Hormones play an integral role in many of your body’s major processes, but many health and lifestyle factors can cause your hormone levels to become imbalanced. Just like one small change to your favorite birthday cake recipe transforms the finished product, a minor imbalance can trigger adverse effects throughout your body.
Here’s what you need to know about hormones, how to fix hormone imbalances, and proactive hormone support.
What are hormones, and what do they do?
Think of hormones as your body’s messengers. Starting in the endocrine glands , they travel through your bloodstream and tell different organs in your body what to do. Hormones control things like your sleep cycle, appetite, mood, body temperature, and stress.
Imbalances occur when you have too much or too little of one or more hormones. And because hormones affect many of your body’s processes – including reproduction, sleep, and metabolism – hormone imbalances can have far-reaching consequences. Even small adjustments in your hormone levels can result in significant changes.
Both men’s and women’s lives are affected by hormones. Women are impacted by estrogen and progesterone, while men require a certain testosterone level to thrive. Believe it or not, women benefit from testosterone, too. You might experience an imbalance of another hormone, such as thyroid issues and adrenal imbalances. These can result in low energy levels, weight gain, and irritable moods.
Cortisol, for example, is your body’s primary stress hormone. Chronic stress can raise your cortisol levels, which, according to a statement released by the American Heart Association, can impact your brain and heart health. The report noted the connection between stress and physical health, citing a study that uncovered a 40 percent increased risk of heart disease in participants that experienced work-related stress
How do I know if I have a hormonal imbalance?
Hormones play a central role in ensuring you feel your best, and imbalances can impact your overall health and well-being. No one sign flags a hormonal imbalance – many of the symptoms listed below are non-specific and could be attributed to a whole host of other health and lifestyle issues.
Men and women with a hormonal imbalance may experience one or more of the following:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches, weaknesses, stiffness, or tenderness
- Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Overly sensitive to temperature
- Increased hunger or thirst
- Depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Blurred vision
- Infertility
- Increased or decreased heart rate
Even conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have been associated with low hormone levels.
The best way to find out if you have a hormonal imbalance is to reach out and explain your situation to your trusted healthcare provider. From there, you can undertake tests – such as a blood test or 4-point salivary cortisol test – to determine whether you have an imbalance of cortisol and DHEA-S.
How can I fix hormone imbalances?
Hormones are integral to your health and vitality, so do not underestimate the adverse effects of an imbalance. The good news is, you can take proactive steps toward supporting your body’s hormone production and, in turn, give your body the resources it needs to function at peak performance.
Supplements are one solution, and I have formulated several based on my experience and research as a neurologist and functional medicine doctor. Here’s a quick snapshot of my hormone-supporting supplements and what they can help you achieve. Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to health – your journey toward wellness is as unique as you are.
Supplements for hormone support: Neuro DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (a very long word, I know, so we shorten it to DHEA) is a steroid hormone precursor that supports healthy hormone levels. Think of DHEA as cortisol’s counterpart – your body needs DHEA to balance the impact of cortisol. In addition, DHEA has been shown to help regulate emotions, improve bone health, and enhance cognitive function and memory.
Supplements for hormone support: BTU Calm
Is stress impacting the quality of your day-to-day life? Is it limiting your productivity and cognitive performance? Or draining your energy levels? BTU Calm may help. Packed with a nootropic and specialized blend of adaptogenic botanicals and nutrients, this supplement can help balance your cortisol and DHEA levels.
Supplements for hormone support: BTU Revive
BTU Revive supports your hormones in two ways:
- It helps to strengthen your body’s stress response.
- It aids healthy energy levels.
This supplement contains a combination of what I call stress-adapting botanicals. These can improve your attention capacity, boost immune function, and build your body’s resistance to fatigue.
Supplements for hormone support: BTU Revive Plus
Containing a unique blend of adaptogenic botanicals and adrenal concentrate, BTU Revive Plus is a powerful supplement engineered to help your body respond to stress. It aids your body in balancing cortisol and DHEA levels and helps to boost and sharpen your cognitive and immune functions.
Supplements for hormone support: iNeuro Thyroid
iNeuro Thyroid Support contains a rich formulation of two essential minerals, iodine and selenium, to support both brain and body health.
- Iodine is critical to human health and an integral part of the thyroid hormone. Fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, stiffness, and weight gain are all symptoms of an iodine deficiency.
- Selenium is involved in producing critical enzymes related to antioxidant mechanisms and thyroid hormone metabolism. Unfortunately, your selenium intake relies on the soil conditions in the locality your food is grown and raised, and cases of under-functioning thyroids are elevated in areas where selenium deficiency is common.
If you live with issues related to your thyroid health, find out more about iNeuro Thyroid Support. It can help you maintain essential iodine and selenium levels while reducing oxidative stress.
Get individual support
There is no underplaying the vital role hormones play, but they represent just one facet of your overall health. If you are ready to redefine the trajectory of your life, reclaim your health, and thrive today, tomorrow, and for years to come, give our holistic and alternative medicine team a call.
My multidisciplinary team can set the wheels in motion, directing you toward your best life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]