In the previous article, we talked about the often overlooked signs of hormonal imbalance. Now you know that an imbalance occurs when certain hormones are produced in smaller quantities, or there are significantly more of others. But how does such a situation actually occur?
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 common cause of the emergence or worsening 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 supposed to protect the body. In the short term, the stress response and the production of cortisol are necessary. However, long-term high levels of stress hormones disrupt some other bodily functions, which can have an overall negative impact on your health .
It is important to note that stress is not just the typical external factors that most of us imagine, such as job loss or difficulties at work, difficult times or toxic relationships. Our brain also perceives stressors that you may not even be aware of as triggers. Increased cortisol production can be influenced by insufficient energy intake and excess exercise, strict restriction of certain macro or micronutrients or poor quality sleep.
In the long term, a stress reaction can affect hormonal (im)balance in the following ways:
Thyroid dysfunction:
The thyroid gland is an important mediator for the health of all other hormones, including reproductive ones. It regulates the menstrual cycle in women, metabolism, and body temperature.
However, prolonged elevated cortisol disrupts communication between the brain and the thyroid gland . It also prevents the proper conversion of hormones into an active form that the body's cells can use. ( 1 ) Stress can therefore contribute to a slowdown in metabolism and subsequent weight gain, impair 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 brain-reproductive axis, which manifests as impaired ovarian function and problems associated with decreased estrogen production . ( 2 ) Stress and the effects of cortisol can thus lead to anovulatory cycles or complete loss of menstruation, 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, regular mood swings, increased appetite or pain and changes in digestion before menstruation, as estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced as they should be. ( 3 )
2. Poor blood sugar control
When you hear about blood sugar levels, you probably automatically associate it with diabetes. In fact, blood sugar regulation disorders and the consequences that come with it are the most common cause of many chronic diseases and conditions that we now face as a society. ( 4 )
Cells throughout the body use blood sugar – glucose – as a source of quick energy . For everything to function properly, glucose should always be in the right concentration. During exercise or during times of stress, sugar requirements increase. After every meal containing carbohydrates that we consume, blood sugar levels increase. The pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which transports glucose into cells and tissues, where they can then use it as a source of energy.
Where can the problem occur?
When the body is frequently exposed to sugar or simple forms of carbohydrates, it leads to the constant release of insulin, which does not bode well for other hormones.
Among other things, insulin acts on the ovaries, increasing testosterone production , which is a typical feature of women with PCOS. In turn, this leads to lower levels of the protein SHBG, which binds excess estrogen and testosterone in the blood. This can lead to estrogen dominance or excess testosterone in women. ( 5 )
However, poor blood sugar regulation is not only a result of sugar consumption. In most women, I encounter the problem of skipping meals during the day . Forgetting breakfast or having coffee instead of a full meal can all lead to blood sugar drops, so-called hypoglycemia. This is mainly manifested by fatigue, dizziness or mood swings. Among other things, you may feel insatiable hunger or a craving for sweets and foods high in carbohydrates. ( 6 )
3. Gut microbiome imbalance and/or liver stress
The condition of your gut can also contribute to hormonal imbalances, especially in the case of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. Our gut is home to a billion bacteria and yeasts. Some of them are necessary, others are pathogenic, and their excessive amounts are detrimental to our health.
When 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 excess estrogen leaving the body, it stays in the body and outpaces progesterone . ( 7 )
A similar scenario occurs when the liver is stressed. Our liver has a relatively good ability to regenerate. However, in today’s world, full of car exhaust, cleaning and cosmetic products, and pesticides from improper food production, it is difficult to keep the liver in good condition. Add to this excessive alcohol consumption and other poor eating habits, and the problem is real. One of the many functions of the liver is to metabolize estrogen and eliminate its excess. If the liver is not functioning optimally, this elimination may not occur at this point and estrogen enters the body again, causing problems associated with estrogen dominance . ( 8 )
How to support your hormonal health? Here are three tips to help you:
- Proper diet and food combinations
Without adequate nutrition, you won't balance your hormones, even if you buy all the recommended herbs and supplements in the world. Make sure you're eating enough and don't forget any of the macronutrients. Combine protein, carbohydrates, and quality fats at each meal to keep your blood sugar levels as stable as possible.
- Non-toxic household and gentle menstrual aids
Switching to non-toxic household and cosmetic products can have a positive effect on your hormonal health. Consider switching at least a few of the products you use on a daily basis. Gentle menstrual aids without unnecessary chemicals can also make your period more comfortable and relieve any pain.
- Suitable accessories
Especially if you are already struggling with hormonal imbalances or long-term stress, your body will require more of certain nutrients. As a foundation for hormonal health, we recommend a fertility complex that covers all the necessary substances. If you are currently suffering from PMS or pain during menstruation, consider a premenstrual complex .
Are you suffering from irregular cycles, PMS, or missed periods? Don't know how to alleviate your PCOS or endometriosis symptoms?
Contact our Femvie experts who will create an individual plan based on your medical history, lab results, symptom monitoring, cycle analysis and a 90 min. initial consultation. Our experts will provide you with a complete assessment of your health and will support you on an ongoing basis to achieve results.
If you have a question about hormonal health, don't hesitate to ask in our Femvie consultation! We answer your questions for free every Thursday.*
*The consultation does not serve as a substitute for gynecological support and assistance. If you are experiencing any health problems, we recommend that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Sources used:
- 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/
