The Hormone Balancing Guide for Beginners
More and more women are talking about the side effects of birth control, balancing ther hormones, cycle syncing, and learning how to take control of their overall hormonal health. Currently, i's all the buzz. But, have you felt confused around it? Hormones can be confusing! Like, what even are hormones? What do they do and why do they seem to be such a problem, and how do you know if you have a hormonal imbalance?
Well, I’ve been there! When I was 19, I suddenly gained 20 pounds, broke out in hormonal acne, and experienced extreme mental health symptoms. It was very clearly hormonally related, but none of the doctors I saw for help were interested in looking deeper. They put me on anxiety medication, antibiotics and birth control to manage the chaos.
Eventually, I was informally diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and that kicked off an 8-year journey where I became obsessed with learning everything I could about hormonal & holistic health. I had to take my health into my own hands because no one seemed to have the answers that I really needed - which was, what is happening to me? You might feel similar—frustrated, confused, and desperate for real answers. And I want you to know: you’re not alone!
What Are Hormones?
Understanding what hormones are is actually pretty simple! They are the phone line of your body - the communicators. They are the chemical messengers your body uses to communicate between its organs and tissues so your body knows what to do to be centered, balanced, healthy. Hormones are produced by glands and then travel through your bloodstream to send messages to different parts of your body, helping regulate important functions like:
Metabolism (how your body uses energy)
Sleep cycles
Mood and stress regulation
Reproductive health (your menstrual cycle, fertility)
Growth and development
& so so so much more!
Think of hormones as the "internal communication system" of your body. When your hormones are balanced, your body communicates smoothly and everything works as it should. But when hormones are sending the wrong messages, it can cause disruptions in multiple systems throughout your body.
What is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance refers to there being too much or too little of certain hormones in your system. However, it's very important to understand that hormonal imbalance is rarely the root cause of health issues. Instead, it’s often a symptom that points to something deeper—like underlying conditions affecting your thyroid, adrenals, gut health, or blood sugar regulation.
For example, PCOS is a common condition associated with hormonal imbalance, but PCOS itself is often tied to insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic issues. Similarly, symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain may be linked to Thyroid dysfunction or Chronic stress that impacts cortisol levels.
In other words, hormonal imbalance is often a signal that there’s something else happening with your body that needs attention.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
While a hormonal imbalance can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms—such as fatigue, weight gain, acne, and irregular periods—it’s important to understand that the imbalance itself is often just a signal. Hormonal related issues are not one isolated problem - they are a communication problem that stems from underlying systemic dysfunction in the body. They point to an underlying issue. Some of the common causes can be:
Thyroid Issues: If your thyroid isn't functioning properly due to systemic dysfunction, it can affect your metabolism, energy levels, and your mood.
Blood Sugar Imbalance: Insulin resistance and poor blood sugar regulation can interfere with hormonal balance, particularly in women with conditions like PCOS. this can lead to poor mood regulation, weight gain, and more.
Adrenal Dysfunction: Your adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic stress or overworking the adrenals can cause imbalances, leading to symptoms like anxiety, exhaustion, and weight gain.
Gut Health Problems: A compromised gut can impact your estrogen metabolism and contribute to hormone imbalances, as well as conditions like Leaky Gut and SIBO.
Age and Life Stages: Hormonal fluctuations naturally occur during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, but these changes can be compounded by other lifestyle or health issues.
The Role of Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body’s natural hormone production process. This come in the form of:
Plastics
Pesticides and herbicides
Toxin containing personal care products (like parabens or phthalates)
These chemicals mimic, block, or alter your hormones, and even small disruptions can cause long-term health consequences. Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors is an important part of protecting your hormone health and overall well being.
Things That Help
Because hormonal imbalance isn’t actually about your hormones but about something bigger, it’s important to address he root causes. Here are a few steps to help you get started:
Manage Stress: Stress is a major disruptor of adrenal health. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, yoga, or breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels and improve your overall health.
Focus on a Nutrient-Dense Diet: A balanced diet of whole foods—like vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains—supports your body’s cellular health.
Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is critical. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to help your body repair, regenerate, and regulate hormones.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity supports insulin sensitivity and cortisol regulation. Find an exercise routine that works for you and helps manage stress.
Address Gut Health: A healthy gut plays a big role. Prioritize a gut-friendly diet by reducing ultra processed foods and refined sugars.
Work With a Professional: If you suspect an underlying condition is at play, it’s essential to work with a healthcare provider who can help identify the root cause of your imbalance and guide you on the path to healing.
Need More Guidance?
Hormonal imbalances can feel frustrating and overwhelming, but remember: they’re often a sign that something deeper in your body needs attention. If you're struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance and don't know where to start, I’m here to help.
As someone who’s walked this path myself, I can guide you to uncover the root causes of your hormonal imbalances and create a personalized plan to restore balance to your body. It’s not about band-aid fixes; it’s about truly understanding and addressing what’s going on beneath the surface.
Ready to take control of your hormonal health? Let’s work together to figure out the root cause of your symptoms and help you get back to feeling like yourself. Book a consultation today, and let’s get started!