10 ways to balance hormones and prevent disease

Signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance occurs when a person has too much or too little of one or more hormones.

Some hormonal imbalances can be temporary, while others may be chronic (long-lasting). Additionally, some hormonal imbalances require treatment to maintain physical health.

For most hormones, either an excess or deficiency can trigger symptoms and health issues. The most common signs include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles: Hormonal imbalances can lead to irregular periods. Conditions related to hormones that cause irregular cycles include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Infertility: Hormonal imbalance is a leading cause of infertility in individuals.

• Acne: Primarily caused by clogged pores. Various factors contribute to the development of acne, with hormonal fluctuations — especially during puberty — playing a significant role.

• Thyroid disorders

• Obesity: Many hormones can influence how your body signals the need for food and how it uses energy. Therefore, an imbalance of certain hormones can lead to weight gain in the form of fat accumulation.

Improving hormonal health

According to dietitian Olha Bezuhla, if hormonal changes are diagnosed, it is important to address them with a specialist — an endocrinologist. However, lifestyle and dietary choices can also impact hormonal profiles.

Balanced nutrition and other healthy lifestyle habits can enhance hormonal health, allowing individuals to feel and function at their best.

Overall, it is advisable to follow these recommendations:

• Consume enough protein: It is essential for the production of peptide hormones that regulate appetite, energy metabolism, and stress.

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves hormone sensitivity, lowers insulin levels, and boosts testosterone levels.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can disrupt hormonal balance and affect insulin sensitivity.

• Support gut health: The microbiome influences hormonal balance, particularly in regulating feelings of satiety.

• Reduce sugar intake: Excessive sugar disrupts hormones and contributes to insulin resistance.

• Practice stress reduction techniques: Meditation and yoga can lower cortisol levels.

• Incorporate healthy fats: Omega-3 and MCT fats support insulin sensitivity.

• Ensure sufficient sleep: Lack of sleep affects insulin levels and appetite hormones.

• Increase fiber intake: Promotes the production of satiety hormones.

• Follow a Mediterranean diet: It can help lower estrogen levels and reduce the risk of cancer.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.