Supplements to Balance Hormones

The endocrine system is a network of glands in the body that produce hormones. These glands include the thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, thymus, pancreas, the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Hormones deliver information from the glands where they’re made to organs and cells throughout the body.

Examples of hormones are testosterone, estrogen, adrenaline, cortisol, glucagon and insulin. Hormones influence almost every bodily function and control blood sugar, appetite, sleep schedule, stress response, energy levels, sex drive and fertility. Your health can be adversely impacted by the smallest of hormonal imbalances.

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Hormonal imbalance symptoms

Here are some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance:

Osteoporosis
PMS
Memory issues
Weight gain or loss
Change in appetite
Hot flashes
Urinary tract infections
Water retention
Low sex drive
Sleep issues
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Facial hair

Herbs for balancing hormones

Hormone balancing herbs are a gentle way for treating symptoms such as painful periods, hot flashes, hormonal acne, and other symptoms.

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogen and is highly regarded herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is prescribed by traditional Ayurvedic practitioners for a variety of hormonal disorders.¹

Research has found that an ashwagandha root extract significantly reduces serum cortisol levels.² A chronic imbalance of the cortisol hormone can lead to a variety of endocrine disorders.

Other research has found that ashwagandha can help normalize thyroid thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.³

2. Chaste tree

Chaste Tree Berry is one of the most famous herbs for hormone balance and has been used for many years as a traditional remedy. It stimulates ovulation and increases progesterone by working on the pituitary gland to increase the luteinizing hormone. It can be used for depressed progesterone levels and/or elevated estrogen levels, and is often used for providing relief from PMS symptoms.

3. Nigella seed extract

The therapeutic effects of nigella seed extract are being investigated as a treatment for individuals with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), an abnormal hormone level associated disorder.

Research has found that nigella seed extract helps to regulate testosterone, insulin, progesterone and luteinizing hormone.⁴

Nigella sativa extract also exhibits estrogenic activity, and research indicates the probable beneficial role for Nigella sativa extract for treating postmenopausal symptoms and the possibility of using it as a hormone replacement therapy alternative.⁵

4. Black cohosh

Black cohosh is well known for its use in menopause, particularly for hot flashes. It is also used for period cramping and PMS.⁶

5. Kava

Kava it is one of the best herbs that balance hormones, and is known for its efficacy for menopausal symptom relief. It has muscle relaxant properties and is effective for alleviating painful periods.

6. Maca

Maca helps regulate cycles in younger women as well as relieving symptoms of menopause.⁷

Some research has shown that post-menopausal women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats can reduce these symptoms with the help of maca supplements.⁸

7. Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto can help lower high levels of androgens and prolactin in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS have elevated levels of male sex hormones, which can cause symptoms like irregular or heavy periods, excess body hair, acne, and other symptoms.

8. Fenugreek

An extract of fenugreek has been found to have a significant impact on hormonal balance and sexual dysfunction in young, healthy women. In the study, the fenugreek extract helped balance hormones and improve vaginal dryness, low libido, depression and irritability.⁹

Vitamins to balance hormones

1. Zinc

Zinc can help reduce the duration and severity of period pain, which is a symptom of hormonal imbalance.¹⁰

Sufficient levels of zinc are needed for balancing the thyroid hormones. Zinc is also a necessary trace nutrient for regulating the menstrual cycle.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D can help in preventing hormonal imbalances as this vitamin plays an important role in the production and activity of hormones which includes progesterone and estrogen.¹¹

3. Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential component of cell function and are important for the creation of hormones.

4. Vitamin B12

There is a prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in people who have dysfunctional thyroid function.¹²

Balancing hormones with diet

1. Flax seed

Flax seed acts as a phytoestrogen, and adding it to your diet can help regulate estrogen levels. It can regulate hormone levels as it works on the body’s estrogen receptors, helping with high as well as low estrogen levels.

2. Cruciferous vegetables

The compound indole-3-carbinol, which is produced from a substance called glucobrassicin found in cruciferous veggies, can be helpful for metabolizing estrogens.

3. Spearmint tea

Spearmint tea is helpful for people who want to reduce testosterone levels.