Hormones affect everything from our monthly cycles to health disorders including PCOS, Thyroid, PMT, and Endometriosis. When hormones are in balance, you reclaim your life! Nutrition can be a great aid in resolving hormone abnormalities.

Causes of hormone imbalances

A hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors. The reasons for this vary depending on which hormones or glands are involved. Hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Menopause
• Breastfeeding
• Medication
• PCOS
• Pregnancy
• Thyroid issues
• Stress
• Cancer treatments
• Injury/trauma

Symptoms of hormone imbalances

Hormones play a crucial part in your general well-being. As a result, a wide range of signs and symptoms may indicate a hormonal imbalance. The indications and symptoms you experience will be determined by whatever hormones or glands are malfunctioning. Any of the following signs or symptoms could be caused by common hormonal problems that affect both men and women:

• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Constant urination
• Infertility
• Decreased sex drive
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Depression

How to balance hormone balances through diet

Hormonal imbalances can lead to everything from infertility to diabetes, but eating the right foods can help keep your hormones in check and your body running smoothly. Below are some examples of how balances can be managed through diet: 

• Cruciferous Vegetables

These are brassicas, and when they are sliced, eaten, or cooked, a phytochemical called Indole-3-carbinol is created. Indole-3-carbinol supports liver function, which is crucial for hormone balance because it is where our waste products and “spent” hormones are eliminated. As part of your hormone cleansing and balancing system, cruciferous vegetables should be consumed on a daily basis. Examples are broccoli , cauliflower, kale and more. 

• Oestrogen boosting foods

Phytoestrogens, often known as dietary oestrogen, are naturally occurring plant compounds that have been discovered to mimic the human body’s natural oestrogen. By including phytoestrogens into your diet, you can help to alleviate some of the unpleasant side effects of menopause. Phytoestrogen-rich foods may potentially aid in cholesterol reduction and osteoporosis prevention.

• Good fats

Good fats are necessary for hormone production since they help to construct our hormones and prevent inflammation. Always add a source of fat in each meal, such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, raw unsalted nuts or seeds, nut butter, or avocados.

• Protein

Protein keeps us fuller for longer, which helps to keep our blood sugar levels in check. Although the decision of animal versus plant protein is a personal one, I usually advocate a combination of the two, with the animal protein being organic grass-fed meat to ensure hormone-free results.

• Magnesium-rich foods

Magnesium increases insulin sensitivity, which means our systems are better equipped to utilise insulin and manage blood sugar levels, as well as our nervous system (especially helpful with PMS symptoms and with PCOS). Magnesium dietary sources include a variety of foods that are simple to integrate into your everyday diet!

Alternative treatment

Some of the risks and symptoms that come with getting older and going through menopause are unavoidable. Good dietary habits, on the other hand, may help to prevent or lessen some of the symptoms that can occur during and following menopause. If you’d like to learn more about menopause treatment alternatives such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, click here.