Hormonal imbalances can occur in men and women at any stage in their lives. While some children might have disorders from the time of birth, others develop it later on in their lives. There are many hormones that play a key role in many bodily processes and functions. The deficiencies or disorders surface when the hormones are not secreted in optimal amounts. It could be either for the reduced secretion of the hormones or the excess secretion of the same. The common cases are highlighted below.
Causes Of Hormonal Disorders
There are different factors that can disrupt the normal levels of hormones which function within the body. That is turn creates an imbalance. Some of the common causes of hormonal imbalance are:
• Adrenal exhaustion
• Consumption of alcohol in excess
• Conditions like Turner’s syndrome
• Eating disorders
• exposure to chemicals
• Uncontrolled use of painkillers
• Following poor nutritious diet
• problems of the glands
• inconsistent sleeping patterns
• ovulation disorders
• obesity
• lack of exercise
There are many other causes such as smoking or use of drugs that can lead to hormonal disorders in men and women. It is more common in women.
Symptoms
When it comes to symptoms of hormonal imbalances, the following are most common:
Weight gain that is difficult to control might be due to underlying hormonal disorder. While diet and exercise can help to control weight gain, there are some people who face problems keeping off the excess weight even then. That is an indication that hormone levels need to be checked.
Increase in belly fat and loss of muscles is another indication that the body is stressed and the hormone cycles are getting disrupted
Low libido is a sign of hormonal disorder
Fatigue is a common sign of hormonal disorder which might come in from mid morning onwards
Depression, irritability and anxiety follow fatigue when one experiences hormonal disorder. Indeed, steady flow of hormones show up in signs of happy mood and general good health.
When one has high progesterone levels in their body they might suffer symptoms like bloatedness, breast tenderness, reduced or ceased menstruation, fatigue, dizziness and others
Those who experience high levels of estrogen can suffer from increase in facial hair, hot flashes, high blood pressure and other symptoms
Home Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance
It has been seen that, home remedies which consist of certain lifestyle changes and proper attention to a balanced diet, will go a long way to restoring balance in the hormonal system. It is best to attempt these remedies before the situation goes out of hand and medical intervention has to be sought. The first signs of such symptoms should be addressed with the help of the simple yet effective home remedies.
1. Making Changes In The Diet
It is recommended that one makes changes in their diet in order to set thehormonal imbalance problem right:
• Increase consumption of fresh and organic fruits
• Whole grains and veggies should be consumed more
• Such food should be free of herbicides and pesticides
2. Restrict Intake Of Red Meat
It is necessary to limit or control the consumption of red meat and related dairy products:
• Mutton, veal, pork and beef meat should be reduced in consumption
• Lean meat should be consumed instead
• Dairy products like full fat milk, cream and cheese should be avoided
3. Increase Intake Of Food Items Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It is necessary to increase consumption of food products like:
• Lean fish
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Flax seeds
These items are known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acid which will help to restore proper functioning of the endocrinal system
4. Drink Water
It is necessary to keep the metabolism process healthy:
• Drink at least eight glasses of water everyday
• Reduce intake of sugary drinks and increase intake of water
5. Avoiding Processed Food
Food items that are processed contain easy carbs that lead to spike in the blood sugar levels which in turn can upset the endocrinal system:
• Avoid processed meat
• Processed snacks
• White bread
• Sweets and bakery items
6. Making Changes In Eating Pattern
It is seen that, the right kind of eating pattern helps to stabilize the metabolism process as well as the endocrinal system:
• It is essential to have a hearty and healthy breakfast
• One should break down the intervals between meals
• Five to six small meals should be consumed through the day
7. Plan Out Meal Times
It is necessary that there is a healthy eating regime established that is followed regularly through the week:
• Meals should be consumed within two to three hour intervals and not exceeding that
• Breakfast should not be skipped
• Variety of food items should be included in one’s daily diet
8.Having A Regular Exercise Routine
It is necessary to be active and to regularly exercise:
• One should work out for at least half an hour for five days in a week
• Strength training and cardio exercises should be practiced
9. Give Up Unhealthy Habits
Usually the unhealthy habits followed cause the hormonal disorders like:
• Smoking
• drinking
• Erratic timing for meals
• Late nights
10. Ensure Proper Sleep
One needs to ensure that they get at least eight hours of sleep. That will lead to:
• Restoration of the hormonal cycles
• Allow the system to function normally
11. Practice Stress Reduction Therapies
One should take up stress reduction methods like:
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Swimming or nature treks
12. Diet And Exercise
It is vital that one maintains:
• A normal and balanced diet
• Stays active by exercising regularly