When we talk about hormones, often the first thought that springs to mind is reproductive health. But what many may not be aware of is how hormones can, not only affect fertility and reproduction in a women’s body, but also how they directly influence the body’s organ function, processes and mental health.
There are over 50 hormones circulating inside us – chemicals that signal to the body to perform specific processes and functions such as regulating blood sugar levels, metabolism, energy levels and the reproductive glands. Having too much or too little of a particular hormone can result in symptoms such as irregular menstruation, cystic acne, debilitating cramps, hair loss, bloating, weight gain, fatigue and even more serious conditions such as increased risk of cancer, diabetes, anxiety and depression.
It’s also been proven that women are at greater risk for depression than men because of a heightened sensitivity to intense hormonal fluctuations, as stated in a research published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. So, ladies (and gentlemen), take note: hormone imbalance is not just about PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and the mood swings that come with it, it’s about maintaining a healthy body and a happy mind. Here are five ways to naturally balance hormones in the body.
Exercise & Meditation
Exercise is often recommended on any road to recovery, both physical and mental, and there is a very good reason for that. According to fitness coach and co-founder of Defin8 Fitness Trixie Velez, exercise releases endorphins, happy chemicals in the brain – and what people often call the body’s natural painkiller – which helps elevate mood and reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Although stress hormones such as cortisol, DHEA and androgens are important for controlling blood pressure, turning food into energy, and supporting the production of reproductive hormones, overexposure to stress can accumulate in high levels of cortisol that can lead to higher blood sugar levels, weight gain and weaker muscles, anxiety and depression.
Reiterating Velez’s point on physical activity, Belinda Koo, founder of boutique spinning studio The Art of XYZ explains that light exercises that focus on breath work such as Yin Yoga, (contrary to Yoga exercises that focus on strength and muscle building) target the core, yet is a great way to “embrace softness” and train ligaments, joints, bones, deep connective tissues and the flow of energy in the body. “People often associate Yin exercises as weak but it is important to make time for stillness to cultivate peace of mind. I find it even more effective to incorporate guided meditation with sound therapy, such as singing bowls, which can help with relaxation, balance the Yin and Yang energy and reduce stress levels”, says Koo
Nutrition
When it comes to hormonal imbalance, it’s not often that we are quick to change our diet to improve mood swings and fatigue. However, the thyroid glands responsible for producing thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones control the body’s metabolism – aiding the process of transforming food to energy and keeping the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs functioning properly. Registered dietitians and nutritionists believe that diet is integral to hormone health, especially for regulating your gut health, which in turn positively influences mental health.
Adding protein like eggs, fish and chicken breast to help regulate energy and appetite, while nutrient-rich and high-fiber carbohydrates such as quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower and kale can help stabilise blood sugar and cortisol levels. Sources of healthy fats such as avocados, flaxseeds and nuts can help curb hunger pangs and help you feel satiated for longer and resist the urge to snack.
Natural Supplements
Aside from food intake, supplements can also help fill the gaps in your nutritional intake. Especially with the increase of time spent at home during the waves of Covid-19 pandemic, deficiency of vitamin D (yes, vitamin D is surprisingly a hormone) can affect how effectively the body regulates the concentration of calcium in the blood, which has been linked to regulate energy metabolism.
“Women today are juggling it all – they work and take care of their families. Although self-care is a growing trend, sometimes the reality is that there is not enough time in the day to spend time on ourselves,” says Rebecca Chung, founder of beauty and wellness supplement brand Glowagen. “It’s important to incorporate supplements into daily life as they help keep the body balanced, countering the effects of stress and exhaustion, such as increased cortisol levels, early on-set collagen loss, faster ageing, and conditions that affect the skin and metabolism.”
Acupuncture
Reproductive hormones particularly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are what regualtes the menstrual cycle, the reproductive and urinary tract, heart and blood vessels, as well as the health of our bones, skin, hair, brain and more. “In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the belief is that hormone balance is closely tied to the balance of Yin and Yang”, says TCM doctor Ruth Lee. “Acupuncture can effectively help treat hormone imbalance and regulate menstrual cycles, improve blood flow, reduce abdominal cramps and stress, as well as promote reproductive organ function”, she chimes.
Most cases of hormonal imbalance can be treated by diet and lifestyles changes, with a judicious use of western supplements as well as Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments. However, before you alarm yourself by checking off symptoms based on Google or WebMD, it’s advisable to first consult with a doctor who can take the appropriate blood tests to measure your hormone levels to serve as a clearer framework of how to regulate and maintain your optimum hormone levels.
(Text: Roberliza Eugenio)