I often get more questions about hormones and fertility than anything else, and my post on nine natural ways to balance hormones has been incredibly popular for months!
Hormones play a bigger role in our lives than most people think, especially for women dealing with pain and symptoms from hormone issues. Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about PMS, PMDD, and period-related problems like cramps, so I thought it was time to discuss this topic. I personally dealt with severe PMS and cramps, so I understand how frustrating it can be.
PMS involves a range of symptoms that usually start in the second half of the menstrual cycle. These can include headaches, dizziness, cramps, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, food cravings, weight gain, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Typically, these symptoms show up before your period and ease off as it starts. Other issues like abdominal cramps and heavy bleeding can occur during menstruation.
Various factors can influence these symptoms, from genetics to nutrition and medications, but hormones are a major part of the equation. Balancing these hormones can significantly reduce symptoms. The monthly changes in estrogen and progesterone, along with hormones like FSH and LH, guide a woman’s cycle, and these hormones can affect brain chemicals, causing noticeable symptoms.
When hormones are balanced, you might not feel any discomfort. But if they’re out of balance, it can lead to a variety of symptoms. In my experience, both personal and from working with others, I’ve seen how changes in diet and supplements can balance estrogen and progesterone, reducing many symptoms. While results vary from person to person, a well-rounded approach often helps.
It’s important to avoid man-made fats found in vegetable oils. Our bodies are mainly made up of saturated and monounsaturated fats, not polyunsaturated ones. The high levels of polyunsaturated fats in vegetable oils have replaced many natural fats in our diets since the 1950s. These fats are unstable and can cause inflammation and cell mutations when used by the body, leading to health issues like clogged arteries and even cancer. Some evidence suggests they can also cause reproductive problems like endometriosis and PCOS. Instead, choose fats like coconut oil, real butter, olive oil, and fats from healthy animal sources, along with Omega-3-rich fish.
It’s also crucial to steer clear of toxins found in processed foods, pesticides, plastics, and household chemicals, as they can disrupt hormone production. Hormonal birth control may have similar effects. If you’re facing hormone imbalances or fertility issues, avoiding these toxins is key. Use glass or non-coated metal pans for cooking, avoid heating or storing food in plastic, buy organic meat and produce, and skip chemical pesticides and cleaners.
Eating fats from organic meats, butter, coconut oil, and other healthy sources aids hormone production. The wrong fats can disrupt hormones, but the right fats support them. Coconut oil is particularly beneficial for hormones, offering the necessary building blocks, aiding weight loss, reducing inflammation, and fighting microbes and bacteria. If your hormones need help, try incorporating 1/4 cup of coconut oil into your diet daily.
Grains, dairy, and vegetable oils can cause body inflammation and worsen hormonal problems. While effects vary, many hormonal issues improve after switching to a grain-free and dairy-free diet. Initially, focus on homemade bone broths, soups, grass-fed meats, and healthy fats to help your body heal and soften inflammation.
Ideally, we’d follow nature’s rhythm, like waking up with the sun, getting vitamin D outside, and relaxing with balanced activity. Since that’s not always possible, supplements can help fill in the gaps. Some are specifically helpful for hormone support, but check with your doctor before starting anything new.
Getting enough sleep is non-negotiable for balanced hormones. Prioritize sleep to improve hormone balance, health, and even life expectancy.
Switching to natural feminine hygiene products might also help reduce cramps for some women, as chemical-free options avoid the pitfalls of tampons and pads, including risks like toxic shock syndrome.
If you have hormone imbalances, strenuous exercise could worsen the issue temporarily. Prioritize relaxation and exercises like walking or swimming, and steer clear of intense cardio for now. Low-impact exercises like the T-Tapp system can also be beneficial because they help balance blood sugar and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Have you faced hormone-related symptoms? What has worked for you? Share your experiences!
