Statistics show that 80% of women experience some kind of hormonal imbalance. This, however, does not rule out the fact that men are also susceptible, even though most of the time hormonal issues are thought to be only female-related. Indeed, hormone problems are more common than we think, with detrimental physical and mental effects. The tell-tale signs are usually ignored but when recognized could help you choose the right treatment option.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might want to consider whether you’re experiencing a hormone imbalance.
- Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep or insomnia is a common effect of hormonal imbalance in both men and women. A medical study established that there’s a relationship between sleep disorders and testosterone in men. It was discovered that men with low testosterone usually have sleeping problems. A link was also made between low progesterone levels in women and a poor night’s sleep as a result of the relaxing properties of the hormone.
- Sweating
Night sweats and hot flashes are symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Although women are more prone to experiencing this symptom, especially as they go through menopause, hot flashes in men can be due to low testosterone levels as they age.
Night sweats, hot flashes, and excessive weight gain in women are usually the result of estrogen dominance and too little progesterone in the body. These symptoms could also be a result of other hormone imbalances in the body, like from the adrenals, ovaries, thyroid, and pancreas.
- Low Sex Drive
Loss of libido can also be associated with hormonal imbalance, where low estrogen levels lead to low sex drive in women. The case is the same for men, who experience a loss of libido as a result of a drop in testosterone levels.
- Fatigue
A major sign of hormonal imbalance is constant fatigue and an incessant feeling of exhaustion. This may mean that you are lacking a thyroid hormone, especially if you have difficulties getting rid of a few extra pounds. This is because thyroid hormones control digestion and general body metabolism.
- Acne
If you are experiencing breakouts that do not seem to clear up, then your oil glands are probably overworking and having an effect on the skin and hair follicles as a result of an excess amount of the hormones known as androgens.
Other symptom include anxiety, depression, cravings, memory loss and digestive problems.
When it comes to treatment options, more people prefer natural alternatives to hormone therapy. Here are some natural practices that have been proven to help hormone imbalance:
- Eating Right
It all begins with food. Getting the right dose of healthy fat is essential to hormonal health, which is why coconut oil is highly recommended. In addition, it helps to eat loads of fish high in Omega-3 and to do away with fats and oils that have been chemically altered.
It’s also necessary to get essential nutrients, which most individuals cannot get in the required amount from food alone. According to nutritionists at Supplements in Review, ‘’Supplementing with magnesium is a great way to promote hormonal balance, and getting your daily dose of vitamin D from the morning sun gives also helps with naturally balancing hormones.’’
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are known to help modulate estrogen levels. In addition, phytoestrogens found in soy foods, sunflower seeds and legumes are also beneficial.
Adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng have been widely used in herbal remedies to control hormonal imbalances because of their unique ability to fight fatigue, stress, and anxiety.
- Cutting Out Caffeine
Endocrine imbalances can be aggravated by too much caffeine in the blood stream. As such, it’s advisable to drastically cut down on caffeine consumption or eliminate it altogether.
- Avoiding Toxins
Healthy hormone function can be disrupted by toxins found in plastics, pesticides, household cleaners, beauty, and body care products. They mimic hormones that the body needs to function properly, thus keeping the body from producing real hormones.
Avoiding these chemicals is therefore very important for your well-being. This can be done by using glass jars for storage instead of plastic containers and cooking in cast iron or stainless steel pots instead of non-stick or Teflon pans.