In a previous article, we discussed common overlooked signs of hormonal imbalance. Now you know that imbalance occurs when certain hormones are produced in smaller amounts, or when others are significantly more abundant. But how does such a situation actually arise?
Today, let's talk about the three most common causes of hormonal imbalance.
1. Stress
I dare say that stress factors are almost the most frequent cause of the onset or deepening of hormonal imbalance. As soon as the brain evaluates that you are in danger, it switches the body into "fight or flight" mode and triggers the production of stress hormones, which are meant to protect the organism. In the short term, the stress response and cortisol production are essential. However, chronically high levels of stress hormones disrupt some other bodily functions, which can have an overall negative impact on your health.
It should be noted that we do not consider stress only typical external factors that most of us probably imagine, such as job loss or work problems, a challenging period, or toxic relationships. Our brain also perceives stressors as triggers that you may not even be aware of. Increased cortisol production can thus be affected by insufficient energy intake and excessive exercise, strict restriction of certain macro or micronutrients, or poor sleep quality.
In the long term, a stress response can affect hormonal (im)balance in the following ways:
Disruption of thyroid function:
The thyroid gland is an important mediator for the health of all other hormones, including reproductive ones. It regulates the menstrual cycle in women, takes care of metabolism, and body temperature.
However, chronically elevated cortisol disrupts communication between the brain and the thyroid gland. Moreover, it prevents the proper conversion of hormones into an active form that body cells can utilize. (1) Stress can therefore contribute to slowing down metabolism and subsequent weight gain, worsen body temperature regulation, and, last but not least, affect psychological well-being.
Menstrual cycle disorders:
Chronic stress can also affect the cycle itself and the production of sex hormones. Repeated or prolonged exposure to stress can strain the axis through which the brain communicates with reproductive organs, manifesting as ovarian dysfunction and problems associated with decreased estrogen production.(2) Stress and the action of cortisol can thus lead to an anovulatory cycle or complete loss of menstruation, thereby increasing the risk of infertility.
Since the hormone progesterone is a precursor to cortisol, chronic stress directly affects its levels. In simple terms, this means that cortisol is formed from progesterone. With increased demands for cortisol production, progesterone levels decrease. This can then be reflected in the cycle, for example, by regular mood swings, increased cravings, or pain and digestive changes before menstruation, as estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced as they should be. (3)
2. Poor blood sugar regulation
When you hear about blood sugar levels, you probably automatically associate it with diabetes. In reality, blood sugar regulation disorders and the consequences associated with them are the most common cause of many chronic diseases and conditions that we, as a society, are currently facing. (4)
Cells throughout the body use blood sugar – glucose as a source of fast energy. For everything to function properly, glucose should always be at the correct concentration. During exercise or times of stress, sugar requirements increase. After every meal containing carbohydrates that we consume, blood sugar levels rise. The pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which transports glucose to cells and tissues, where they then use it as an energy source.
Where can a problem arise?
When the body is often exposed to sugar or simple forms of carbohydrates, it leads to a constant release of insulin, which, however, does not bode well for other hormones.
Among other things, insulin acts on the ovaries, and testosterone production increases, which is a typical sign especially for women with PCOS. Conversely, this leads to lower levels of the SHBG protein, which binds excess estrogen and testosterone in the blood. Because of this, estrogen dominance or excess testosterone in women can occur.(5)
However, poor blood sugar regulation is not only a consequence of sugar consumption. In a large number of women, I encounter the issue of skipping meals during the day. Forgetting breakfast or coffee instead of a full meal, all of this can lead to drops in blood sugar, so-called hypoglycemia. This mainly manifests as fatigue, dizziness, or mood swings. In addition, you may experience insatiable hunger or cravings for sweets and high-carbohydrate foods.(6)
3. Imbalance of the gut microbiome and/or liver burden
The state of your gut can also contribute to hormonal imbalance, especially concerning the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. Billions of bacteria and yeasts live in our intestines. Some of them are necessary, others are pathogenic, and an excessive amount of them rather detracts from our health.
If gut dysbiosis occurs (i.e., pathogenic bacteria predominate), an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase can be produced. Increased production of this enzyme can act on estrogen, and instead of its excess leaving the body, it remains in the body and exceeds progesterone.(7)
A similar scenario occurs in the case of liver burden. Our liver has a relatively good ability to regenerate. However, in today's world full of car fumes, cleaning and cosmetic products, and pesticides from improper food cultivation, it is difficult to keep the liver in good condition. Add excessive alcohol consumption and otherwise poor eating habits, and the problem arises. One of the many functions of the liver is also the metabolization of estrogen and the excretion of its excess. If the liver does not function optimally, at this point, excretion may not occur, and estrogen re-enters the body and causes problems associated with estrogen dominance.(8)
How to support your hormonal health? These three tips are key:
- Proper diet and food combinations
Without sufficient nutrition, you won't balance your hormones, even if you buy all the recommended herbs and supplements in the world. Make sure you eat enough and don't forget any of the macronutrients. Combine proteins, carbohydrates, and quality fats in every meal to keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible.
- Non-toxic household and gentle menstrual products
Transitioning to a non-toxic household and cosmetics can have a positive effect on your hormonal health. Consider swapping at least a few products you use daily. Gentle menstrual products without unnecessary chemicals can also make menstruation more pleasant and alleviate any pain.
- Suitable supplements
Especially if you are already struggling with hormonal imbalance or long-term stress, your body will require a larger amount of certain nutrients. As a basis for hormonal health, we recommend a fertility support complex, which will cover all necessary substances. If you are currently bothered by PMS or pain during menstruation, opt for a premenstrual complex.
Are you bothered by irregular cycles, PMS, or loss of menstruation? Don't know how to alleviate your PCOS or endometriosis symptoms?
Contact our Femvie experts, who will create an individual plan for you based on your medical history, laboratory results, symptom monitoring, cycle analysis, and a 90-minute initial consultation. Our experts will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your health condition and will continuously support you to achieve results.
If you have a question about hormonal health, feel free to ask in our Femvie advisory! Every Thursday, we answer your questions for free.*
*The advisory service is not a substitute for gynecological support and help. If you are experiencing any health problems, we recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible.
References:
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/thyroid-conditions/hypothyroidism/stress-connection/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166402/
- https://www.bodybyaim360.com/blog/the-progesterone-cortisol-connection/
- https://cardiab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12933-018-0762-4
- https://bebalancedcenters.com/blog/depth-look-blood-sugar-hormones/
- https://kresserinstitute.com/gut-hormone-connection-gut-microbes-influence-estrogen-levels/
- https://www.flordis.com.au/health-insights/liver-health-detox/hormone-imbalance-and-the-liver/
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