Similar to digestive issues, hormonal imbalances are common, but should still not be considered normal. Conditions like PMS, PMDD, PCOS, infertility, fatigue, insomnia, acne, adrenal fatigue, and anxiety are becoming more and more prevalent but unfortunately, we live in a time where balancing your hormones naturally with strategies like cycle syncing and a few customized supplements based on targeted tests are considered “extreme” and “woo woo.”
Tell me how the conventional approach of the birth control pill, hormone therapy, prescription antidepressants, or even a hysterectomy are less extreme than simply uncovering the root cause and balancing hormones naturally with diet, lifestyle, and a few herbal supplements?
Myths About Hormone Balance
One big misconception is that hormones are meant to fluctuate and therefore hormone imbalance is not a real thing. In reality, hormones DO fluctuate, but in a very specific circadian and infradian pattern. And when they veer from this pattern, it causes a cascade of health problems and unpleasant symptoms. Balancing hormones is all about getting your hormones back into their normal fluctuations allowing you to feel your best.
The other big myth I see is that hormonal imbalances themselves are a root cause. But instead, the imbalances are reacting to something else that’s out of balance with your health. When we go digging and work on the foundations to support overall health, the hormonal imbalances often resolve on their own as an added perk!
The Foundations of Balancing Hormones Naturally
Despite some supplement claims, there’s no one magical fix to balancing your hormones. Instead, it requires a combination of several foundational pillars that contribute to optimal health. Those include:
- Sleep and circadian rhythm support
- Blood sugar balance
- Stress management
- Nutrient status
- Eliminating endocrine disruptors
- And identifying any underlying issues like suboptimal thyroid function or gut infections
What if the Foundations Aren’t Working?
The important thing to know about balancing hormones is they can take a while to find their groove again, so it requires a bit of patience and persistence. It can take 1-3 months of consistent diet, lifestyle, and supplement changes to start seeing improvements in your symptoms. Most clients start to feel better within one month, but it’s important to manage your own expectations and trust that everything you’re doing helps. Don’t give up!
If you feel like you’ve been prioritizing these foundations for months and are not seeing improvements in your hormonal symptoms, it may be time for a more targeted testing approach. And I don’t mean the simple blood panel your PCP or OB/Gyn will run. Because chances are, they’ve already run those and everything “looks normal.”
A Functional Approach to Balance Hormones Naturally
At this point you have one of two options:
- Go to dozens of inconclusive doctors visits with “normal” blood labs and ultrasounds
- Be glued to your bed/heating pad for a week every month
- Have everyone tell you it’s just part of having a uterus and there’s nothing left to do
- Experience years of painful and embarrassing hormonal symptoms
- Eventually give up and go on hormonal birth control until you want to get pregnant
- Potentially have trouble conceiving when you’re ready and need to invest in assisted reproductive technology
Or, you could:
- Take a simple at-home hormone test using urine and saliva (I use the DUTCH Test)
- Receive a detailed explanation of your test results and finally have answers about the root cause of your symptoms
- Get ongoing support through a customized hormone balancing protocol with diet, lifestyle, and supplements
- Experience complete symptom relief after just 1-3 months
- Walk away armed with the tools and confidence to sustain your newfound hormone balance and optimal health for life
If you’re interested in learning more about my Functional Medicine approach to hormone healing, book a FREE Wellness Assessment with me – zero pressure!