Hormones control every function in our body, like an intricate web from balancing our blood sugar, metabolism (whether we lose or gain weight), our moods, our gut health, our sleep and much more. It is really easy with our modern lifestyle for our hormones to go out of balance causing a ricochet effect usually resulting in the following symptoms:

• Frequent headaches or migraines

• Bloating

• Weight gain around the belly

• Acne or spots around the mouth, chin and jawline

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Brain fog and poor concentration

• Fatigue

• Sugar Cravings

• Constipation

• Abdominal cramps

• PMS

• Painful periods

Causes

Stress
When we are stressed we produce cortisol, which helps us deal with our stress, which in previous generations related to being in extreme danger. This hormone releases sugar into the bloodstream to give the energy boost we need to flee or fight. It stops the body digesting fat and instead stores it for future use in case we may need to survive. Cortisol affects the balance of other hormones, shutting ones that may not be vital off such as the sex hormones and digestive hormones. It increases appetite to give you more energy and usually results in sugar cravings.

The problem with stress is that we don’t usually face our stress and then return to normal once having dealt with it. We are usually exposed to constant long term, everyday stress such as worrying about being late, not getting on with a colleague or boss, getting stuck in traffic, worrying about paying your bills, relationship difficulties and so on. This constant release of cortisol exhausts the adrenal glands that release the cortisol, which makes us feel tired and washed out. Food sensitivities to gluten, dairy and others will also cause stress within the body and result in nutrients not being absorbed properly.

Diet
What we put into our bodies is what we will get out. If you are eating processed, sugary, nutrient empty, convenient food it is pretty likely you won’t be feeling full of energy with mental clarity and no symptoms. Processed food (white flour, cereals, cakes, biscuits, muffins, pasta and bread), fizzy drinks containing sugar and sugar free (containing sweeteners such as acesulfame, aspartame), additives, Preservatives or anything that has a list of ingredients that you don’t understand will affect your hormonal balance.

Lack of exercise
Being sedentary means we don’t stimulate hormones that help to burn fat and keep other hormones in check.

Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens
These hormones mimic estrogen causing estrogen dominance. Xenoestrogens are found in plastic containers and bottles, the contraceptive pill, cosmetics and body care products, aluminium cans, chemicals in cleaners, pesticides sprayed onto food and farm reared animals who are injected with growth hormone and antibiotics to make them grow bigger and faster and not get sick. Phytoestrogens are found in soya and beans.


Natural remedies to restore balance

Diet - A simple, balanced, wholefood diet full of fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, organic as much as possible or grass fed with good quality proteins and fats is best. Fibre found in fruit and vegetables is important for gut health and to carry away toxins so they aren’t reabsorbed into the body. Good quality fats are needed to build hormones. Omega 3 has been shown to clear up acne and improve skin appearance and can be found in wild salmon or cold water fish, avocado, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, flax, pumpkin seeds and spirulina or chlorella. Be aware that cow’s milk, even if organic, will contain natural hormones. Try almond or cashew milk. Avoid gluten.
Balance blood sugar – Add protein or a healthy fat to every meal to slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Eat fibre rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, nut, seeds, brown rice, buckwheat.

Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut nectar or stevia. Make your own meals so there are no hidden sugars.

Sleep – Get at least 7-8 hours restful sleep every night.

Exercise – It is best to work up a sweat and then rest. Try find something you love to do or get someone to exercise with you so you can encourage each other.

Spend time in nature to reconnect to natural rhythms and get some Vitamin D if the sun is out.

Manage Stress – Find something that will help you let go of your stress such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, self-care practice, journaling, dancing, being creative and doing something with your hands. Connect with your heart.

Replace cleaners and cosmetics with natural options. Coconut oil can be used to remove make-up, as a moisturizer and as a natural sunscreen.

Reflexology helps to restore hormonal balance, regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviates stress.

Are your hormones out of balance? What symptoms do you experience?

With love,