Are you looking for natural hormonal imbalance in women treatment options? Hormones are chemicals that act as messengers to connect different biological processes and different parts of your body. They are produced by endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream helping organs and tissues operate as they should. They also ensure that major bodily functions, like metabolism and reproduction, are operating as intended.
Some hormones naturally fluctuate during different times of your life, and sometimes your endocrine glands simply send the wrong message, in the wrong quantities, resulting in hormonal imbalances.
Both men and women can experience hormonal imbalances. Symptoms are wide-ranging and can include weight gain, fatigue, frequent urination, depression, and more. Symptoms for women can include:
- heavy or irregular periods
- hirsutism (excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body)
- acne on the face, chest, or upper back
- hair loss
- skin tags
- vaginal dryness
- vaginal atrophy
- pain during sex
- night sweats
- headaches
Causes for Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Potential causes of hormonal imbalances are nearly as numerous as the potential symptoms that may result from it. Common causes include:
- hormone therapy
- medications
- cancer treatments such as chemotherapy
- tumors, either cancerous or benign
- eating disorders
- stress
- injury or trauma
Many cases of hormonal imbalances in women relate to reproductive hormones and can be caused by:
- menopause
- primary ovarian insufficiency, or “premature menopause”
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- hormonal birth control
With so many potential causes and symptoms, it can be frustrating for women to successfully treat hormonal imbalances and manage the adverse effects. Along with working with your doctor to successfully diagnose any hormonal imbalances, here are some natural hormonal imbalance in women treatment options to consider in helping manage symptoms.
Medical Cannabis
Although there is some research showing that cannabis consumption is related to changes in the endocrine system—the system responsible for hormone production—more studies are needed to understand exactly how this can manifest in different human hormonal systems.
But as a treatment for some of the symptoms of normal monthly hormone fluctuations and during menopause, CBD can be an effective option. It can provide relief for women dealing with:
- Mood Swings: During menopause, the hormones estrogen and progesterone can affect levels of serotonin, the “happy” chemical.
- Bloating: Uterine contractions during menstruation can cause the digestive system to slow down, resulting in painful bloating and constipation.
- Pain and cramps: As progesterone declines during menstruation, prostaglandins increase, and high levels of prostaglandins produce more painful or heavier periods.
Dial-in your Diet
A balanced, healthy diet should be a priority for everyone, but it is even more important for women dealing with hormonal imbalances. Getting adequate protein should especially be a priority: diets higher in protein have been shown to moderate ghrelin, the “hunger hormone”, and improve metabolism.
Healthy fats, like those found in coconut oil, avocado, and fish may also have beneficial effects on hormonal health by reducing levels of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Stress Management
Cortisol and adrenaline, the “stress hormones”, played a valuable role in human evolution. The “fight or flight” response that they initially used to be important in protecting us from predators, but in the modern world they are often firing constantly due to the busy, stressful realities of modern life, leading to chronic hormonal imbalances. Elevated cortisol levels can exacerbate the symptoms of other hormonal imbalances as well, and can lead to excessive calorie intake and weight gain, acne breakouts, and trouble sleeping.
Fortunately, there are many practices that you can use to manage stress and reduce cortisol levels. Meditation, yoga, and breathwork exercises have been proven to lower cortisol levels and improve mood when done daily. If you feel like you don’t have the time to slow down and relax, even just a few minutes of meditation or breathing exercises will help more than you might think.
Talk to a Homeopath
Sign up with Heally, and we’ll connect you with a licensed physician who can identify and help you understand potential treatment balances for hormonal imbalances. We’ll even set you up with a cannabis-friendly doctor to recommend medical marijuana if you are eligible.
