29 Home Remedies for Hormonal Imbalances

Human beings have diverse hormones. It comprises of estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline, and insulin. These hormones are of critical importance to your general health. The different glands and organs of the body emit these various hormones. These include your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles, and pancreas.

It is crucial to maintain a balance of these hormones; just a slight imbalance can cause widespread, major health consequences. Thus, the whole endocrine system works together to control the level of hormones circulating throughout the body.  

 

Causes

Menopause, puberty, or premenstrual syndrome is known to be the major causes of hormonal imbalance. Every hormone in the body have a unique role and they have to be secreted at the right amount otherwise the proper functioning of the body can be disturbed and can cause major health problems.

 

Common Causes

• Excess consumption of alcohol
• Exposure to chemicals
• An overdose of painkillers
• Erratic sleeping patterns

 

Symptoms

• Weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Fatigue

 

Home Remedies for Hormonal Imbalances

1. Exercise

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the best all-around activities that you can do for your health wellbeing. One of the most effective HIIT exercises is the burst training is a silver bullet. It can help with sluggish metabolism, weight gain, and other issues.

Generally, exercise is great for balancing and to regulate hormones production and use of the various hormones. The following are some benefits of physical training:

• Maintains a healthy weight
• Lowers stress
• Helps regulate your appetite
• Aids in getting better sleep.
• Enhance immune system
• Allow the cells to take up more glucose which lowers insulin
• Antidepressant
• Keeps you more alert without the need for caffeine

2. Plastics and Containers

BPA which is present in plastics bottles, aluminum cans, and containers have a toxic effect on the body. Use glass and stainless steel instead of these plastic containers.

Another way to avoid these chemicals comes into the food you prepare is to substitute Teflon pans to stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron.

 

3. Basil

Basil is an herb that contains a substantial amount of anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It is an effective medicine in curing stress, pain, fever and protecting vital organs like the liver. It is also a natural diabetes remedy because it controls the blood glucose level. Moreover, basil aids in lowering the cortisol because a high cortisol level can affect the ovaries, pancreas and thyroid glands.

Basil can be used as a tea by boiling the leaves in water for ten minutes, strain and drink a cup of this tea three times a day.

Alternatively, by simply eating basil leaves on an empty stomach regularly for a few months, you can also treat your hormonal imbalance.

 

4. Sound Rest

Your hormone generally works on a schedule. It is vital that you get about eight hours of sleep every night. Insufficient sleep and disturbed sleeping patterns can cause a hormonal imbalance. The primary stress hormone which is the cortisol is regulated at midnight. When you go to bed very late you cannot truly get a break sympathetic fight/flight stress response.

The following are the biggest contributors to high cortisol level:

• Lack of sleep
• Long-term use of corticosteroids
• Chronic stress

 

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are liable for the production of hormones. They assist in reducing menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms in women by attaining a balance of the  hormones. These fatty acids generate healthy and responsive cell membranes. This helps a better adherence of hormones to the cell.

Raw butter consists of various fatty acids which can help improve metabolism, have antimicrobial properties and fight against bacteria. Food rich in fatty acid to get balanced hormones include the following:

• Flax seeds
• Walnuts
• Olive oil
• Chia seeds
• Winter squash
• Oily fish
• Soybeans

 

6. Avoid Excessive Stress

Having enough sleep is important in keeping stress hormones balanced, builds energy and allows the body to recover properly.  Insufficient rest and excessive stress are linked to higher levels of morning cortisol, decreased immunity, low performance at work, and a higher susceptibility to anxiety, weight gain,  and depression. It is best to have a regular time to get to bed, ideally by 10 pm then you can create a sleep-wake-cycle.

 

7. Fenugreek

These aromatic seeds contain diosgenin, a phytoestrogen compound that appears to work like the hormone estrogen. Fenugreek is a natural hormone replacement therapy. It has been used for many years.

To use this home remedy, soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of hot water for fifteen minutes. Strain the solution. Add a small amount of honey and lemon for taste. Drink it two-three times a day.  

 

8. Regulate Caffeine

The effect of drinking too much caffeine is almost as bad as not getting enough sleep though for some people in moderation caffeine intake might be okay. Caffeine is a chemical that affects the central nervous system and can stay in your system for up to six hours.  It also raises your heart rate, increases alertness and changes the way your brain produces hormones.

Caffeine is addictive by nature, increases nervousness and anxiety in many people and is related to insomnia. Caffeine overdoses are not common. It can elevate the cortisol levels if it interferes with your normal sleep cycle. It can effect on other stress hormones such as adrenaline production.

 

9. Asian Ginseng  

Asian ginseng is effective in keeping the hormonal balance of your body. The adrenaline which releases hormones related to stress can be controlled by ginseng. Other known benefits are that it is effective in providing relief from menstrual symptoms and increases sperm production.

You can take 200mg of Asian Ginseng extract daily for two weeks. Thereafter resume the process again after taking a break of three weeks as this herb is better to consume in cycles.

Note: If you are presently in any kind of medication, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using as it can disrupt their functions.

 

10. Magnesium

Magnesium is another effective medicine for retaining a hormonal balanced. This powerful medicine can prevent excessive production of cortisol and insulin. It is vital for thyroid production. It is also included in the manufacture of steroid hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

For the prevention of certain disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, magnesium can be used. The mineral in magnesium oil is best when applied topically as it absorbed by the skin well then the digestive tract.

 

11. Vitamin D

Vitamin D operates like a hormone inside the body. It has a significant effect on maintaining inflammation levels low. Many people who live in dark areas are recommended a vitamin D supplements as prevention for seasonal depression and other health complications.

The best way to optimize vitamin D intake is sunshine. The bare skin actually produces vitamin D on its own when exposed to even a small amount of direct sunlight. Those who live in areas where sun exposure is limited would need vitamin D3 supplement of about 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily.

 

12. Withania Somnifera

Withania somnifera is an herb that is exceptionally helpful in keeping the desired amount of hormone levels. It has been used since ancient times for recuperating our health condition. It also maintains the hormones in a balanced form as it reduces cortisol level.

Withania Somnifera has the ability to let hormones to simply join to the cells. It is effective in increasing the production of androgens, testosterone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). It is also helpful in improving thyroid gland functioning. Dissolved in water, a pinch of this herb can be used to balance hormonal imbalance.

 

13. Avoid Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a kind of therapy that increases estrogen levels to such critical levels that it can cause many health implications. Taking into consideration that there are many other better ways to prevent pregnancy, be cautious when using these pills.

 

14. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks have many nutritional values. They have a large amount of vitamin A and D. Its vitamin D content functions as a natural steroid hormone in our body.  Moreover, the selenium found in egg yolks transforms thyroid hormones from the inactive state to active state. The egg yolks have cholesterol which is an essential part of sex hormones that helps balance the hormonal quantities.

15. Dong Quai

Dong Quai is an aromatic plant found in the mountains of China, Korea, and Japan. This home remedies can be used to treat different health problems such as:

• Menstrual cramps
• Menopausal symptoms
• Infertility
• Ulcers
• Joint pain

It is also effective in balancing the estrogen and progesterone in its desired level. People use this herb to maintain healthy and energetic. Dong Quai has sedative and anti-inflammatory qualities. You can have balance hormones when taken regularly.  

 

16. Gelatin

Gelatin is rich in magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. It is therefore very helpful to balance the hormones and lessens stress. The level of amino acids and estrogen predominance in the body that causes monthly cramps in women and infertility in men can be regulated with gelatin consumption.

Balanced consumption of amino acids performs an important role in thyroid function, hormone production, and metabolic rate. The collagen content of gelatin can help to repair skin. It is likely beneficial in reducing inflammation in your joints.  

 

17. Black Cohosh

Black cohosh can build up the hormones in particular parts of the body. This herb is a suitable source of estrogen. It functions like estrogen in certain body parts like the brain, bone, and vagina. The glycosides and isoferulic in black cohosh can be effective to help in hormone regulation.

Warning: this plant is not suitable for pregnant women.

 

18. Avocados

The mono-unsaturated fats found in avocados have many health benefits. They are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamins E & B, and folic acid. These vitamins and minerals are essential for retaining hormonal and cholesterol balance in the body.

 

19. Chaste berry

The fruit of chaste berry preserves the proper level of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It can aid with fertility and maintains ovulation in women. Chate berries are also known to intensify the pituitary gland for the production of a hormone which helps the ovaries release progesterone. It is also a good in treating premenstrual syndrome.

Chaste berry inhibits prolactin from releasing and raises progesterone. It, therefore, maintains a proper balance between estrogen and progesterone which is a requirement for an appropriate menstrual cycle.

This herb is available in the tincture form. The bioactive compounds in chaste berry which are shown to improve hormonal balance and especially on the pituitary gland include flavonoids, vitexin, casticin, alkaloids, and diterpenes.

Note that this herb increases the menstrual flow and should not be taken by pregnant women.

 

20. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto reduces 5-alpha-reductase so that it does not let the testosterone get changed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Oil formation can happen with the production of DHT. It blocks the pores of the skin and makes the hair thin. Saw palmetto is a helpful alternative in maintaining the right level of hormones during menstrual cycle and menopause.

 

21. Carrot

The fiber in carrots which helps to absorbs excess estrogen and takes it out of the body. Carrot works well in balancing hormones in both men and women. Carrot fiber prevents estrogen from being reabsorbed in the intestine which normally happens when having a difficulty passing out feces. Too much production of estrogen can cause different kinds of hormonal disorders, including premenstrual syndrome, mood disorders, acne, and infertility.  

22. Maca Root

The root of maca plant supports the release of hormones. It improves fertility and beneficial in treating libido. It is helpful for the whole body. Maca root is rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Iodine
• Zinc
• Phosphorus
• Calcium
• Essential fatty acids

The root should be taken on a regular basis for a few months, increasing the amounts from ¼ to 2 teaspoonfuls. The maca root powder can be mixed with water, milk, yogurt, juice, or herbal tea.

 

23. Limit Red Meat

To attain a balanced hormone it is important to limit red meat consumption including related dairy products:

• Mutton
• Veal
• Pork
• Beef

 

Dairy products like these are also better options:

• Full fat milk
• Cream
• Cheese  

 

24. Red Raspberry leaf

Red Raspberry leaf is well known to aid fertility, reduce premenstrual syndrome, and cramping. This herb is especially rich in calcium and is a uterine tonic. It can be used as a hot or cold tea and you can get it in a capsule form.

25. Processed Foods to Avoid

Processed foods contain easy carbs that cause to the development of the high blood sugar levels which in turn can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system. The following processed foods should be avoided:

• Sweets
• Baker items
• Processed snacks
• Processed meals
• White bread

 

26. Defined Eating Pattern  

To maintain the body’s metabolism process as well as endocrine system, you need to gain a definite eating pattern. Consider the following benefits of a defined eating pattern:

• It is essential to have a hearty and healthy breakfast
• Proper intervals between meals
• Ideally, five to six small meals throughout the day

 

27. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is easily available everywhere. It has a lot of advantages. Coconut oil can be used in cooking, massaging and treating various diseases. It is also known that it is beneficial in attaining the hormones balanced. Some benefits of coconut oil are:

• Reduce weight
• Improves immunity  
• Balance blood sugar levels
• Boosts metabolism

Every day, use two to three tablespoons of coconut oil should be included in your diet. Coconut oil is safe to be used as cooking oil. For the best results, use extra virgin coconut oil.

 

28.  Stress Reduction Tips

These are some holistic ways to reduce stress and maintain balanced hormones:

• Deep breathing
• Swimming
• Nature treks
• Yoga
• Meditation

29. Eliminate Toxic products

One way to get rid of toxins in your body is to keep away from using somebody care products that contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to the body like DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium sulfate. Natural body care products that contain essential oils, coconut oil, shea butter and castor oil are a good substitute.

Which of these home remedies are you most likely to try? Comment with your answer below!

 

References

http://www.naturalnews.com/040665_hormones_food_remedies_inflammation.html

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/balance-hormone-levels-naturally.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-best-herbs-for-female-hormone-balance/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/59795-natural-treat-female-hormone-imbalance/

http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hormone-balancing-foods-better-skin

http://www.myhealthtips.in/2013/10/home-remedies-for-hormonal-imbalance.html