by Alyssa Madill, Feed the Fire Nutrition & Wellness –
So, you’ve been told your hormones are out of balance. Perhaps you suffer with PMS, are going through menopause, or recently came off hormonal birth control? Yes, these conditions involve fluctuations in hormones, and there are imbalances present. But I want you to think of your hormones as markers of your state of health, not the reason for it. Your hormones tell the story of your physiology, and there are many reasons for them to be imbalanced.
Let’s start with your brain (specifically, the hypothalamus) as a root cause for hormone imbalance. To keep it simple, this part of the brain is in control of which hormones are released, and when. It is at the top of the chain, and sends signals to other endocrine glands to release and/or produce certain hormones as it sees fit. For example, what has long been called “Adrenal Fatigue” has been shown to be an issue not with the adrenal glands themselves, but a mechanism in the brain in response to chronic stress. The brain sees the risk in continuously releasing stress hormones, so it tells the adrenal glands to stop producing, and we crash. Stress levels and mental health affect not only the adrenals, but all endocrine glands.
Chronic stress is even powerful enough to halt menstruation, as is the case with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Therefore, stress management should certainly be considered in any case of hormone imbalance. This could look like lifestyle changes such as freeing up your calendar a little, learning to meditate, walking by the ocean; whatever resonates with you.
More root causes include gut health, liver function, digestion and excretion. Hormones require the liver to “recycle” hormones, then it releases the hormone waste into the small intestine for eventual excretion. Three situations must be present for this to work: a well functioning liver not overburdened by toxins, balanced gut bacteria, and a digestive tract with good motility. Good motility means having daily bowel movements, give or take.
If the liver isn’t running well, these hormones won’t be recycled properly and can re-enter the bloodstream, causing an excess of certain hormones, as with Estrogen Dominance. Regarding gut health: if harmful gut bacteria are present, they may convert the hormone waste back into active forms, and again they would be re-circulated. The same goes for lack of motility, or constipation. Excess transit time in the bowel can lead to hormone reabsorption, as well as other toxins being reabsorbed too.
Another root cause for hormone imbalance is blood sugar imbalance. This can often be improved by shifting dietary habits. Better blood sugar balance can be achieved by consuming fat and protein with each meal, by choosing complex carbs over simple ones, and by avoiding refined sugars.
Whew – that was a lot! A few things you can put into practice immediately are increasing hydration and physical activity to improve bowel movements, and getting out for some fresh air for stress management. Seek out your local Holistic Nutritionist for individualized guidance!
