Hormones play a major role in physical, mental and emotional health. If our hormone balance is upset, there can be many negative consequences. But there are 5 simple steps you can take to balance your hormones.
Many of our organs produce hormones, including the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal, testes and ovaries. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs where they control the body’s major systems.
Hormones are essential for our bodies, as the healthy functioning of many of our organs depends on them. Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility. The pituitary, ovaries and testes produce oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
They also play a role in metabolic regulation. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland also regulate appetite, temperature and weight. The adrenal gland produces adrenaline and cortisol, which play a major role in the stress response.
The brain produces melatonin, which is important for sleep, and the pancreas produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. The brain also produces neurotransmitters and serotonin, which are involved in mood. Low serotonin levels, for example, can lead to depression.
Hormonal imbalance can have many symptoms. Examples include PMS, infertility, endometriosis, diabetes, weight gain or loss, fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety.
There are several ways to achieve hormonal balance. One of the most important things you can do to improve hormonal balance is to sleep.
Regular exercise also affects hormonal health by reducing insulin and cortisol levels and increasing insulin sensitivity.
Sugar and processed foods can cause a lot of health problems. Sugar increases insulin levels and can lead to insulin resistance. Instead, eat lean protein and unsaturated fats, which also help balance hormones.
Chronic stress also has a negative effect on our hormone balance. Among other things, prolonged stress lowers progesterone levels, which can cause infertility or endometriosis.
We can also support our hormone system naturally. Magnesium and wild yam can reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Take zinc and selenium to improve thyroid hormone production.
Licorice and magnesium play a role in balancing cortisol levels. And herbs with calming effects such as St. John’s wort, lavender, lemon balm and chamomile can help reduce anxiety.