Hormones play a crucial role in the functioning of our body. They control processes such as our mood, energy level, sleep, and fertility. When a hormonal imbalance occurs, a variety of complaints can arise. In this blog, we discuss common hormonal complaints, causes of hormonal imbalance, and how you can gain insight into what is happening in your body.
Hormonal Complaints
Hormonal complaints can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms include:
- Fatigue or listlessness
- Mood swings or irritability
- Irregular menstruation or PMS
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Reduced fertility
- Loss of libido
- Skin problems such as acne
- Hair loss
These complaints can indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance, where the balance between estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone is often disrupted.
Hormonal Imbalance: What Does It Mean?
A hormonal imbalance occurs when the levels of certain hormones are no longer in equilibrium. Common forms include:
- Estrogen dominance
When estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone, we speak of estrogen dominance. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, painful breasts, mood swings, migraines, and heavy periods.
- Progesterone deficiency
A deficiency in progesterone can manifest in symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, PMS, or irregular cycles.
- Testosterone excess
An excess of testosterone is often associated with acne, excessive hair growth (in women), feeling agitated, and irregular periods.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
For hormonal complaints, it is always important to look for the cause. Some possible causes are:
- Impaired liver function
The liver plays an essential role in processing and breaking down excess hormones, such as estrogen. When liver function is not optimal, it can lead to hormonal accumulation, resulting in estrogen dominance. Factors such as an unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, and toxic exposure can burden the liver.
- Disrupted gut flora
The gut flora plays an important role in recycling and eliminating hormones. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to an accumulation of estrogen in the body, contributing to hormonal complaints. Poor diet, stress, and medication can, among other things, lead to a disrupted gut flora.
- Disrupted blood sugar regulation
Disrupted blood sugar regulation can disturb the production and balance of hormones, particularly insulin and cortisol. But conditions such as PMS, PCOS, and hormonal acne are also directly linked to disrupted blood sugar regulation. This situation can arise from an unhealthy lifestyle with a lot of processed foods, sugars, too little exercise, and chronic stress.
- Overactive immune system
An overactive immune system can cause chronic inflammation, which can disturb the balance of hormones. This can, for example, lead to an excess of stress hormones and disruption of sex hormones.
What can you do about hormonal complaints?
Restoring hormonal balance requires a holistic approach. Here are some tips:
- Support your liver: Avoid alcohol, sugar, and processed foods. Choose foods rich in antioxidants, such as green vegetables and turmeric.
- Ensure healthy gut flora: Eat fiber-rich and varied foods, chew every bite thoroughly, eat without distraction, and drink enough water.
- Stabilize your blood sugar: Choose complex carbohydrates and combine them with proteins and healthy fats. Avoid sugar spikes from processed snacks and cut back on added sugars.
- Strengthen your immune system: Get enough rest and sleep, reduce stress, and eat a varied and colorful diet.
- Get tested: Every body is different, and a personal approach is always recommended. An EMB blood test or hormone test can provide insight into the origin of your hormonal imbalance, so you can work with a therapist in a targeted manner.
Summary
Hormonal complaints can have a big impact on your daily life. By gaining insight into the underlying causes, such as impaired liver function, gut flora, or blood sugar levels, you can work specifically on restoring your hormonal balance. Do you need help? Schedule a free consultation with a therapist to discover which steps are right for you.
