Mood swings, headaches, tender breasts, sleep problems, reduced fertility, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, skin problems and abdominal pain are just a few of the many complaints you can experience with a hormonal imbalance. Much research has been conducted into the type and extent of complaints women experience regarding their hormone balance. The conclusion of the Radboud UMC, among others, which conducted research into this, is that a great many women suffer from these issues. To give an example: of menstruating women, 85% reported experiencing menstrual pain every month. In addition, over 70% of women reported suffering from psychological symptoms and fatigue around menstruation. One-third of women with menstrual complaints even state that the symptoms affect their daily lives*. And regarding menopause, there is a remarkably low percentage, only 20%, who experience no symptoms; and a whopping 80% do.
Because a hormonal imbalance is so common, we almost tend to see it as something that just comes with the territory. However, nature did not intend it this way because, besides survival, human (and animal) reproduction is evolutionarily the most important goal for the species to persist. So why do so many women suffer from hormonal imbalances and the associated symptoms?
Possible causes of hormonal imbalance
To answer this properly, we want to state upfront that it's important to differentiate between hormonal imbalance due to a primary cause or as a result of lifestyle factors.
A primary cause can be, for example, that hormones are not produced at all or not in the correct concentration because their control or the hormone gland itself is not functioning properly. Primary causes also include puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, when the hormone balance is naturally different.
Secondary causes are much more common and are usually related to disruptive lifestyle factors, such as stress, medication, toxins, poor nutrition, etc.
First of all, too much or prolonged stress is a major culprit when it comes to hormonal balance. Cortisol, for example, a survival hormone released during stress, shares some of the same building blocks as the sex hormones progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. If there is frequent or prolonged stress, cortisol always takes precedence over the production of the other hormones mentioned above. This can lead to a deficiency and/or imbalance of the other hormones.
The presence of the right nutrients also plays a major role. To produce hormones, you primarily need the right fatty acids and proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals. What you eat or don't eat, therefore, impacts your hormone balance. Furthermore, consider the influence of alcohol or medication use, toxins, too little exercise, unhealthy food, too little relaxation, and the impact of negative beliefs and thoughts. Each of these latter causes affects the hormonal balance in its own way, and it would be too extensive for this blog to explain them all further.
Which hormones cause symptoms?
If you are struggling with hormonal symptoms, you naturally want them to disappear as quickly as possible. To achieve this, you need to find the cause and identify which hormones are out of balance. But how do you know exactly which hormones those are?
We have an excellent test for that, the ‘hormone test for women’. With it, we test the following hormones: AMH, FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and prolactin.
You receive the test by mail at home. You take a blood sample yourself, using a finger prick, and then send the test to the lab. Through a Brain Balance therapist, you will receive the results in a consultation. The results will show whether your values are favorable or unfavorable in red, orange, yellow, or green. The therapist will then draw up a personalized advice for you based on this. In addition, you will gain knowledge about your potential hormonal imbalance and receive tips and insights, so you can start working on it independently.
When to test your hormones
Ideally, you should take the test 3-5 working days before the start of your menstruation. This is because your hormone levels change throughout your cycle. You should perform the finger prick before 10 AM and when you are fasting. You are allowed to drink water beforehand. Do not take it immediately after exercising or sexual activity as this can also affect the results.
You send the test on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, due to the lab being closed on weekends.
Our therapists take a holistic view, enabling them to effectively distinguish between cause and effect. This means they focus not on the symptoms but on the underlying cause of your complaints. The body's self-healing capacity is also activated by following the advice. This way, you can recover much faster, and your symptoms will alleviate or disappear.
Would you like to know if a hormone test could benefit you? Then schedule an advisory consultation with one of our therapists, and they will advise you on your next step towards a healthier and more balanced life.
