses infrared imaging to detect areas of heat changes, indicating potential estrogen dominance or hormonal imbalances affecting breast tissue.
4. Functional Blood Tests: Naturopathic doctors may also use specific blood tests that go beyond traditional hormone testing. These tests can evaluate other factors that may influence hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation markers, and liver detoxification capacity.
5. Basal Body Temperature Charting: This simple and cost-effective method involves tracking daily basal body temperature using a specialized thermometer. It can help assess thyroid function and identify patterns in the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and potential hormonal imbalances.

Please note that naturopathic hormone testing approaches may vary among practitioners, and they may recommend a combination of these tests or additional assessments based on their individualized approach and clinical judgment. Consulting with a qualified naturopathic doctor can help determine the most appropriate hormone testing approach for your specific concerns and needs.

How can you support your Hormones

Maintaining hormonal balance is important for women as it can impact their mood, menstrual cycle, and overall health. Some ways to support hormones:

1. Balanced Diet: Include sufficient protein in every meal. It influences the release of hormones that control appetite. Eating enough fiber can help in balancing estrogen levels. Omega-3 fatty acids also help in supporting hormonal health. Always eat balanced meals prioritise healthier food choices.

2. Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help in balancing hormones. It can help to reduce insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Exercise is one of the best to keep you energised and increase dopamine our happy hormones.

3. Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can affect the hormones that control appetite, metabolism, and stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Did you know that women need more sleep than men. Recent data showed that lack of sleep causes disease and accelerates the aging process.

4. Stress Management: Chronic stress can imbalance your hormones. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, massage, and other stress-reducing activities can help. Stress is one of the major contributors to hormonal imbalances.

5. Limit Caffeine: High amounts of caffeine can affect your hormonal health. Try to limit your coffee intake or switch to teas. Their is a trend of drinking large amounts of Designer coffees that are high in sugar and oils. Coffee spikes cortisol levels and interferes with your adrenals making you agitated. Coffee causes more harm reduce intake. So many women drink coffee on an empty stomach this is one of the worst things you can do to your digestive system.

6. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can help in maintaining your hormonal balance.

7. Avoid Overeating and Undereating: Both can lead to hormonal imbalance. Try to eat balanced meals at regular intervals. So many women follow fad diets to look skinnier but this causes more harm to your long term health.Social media has provided an unrealistic illusion of how a women should look often causing body dysmorphia. Always remember your health matters more than following how celebrities look.

8. Regular Medical Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help in early detection of any hormonal imbalance.

9. Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both can affect your hormonal balance, particularly in women.

10. Consider Supplements: Certain supplements can support hormonal health. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance.