What food does contribute towards balancing an hormonal imbalance?



A hormone imbalance usually occurs in women and is caused when the normal levels of estrogen and progesterone have changed. These two hormones, in women, play a very important part in making the female species capable of reproduction.

Any slight variation can result in swift symptoms and usually indicate some disease. Hormonal imbalance symptoms are many and can be noticed instantly. Most women experience mood swings as a hormonal imbalance symptom. This also happens to be one of the most acute hormonal imbalance symptoms. Other hormonal imbalance symptoms are weight gain, irregular periods, bloating and breast tenderness. There are even diseases that cause hormonal imbalance and lead to the symptoms; these include endometriosis, uterine fibroids and cysts.

In women, hormonal imbalance symptoms can begin from late twenties and continue till menopause. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in menopausal women and women who have had hysterectomies are similar. Menopause is a time when the woman’s body naturally stops producing eggs for fertility. The body goes through many acute symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain or weight loss and erratic mood swings due to this hormonal fluctuation. When women get hysterectomies, they usually surgically remove the uterus and/or the ovaries due to medical reasons like cysts or fibroids. This causes an unnatural menopause in their bodies.

Hormonal imbalance in children is usually lifestyle related. The imbalance can occur in little boys or girls due to the fluctuation of thyroid, cortisone, insulin or other hormones. The symptoms include weight gain, anxiety, mood swings, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity and even poor or reduced social skills. Hormonal imbalance in children can also affect their growth.

Men can also experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance. The predominant hormone in men is testosterone. Typical symptoms include sudden weight gain, reducing muscle and bone density. Decreased testosterone leads to low libido while increased testosterone leads to enhanced aggressiveness.

There can be hormonal imbalances even in teenage girls specifically. This imbalance is usually caused when the teenage girl approaches puberty. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in teenage girls results in irregular menstrual cycles and acne. Ordinarily this imbalance is corrected as her cycle regularizes but in case it does not, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist. Sometimes the hormonal imbalance can signify hyperthoirdism or even a condition known as polycycstic ovary syndrome or PCOS. As a teenager, if the hormonal imbalance symptoms are prolonged, it is best to get it checked out. Especially because even regular hormonal change tends to be acute in teenagers as it is the first time their body is undergoing this change and this could result in immense discomfort.

One would also notice hormonal imbalance in women after marriage, especially when the woman is planning for pregnancy or against it. Use of birth control pills is also known to cause hormonal imbalance in women. Used a method for contraception, pills are known to affect the hormonal balance in the body of the woman. These pills are largely hormone pills which can cause an imbalance. It is necessary to remember that effective hormonal imbalance treatment could be achieved through changes in lifestyle.

There are many natural remedies for hormonal imbalance treatment. Treating hormonal imbalance with proper nutrition is important as providing the required types of food for hormonal imbalance treatment is known to be very effective. The imbalance is usually caused by an unfit lifestyle where large amounts of processed foods are consumed; there is a lot of stress and anxiety along with an excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Women with hormonal imbalances are also known to not exercise. There are specific foods that remedy hormonal imbalance. You should change your diet to one which includes whole grains, seeds, nuts, more fruits and vegetables and leaner proteins. Ensure that exercise is a regular part of your life. Increase your intake of foods that are rich with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Reduce your stress and take adequate rest. Such simple steps should correct an ill-timed hormonal imbalance. If you are going through menopausal symptoms, seek help from a doctor. You can also increase your consumption of phytoestrogens that come from plants and mimic the hormone in your body. These can be found in cabbage, broccoli, chick peas and beans.

answered by A S


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