Since starting The Sober Club I have been looking at just what alcohol affects in our physical health and without doubt ditching the booze is one of the best things you can do for yourself if your hormones are out of balance. Its not the only thing of course, and recently I have some podcast episodes and interviewed some leading lights on this important topic. I asked a US guest writer to write this post for us:
Everyone has experienced hormonal imbalance at least once in their life. Nearly half of women have also experienced symptoms of hormonal imbalance. For both men and women, essential hormones will fluctuate at some point in life and for various reasons.
One major reason for fluctuating hormones is age. Other than that, you may experience hormone imbalance when your endocrine glands get the recipe wrong.
Hormone imbalance may be caused by:
- Poor diet
- Chronic stress
- Insomnia
- Genetic variations
- Exposure to toxins
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Medications
How to know if you have a hormonal imbalance
Hormone imbalance symptoms can be different between individuals and vary between sexes.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women include:
- Irregular periods
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Pain during sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Sweating at night
- Unexplained weight gain
- Low sex drive
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Fatigue
- Dry hair and skin
- Trouble concentrating
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men include:
- Development of breast tissue
- A decrease in beard growth and body hair growth
- Muscle loss
- Difficulty concentration
- Loss of bone mass
- Hot flashes
However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you are experiencing hormone imbalance. Only a doctor can determine if hormonal imbalance is behind your symptoms. Dominique Fradin Read will assess the situation and give a detailed report and a treatment plan to help balance your hormones if it is indeed the problem.
Importance of hormone balancing
Hormones control almost everything in the body. They are like messengers that pass on instructions between body organs. They control how you feel, manage behavior, reproduction, development, and everything else in the body.
For instance, a healthy hormone balance boosts brain function and prevents cognitive issues such as memory gaps, shortened attention spans, etc.
They also improve your cardiovascular, bone health, sex drive, skin, hair, sleep, and energy.
In addition, a healthy hormone balance keeps your OS in proper condition. Since the hormones keep your body running smoothly, they enhance an overall body clean function by getting rid of harmful viruses and bacteria. They are also responsible for a youthful appearance and the good feeling you often experience.
Ways to maintain hormone balance
The only way to know if you have hormonal imbalance is to get diagnosed by a doctor. Depending on your symptoms, your guru of hormone balancing may suggest one or more diagnostic tests such as a blood test, pelvic exam, ultrasound, or other additional tests such as thyroid scan, biopsy, and MRI, X-ray, or sperm count test.
Treatment options for a hormonal imbalance
Treatment for hormonal imbalance depends on what’s causing it. However, common treatment options may include:
- Hormonal therapy such as estrogenic, testosterone, and thyroid hormone therapy
- Anti-androgen medications
- Hormonal birth control
- Natural ways to balance hormones
You can also balance your hormones naturally by:
- Eating a proper diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding sugar and refined carbs
- Managing stress
- Consuming healthy fats
- Eating fatty fish
- Getting adequate sleep
Your hormones are involved in every aspect of your health, and you need them in specific amounts for your body to function properly.
Hormonal imbalances alter body functions and can lead to severe complications. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain a healthy hormone balance.