We’ve all told our best friend we’re feeling “so hormonal” when that time of month rolls around; or for our older folks, when yet another hot flash reminds us that menopause has arrived.
You don’t really have to know too much about hormones to know that when they are out of balance. You’re likely going to feel moody, tired, hungry, bloated, and just not like yourself. When your hormones are balanced, however, you start to feel more like yourself and in control of your emotions – hallelujah!
Of course, the best way to ensure your hormones are perfectly balanced is to start to become more familiar with them. It truly becomes so much easier to manage something when it actually makes sense to you. Keep reading to learn more about the 7 more important female hormones and how an imbalance may affect you.
Estrogen
This is the hormone you may be most familiar with, as it is responsible for female characteristics, such as breasts and public hair. It helps to develop and maintain the reproductive system, alongside progesterone.
Estrogen contributes to essential bodily processes such as cardiovascular, bone, and cognitive health. It’s important to know that there are different kinds of estrogen. An imbalance in estrogen can lead to fatigue, night sweats, mood swings, and weight gain, to name just a few.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a pregnancy hormone that starts to dramatically increase around day 19 of your cycle. This is good news because progesterone can help you to feel chilled out and will ensure you sleep better. Progesterone is actually referred to as the valium hormone because it can make you feel so mellow. It is also the cause of you wanting to eat more as your period draws closer.
Irregular periods, any pregnancy issues or complications, and weight gain with low energy are all indicators your progesterone levels are off.
Testosterone
Produced in small amounts of the ovaries, this is actually a male sex hormone.
Testosterone helps with the “growth, maintenance, and repair of a women’s reproductive tissues, bone mass, and human behaviours.” When testosterone levels get too high, you may experience excess body hair, increased muscle mass, and acne.
Thyroxine
This is the main hormone produced by the thyroid; a butterfly-shaped gland in the beck that governs the hormones and is responsible for digestive and heart function, brain development, and muscle control, as well as keeping your bones healthy and your mood balanced.
Learn more about this incredibly important hormone and how to keep it balanced naturally.
Insulin
The cells in your muscles, fat, and liver absorb glucose (energy) circulating in your bloodstream thanks to the release of insulin.
Too much or too little can cause issues that may manifest initially as symptoms that include the need to urinate frequently and extreme thirst. If not managed, this imbalance can lead to diabetes in the future.
DHEA
This is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenals and an important precursor hormone. As we age, DHEA levels go down.
An imbalance of DHEA may contribute to PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and may increase the risk of depression.
Cortisol
Cortisol tends to have a bit of a bad reputation because when this one is off balance and flooding your body on a regular basis, you are certainly not going to feel your best. Too much cortisol increases internal inflammation, thus increasing y our risk of anxiety symptoms while contributing to all sorts of physical symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, and digestive disturbances.
On the positive side, when cortisol is released in sufficient amounts, it can help to reduce inflammation and control your blood sugar levels. A flushed, red face, menstrual cycle irregularities and hair loss are just a few signs your cortisol levels may be imbalanced.
Balancing your hormones naturally
There are different lifestyle factors that can help you balance your hormones naturally. In addition to a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and just the right amount of exercise, supplementation can be helpful too.
Consider our Women’s Everyday Probiotic, featuring 2 specific strains that restore vaginal health. This formula provides anti-microbial support against uropathogens and contains added cranberry extract to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
An additional supplement to include in your regimen is a daily probiotic as a healthy gut is absolutely essential for healthy, balanced hormones.
Hope this helps you better understand your hormones so you can feel your best.
