What is hormonal imbalance?

Before you can effectively manage your hormonal imbalance, you need to understand what may be causing it. Most often, these imbalances are due to an underlying health issue, such as a thyroid problem or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) . Hormonal disorders can also be linked to conditions like diabetes or hormonal imbalances caused by eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

It is also common for women over 45 to experience a decrease in estrogen levels due to menopause .

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, stress levels, and lack of exercise can contribute to hormonal problems.

The different types of hormones in the body

Our body secretes through the endocrine system. These are the endocrine glands , namely the pituitary gland , the thyroid gland , the parathyroid glands , the adrenal glands and the genital glands which play this role of secretion. different types of hormones which play different roles within our body:

• Sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a role in reproduction and sexual development.
• Thyroid hormones: which are used to regulate metabolism.
• Stress hormones: such as cortisol, which are used to manage stressful situations or contexts, however, be careful of high cortisol hormone levels which can have harmful repercussions.

Progesterone : What is it responsible for? Well, it's responsible for the production of estrogen. During the uterine cycle, it's responsible for the formation of uterine mucous membranes in women. It's considered a calming hormone. If the metabolism of this hormone doesn't occur, it can lead to mood swings or fluctuations.

Estrogen : Like progesterone, this female sex hormone, produced in the ovaries, stimulates the body and generates daily motivation. It generally increases during the “follicular” phase (the first phase of the cycle). If this hormone is lacking, morale can be at its lowest.

Testosterone : Thought it was only found in men? Well, this male sex hormone also plays a role in women's bodies! Also produced by the ovaries, it promotes muscle growth in women and significantly influences body fat levels. It also contributes to a healthy libido.

Oxytocin : This time, the hormone we're talking about is secreted in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that manages the production of certain hormones as well as their regulation. Released in high doses during sexual acts. It is notably largely responsible for our level of empathy, especially during pregnancy, it plays a calming role on infants and strengthens the mother-child bond.

What are the causes of hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal disorders are subject to many factors, from genetics, to lifestyle (epigenetics) but also by medical history, individual sensitivity, and exposure to toxins (and endocrine system disruptors) at key times in our lives (early childhood, adolescence, etc.).

Among the root causes of the most common hormonal imbalances are:

• Overweight and inflammation (poor diet/sedentary lifestyle)
• Chronic stress ​
• Genetics
• Chronic exposure to toxins (alcohol, pesticides, viruses, tobacco, chemical agents, etc.)
• Exposure to endocrine disruptors
• Lack of sleep
• Excessive sweating
• Overconsumption of soy products
• But also more serious pathologies (Turner syndrome, allergies or serious infections, etc.)
• Estrogen dominance: increased irritability, mood swings, appetite swings, breast pain, heavy periods, sleep disturbances
• Adrenal fatigue: mental fog, persistent fatigue, decreased motivation, sleep disturbances.
• Endometriosis: a very broad range of pain and signs (digestive, intimate discomfort, bloated stomach, pain, etc.), which can soon be detected by saliva tests.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): abnormal hair and facial hair growth, weight gain, hormonal acne, abnormal uterine bleeding, or absence of periods for weeks
• Low estrogen levels: decreased libido, fertility problems, mood swings, irregular cycles
• Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism: slowing or speeding up metabolism, weight loss or gain, and irregular menstruation
• Perimenopause: (usually between 44 and 52 years old, 7 years of symptoms that vary from one woman to another), hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, mental fog, intimate dryness...

The main hormonal disorders in women

• Hyperestrogenism : Often caused by an overproduction of estrogen relative to progesterone levels. This typically results in symptoms such as heavy periods, swollen and painful breasts, and sleep disturbances, and can therefore impact overall health.
• Hyperprogesteronemia : Conversely, here the progesterone level is higher than that of estrogen, an imbalance is also created and leads to episodes of anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue, a general slowdown is felt.

What are the main symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

Detecting a hormonal imbalance is not easy, as the symptoms can be so diverse and varied. They can be physical or psychological in nature. To help you identify them, we have listed the main symptoms by category:

Menstrual cycle disorders

As a woman, one of the signs that should alert you is, of course, a disruption in your menstrual cycles. This disruption can take different forms:

• Your period is longer than normal or shorter than normal
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• A complete absence of your period can also be a sign
• More pronounced premenstrual syndrome
• Increased sensitivity in the breasts
• Fertility disorder
• Possible uterine fibroids

Physical symptoms:

Apart from menstrual cycles, physical signs that may appear are:

• An acne breakout or rash
• Rapid weight gain or loss while your diet remains the same
• Headaches
• Palpitations or heart rhythm disturbances
• Infertility
• Bloating
• Excessive sweating
• Decreased libido

Psychological symptom:

On a psychological level, symptoms are often the result of an abnormal increase in hormones such as cortisol, responsible for anxiety and stress:

• Anxiety
• Unusual fatigue
• Sleep disturbances and night sweats
• Mood swings accompanied by irritability
• Depression disorder

What to do in case of hormonal imbalance?

When should you have a hormonal assessment?

Hormonal testing looks for abnormalities in hormone function using blood, saliva, or urine samples. It often needs to be done at a specific point in the cycle. There are different types of tests, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:

• Saliva test : measures estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and DHEA levels at the cellular level. To see changes, several samples are compared.
• Urine tests : reflect the presence of all hormones over a day, and not at a given moment like a blood or saliva test
• Blood tests : measures total free hormone levels (unlike urine and saliva tests)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone tests : used to determine the hormonal status of women approaching menopause

What are the main natural solutions?

The good news is that it is possible to act quickly and significantly on a temporary hormonal imbalance since 75% of our hormonal balance depends on our lifestyle!

If you only have to remember a few simple and natural methods that have proven effective for many people:

1. Limit inflammation and insulin imbalances by choosing a low-carb diet (with a low glycemic index to avoid disrupting insulin) and limiting dairy products.
2. Choose healthy fatty acids (olive oil, rapeseed oil, walnut oil, etc.), as good fats are closely linked to hormone production. See our article on the best nutrients needed for good hormonal balance
3. Get moving !! Ideally, mix physical activities that make you sweat (e.g.: brisk walking, jogging, cycling, etc.) with gentler activities that work on relaxation and deep muscles (yoga, Pilates, etc.). Sport notably lowers cortisol levels, the great enemy of hormonal balance, and skyrockets serotonin, the great friend of our good mood and energy!
4. Take care of your sleep : check yourself at regular times, be more attentive to your sleep signals and limit screens and blue light before going to bed
5. Check for deficiencies in certain nutrients, including magnesium , vitamin B6 , zinc , and vitamin D, which are often lacking in cases of hormonal imbalance.
6. Adopt adaptogenic plants , such as Ashwagandha or Rhodiola for example, with proven effects on stress, but also the proper functioning of the thyroid. Ashwagandha would be the queen of plants for these effects: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and adrenal fatigue linked to chronic stress.

What about hormonal treatments?

Hormonal therapies (hormone replacement therapy for menopause, hormonal contraceptives, thyroid medication, etc.) are sometimes essential, but could be prescribed in a more informed manner and better monitored, according to many women!

For example, not prescribing the pill systematically to a teenager whose cycles are not yet "established", or reserving hormonal treatment for menopause for the first 3 years would have a more beneficial effect than for a longer period... much progress needs to be made, particularly in terms of non-hormonal methods of contraception!

With several key concerns:

1. We treat the symptom and discomfort, but not the root cause of the problem, so long-term use!
2. Often significant side effects and a risk of addiction! Be particularly careful with certain medications such as statins, corticosteroids or rexinoids which can impact your hormonal system. Talk to your doctor .

What are the consequences of hormonal imbalance?

If hormonal balance is disrupted, it leads to complex symptoms and weakens our health. Depending on the type of hormone involved, this can affect:

• The physical
• The emotional
• The mind

Life as a whole can be disrupted in this way. It is important to take care of your hormonal balance to maintain homeostasis.

How can we better balance our female hormones?

To manage hormonal imbalance, it's important not only to address any underlying medical issues, but also to make lifestyle changes to keep your hormones in check. This means eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, while reducing processed foods and refined sugars, and getting regular physical activity every day. Also, try to reduce your stress levels by engaging in calming activities, such as yoga or meditation, and getting restful sleep every night.

There is also our food supplement Serenity Essentials , which will allow you to regulate your stress and your cravings.

Are you experiencing an imbalance in your menstrual cycle?

In most cases, a hormonal imbalance can lead to an imbalance in your menstrual cycle. In fact, periods that occur outside of the normal cycle are considered menstrual disorders. The imbalance observed can be in the intensity of the period, the frequency, or even a combination of both.

Chronic blood loss can affect a woman's overall condition. This is especially true if you suffer from amenorrhea (absence of periods outside of menopause) or excessively heavy discharge: normally, we are supposed to lose between 8 and 10 teaspoons of blood per cycle. You may also suffer from very irregular cycles linked to stress, or at the beginning of the perimenopause phase . What other symptoms can alert us? 🧐

Have you gained weight even though you eat well?

Physical activity, diet, and lifestyle undoubtedly influence the distribution of fat tissue and body weight. Hormonal balance also plays a key role in this regard.

Thus, unexpected and sudden weight gain can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism, which is also characterized by a tendency to be cold. Indeed, certain hormones directly or indirectly control metabolic processes. For example, estrogen plays an important role in the secretion of leptin, the hormone that regulates the sensation of satiety and hunger.

Some studies also show that a drop in estrogen levels in the body causes a reduction in the secretion of this hormone. Similarly, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance such as hyperthyroidism. Indeed, when the body produces too much thyroid hormone, metabolism accelerates, leading to a rapid heart rate, weight loss, and heat intolerance.

Are your mood swings increasing, and are you often irritable?

Hormones influence brain function, especially in women who experience more hormonal imbalances than men. For example, menopause, pregnancy , and premenstrual syndrome can contribute to sudden mood swings. If you find yourself increasingly irritable for no apparent reason, it may be worth boosting your diet with magnesium (dark chocolate, nuts, etc.), saffron, and L-tryptophan (banana, legumes, brown rice, etc.) and seeking support to understand the root causes.

Similarly, hormonal imbalance can lead to frequent mood swings. This can have a negative impact on those affected. Additionally, rashes and very dry skin are also signs to be aware of.

Do you have trouble concentrating or suffer from “brain fog”?

Chronic fatigue and poor concentration may require medical treatment. Concentration problems can manifest as memory loss, difficulty sitting still, or difficulty thinking clearly.

People who suffer from it often have difficulty staying still or relaxing. An inability to make decisions, perform complicated tasks, or a lack of attention are also signs to consider. If symptoms persist, you should consult a professional.

Are you tired and/or have disturbed sleep?

Melatonin , the hormone that triggers our sleep, is produced by a gland in the brain, namely the pineal gland or epiphysis. It is released during the night and reacts to light. Its purpose is to promote the onset of sleep and facilitate waking. Unlike melatonin, other hormones can disrupt sleep. These include estrogen, which can cause insomnia during menopause. When they decrease, they cause hot flashes and night sweats, which disrupt sleep.

Therefore, insomnia can be attributed to a hormonal imbalance. Furthermore, from the age of 50, insomnia and broken sleep can be the result of a drop in estrogen. To minimize the impact of these hormones on sleep, you must follow certain rules. You must maintain a regular sleep schedule and be attentive to the first signs of fatigue so as not to miss your sleep cycle (yawning, drop in temperature, etc.) because melatonin levels increase about 2 hours before bedtime. The best way to avoid disrupting your melatonin levels is to avoid sports and screens (blue light) at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed.

What to remember

Hormonal disorders take very varied forms at all stages of life, and will affect almost all women at some point in their lives, which is why it seems so important to us to focus on identifying them and better understanding and supporting them, to become actors in our well-being again.

The most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance are mood swings, weight loss or gain, fatigue, digestive problems, libido and attention, as well as repercussions on the skin and hair (blemishes, dry skin, hair loss, etc.).

Most of these hormonal disorders can be improved naturally if they are taken at the right time, with good support (specialized micronutritionist, endocrinologist, etc.: see our partners ) and a good overall lifestyle (diet / stress management / sleep management / physical exercise).