Hormones play a vital role in regulating many vital functions in our bodies, from metabolism and growth to mood and reproductive health. When hormones become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of symptoms that affect our daily lives. In an Instagram post, dietitian Manpreet Kalra recently shared some valuable insights on hormonal imbalances and how to address them through natural remedies. In this article, we’ll explore seven common hormonal imbalance symptoms and solutions that can help you restore balance.
Also read: How to Manage Hormonal Imbalance – These Expert Diet Tips Can Help You
Here are 7 hormonal imbalance symptoms and their home remedies
1. High Estrogen Levels – Pear Shaped Body
When estrogen levels are too high, it can cause fat to accumulate in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, resulting in a pear-shaped body. High estrogen can also contribute to conditions like fibroids, bloating, and heavy menstruation.
Solution: Manpreet recommends drinking peppermint tea 2-3 times a day. Spearmint tea is known to help reduce high estrogen levels by promoting a balanced hormone environment in the body. It may also help reduce bloating and digestive discomfort.
2. Low Estrogen Levels – Hot Flashes
Low estrogen levels are commonly associated with menopause and can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. Hot flashes, in particular, are uncomfortable and can disrupt daily life.
Solution: To deal with hot flashes, Manpreet suggests eating 1 teaspoon each of roasted flax and fennel seeds after lunch. These seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic the action of estrogen in the body and help regulate hormone levels, thereby reducing the intensity of hot flashes.
3. High Insulin Levels – Belly Fat
High insulin levels, often associated with insulin resistance, can lead to fat storage around the abdomen. This condition is commonly seen in individuals with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome and may increase the risk of heart disease.
Solution: Drinking fenugreek seed water every morning can help control insulin levels and reduce belly fat. Fenugreek seeds are known to improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood sugar levels. Soaking one spoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drinking it on an empty stomach can be an effective remedy.
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4. Higher Testosterone Levels – Facial Hair
While testosterone is primarily a male hormone, women also produce it in smaller amounts. When testosterone levels are too high, it can cause unwanted symptoms such as excessive facial hair (hirsutism), acne and deepening of the voice. This is often seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Solution: To reduce high testosterone levels, Manpreet recommends drinking nettle tea in the evening. Nettle has anti-androgenic properties, meaning it may help reduce testosterone levels in women. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, which support overall hormonal health.
5. Low Progesterone Levels – Mood Swings and PMS
Progesterone is a key hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. When progesterone levels are low, women may experience mood changes, anxiety, irritability, and painful PMS symptoms.
Solution: To address low progesterone, try drinking chasteberry tea in the evening. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is known for its ability to balance progesterone levels, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve mood. It helps stimulate the pituitary gland to naturally increase progesterone production.
Also read: 4 foods and tips recommended by experts to deal with mood swings
6. High Cortisol Levels – Nervousness and Anxiety
Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” because it is released in response to stress. Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, causing symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
Solution: To reduce cortisol levels, Manpreet suggests drinking a glass of coconut water with lemon and rock salt. Coconut water is rich in potassium and electrolytes, which help balance cortisol levels. The lemon helps detoxify the body, and rock salt contains minerals that support adrenal health, helping to regulate stress hormones.
7. Low Thyroid Levels – Weight Gain
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When thyroid levels are low, it can result in weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair loss. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) is the primary cause of these symptoms.
Solution: To maintain thyroid health, Manpreet recommends drinking coriander seed water every morning. Coriander seeds are believed to improve thyroid function and support metabolism. Soaking coriander seeds overnight and drinking the water on an empty stomach can help boost thyroid function and reduce weight associated with hypothyroidism.
9 Habits That Are Destroying Your Hormones
While natural remedies can help correct hormonal imbalance, it is also essential to eliminate lifestyle habits that can aggravate the problem. Here are 9 habits that can negatively impact your hormones:
- Vegetable oils: Highly processed oils can disrupt hormone production and balance.
- Processed grains: These are often high in sugar and refined carbs, which can interfere with insulin and blood sugar regulation.
- Prolonged sitting: Prolonged inactivity can lead to weight gain and hormone imbalance, especially insulin resistance.
- Excessive sugar: Excessive sugar intake can cause insulin spikes, leading to fat storage and hormonal disruption.
- Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which has a negative effect on hormones like progesterone and thyroid.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt estrogen and testosterone levels, affecting both men and women.
- Hormonal imbalance: Ignoring an existing imbalance can make symptoms worse over time.
- Use of plastics: Chemicals in plastic containers and bottles can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone production.
- Less sleep: Poor sleep quality can increase cortisol levels and disrupt the natural hormone balance.
Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
