While very important, our sex hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, are actually not essential for our survival. They’re responsible for sexual
functioning and fertility, as well as in more of a “beauty” capacity – keeping our skin, hair & nails vital and youthful looking.
On the other hand, stress hormones (like cortisol & epinephrine, also known as adrenaline) are critical to our survival because they synthesize proteins, maintain cellular electrolyte balance, regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, and transport glucose into our cells – essentially feeding our brain.
These hormones are so crucial, that in times of chronic stress, cortisol (the “hormone of stress”) will be made at the expense of sex hormones. No wonder we can start feeling whacked out at certain
stages of life!
So what happens when hormones stop playing well together leading up to menopause?
Your ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, the two key hormones that control the reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle and female fertility.
As your ovaries age and release fewer hormones, your body may no longer effectively regulate oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and due to the interconnected nature of the endocrine system, one hormonal
imbalance can lead to others, causing multiple symptoms and overlapping health issues.
The 10 most common signs that signal you probably have a hormonal imbalance associated with the onset of menopause
Poor sleep -not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep
Fatigue – that’s not alleviated by sleep
Night sweats – and hot flushes
Resistant – excess weight and body fat, especially around the belly
Low libido – dry vagina and/or sexual dysfunction
Overactive – or irritated bladder
Acne – or other skin issues
Foggy – thinking (brain fog!) and difficulty concentrating
Mental – health issues – depression and anxiety in particular
Mood changes – like irritability and anger
The main causes of hormonal imbalances
While hormonal changes are a normal occurance leading up to menopause, there are many other causes of hormonal imbalance that can also contribute to adverse health symptoms. Here are the most common ones that have been identified in addition to menopause-related symptoms:
- Chronic stress
- Medications (e.g. the Pill)
- Toxins and endocrine disruptors
like xenoestrogens - Poor nutrition and lack of
adequate key nutrients - Blood sugar regulation problems
- Disrupted circadian rhythm
- Chronic inflammation (e.g. ‘leaky
gut’ & digestive system inflammation)
Simple ways to support and rebalance your hormones naturally during menopause:
Eat whole foods: processed, packaged foods, offering little to no nutritive value, will also offer little to no fuel for your hormones.
Be sure to eat fresh, rather than packaged foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and quality sources of free range and grass fed meats and eggs. Also, if tolerated – nuts, seeds, and legumes in moderation.
Grains and dairy may cause or exacerbate hormonal problems for some people.
Eat more good fats: Good fats are essential for hormonal health because sex hormones need fat as a building block – and your body can only use the ones you give it.
Opt for sources of good fats from whole foods, such as avocados, raw nuts & seeds, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, real butter or ghee (grass fed preferable), wild-caught salmon, and free range eggs – yes, you can eat the yolks!
Exercise daily: Working out on a regular basis, engaging in resistance (or strength) training, and incorporating a specific workout called HIIT (high intensity interval training) has been proven to be especially beneficial for keeping our bodies AND our hormones fit.
Better sleep: getting deeper, more restorative sleep can be the ultimate key to supporting your hormones, above all other measures (but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the other ones!)
Stress management & self-care: the truth is – stress can be devastating for hormonal health. We need to equip ourselves to manage the stress and “business” of everyday life through the actions that bring back balance and wellbeing to our bodies AND our minds – like good nutrition, exercise and sleep!
Learn better coping mechanisms (like breathing techniques), practice mindfulness and be sure to engage in daily self-care.
Want to beat the menopause blues?
Well, if you’re quick, you can still snap up one of the free 15 minute consultations I’ve scheduled in my calendar between now and New Year. But hurry as there’s a limited number and when they’re gone, they’re gone folks. So if you’d like to find out what you can do RIGHT NOW to set your hormones right again, book in now for your free 15 minute consultation.
References
https://draxe.com/benefits-high-intensity-interval-training/
https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/hormonalimbalance/what-is-hormonal-imbalance.aspx