Balancing Your Sex Hormones Naturally

Causes of Sex Hormone Imbalance:

By paying attention to these factors and making appropriate lifestyle changes, it is possible to improve the balance of sex hormones naturally. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances. Many people find relief and balance through prescription replacement therapy for sex hormones when necessary. However, it is often possible to achieve better hormonal balance by addressing the factors that disrupt it. Here is a short list of things that can put sex hormones out of balance:

1. Stress
2. Imbalance of other hormones (thyroid, adrenal)
3. Inflammation
4. Nutritional deficiencies
5. Toxins/Xenoestrogens
6. Elevated blood sugar/insulin resistance
7. Obesity/Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
8. Prescription drugs (birth control pills, steroids)
9. Underlying infection or other body challenges
10. Menopause/”Manopause”

Prescription Replacement Therapy and Balancing Acts:

Many people benefit from prescription replacement therapy to balance their sex hormones. However, it is often possible to improve sex hormone balance by addressing factors that disrupt it. Here are some important balancing acts to know:

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG):

1. Elevated SHBG: Caused by alcohol, stress, smoking. Can lower circulating testosterone and estrogen, leading to bone loss, prostate cancer, and low libido.
2. Decreased SHBG: Caused by obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In women, it can raise testosterone levels, causing hirsutism, weight gain, fluid retention, mood swings, acne, increased appetite, hair loss, and menstrual irregularity. In men, it can raise testosterone and estrogen levels simultaneously, leading to weight gain, fluid retention, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (man boobs), and hair loss.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome):A complex of imbalances, including insulin resistance, weight gain, elevated testosterone, and estrogen dominance. Symptoms can include irregular menses, hirsutism, infertility, male-pattern hair loss, increased muscle mass, increased blood sugar, and insulin resistance.

Estrogen Dominance:A relatively common issue characterized by a decreased progesterone to estrogen ratio. Symptoms of estrogen dominance include heavy, painful, or prolonged menses, severe PMS symptoms, endometriosis, and mood swings. Stress can exacerbate estrogen dominance by shunting progesterone to create more cortisol (cortisol steal). Treatment involves diet, lifestyle changes, and may include progesterone therapy.

It's important to address these underlying causes and seek appropriate treatment to restore sex hormone balance. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to us!

Menopause:

Menopause refers to the natural cessation of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone production by the ovaries. Some estrogen can still be produced in fat cells, and some testosterone can be produced in the adrenal glands. Common symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, low libido, mood changes, and the cessation of menstrual cycles. Sex hormones play a crucial role in maintaining the strength of various body systems, including bone density, skin health, heart and cardiovascular health, muscle mass, eye health, and brain health.

'Manopause':

While not an official term, 'manopause' refers to the natural decrease in testosterone levels that men experience with age. Testosterone levels can also decrease due to xenoestrogen exposure or elevated sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Common symptoms of 'manopause' include fatigue, low motivation, depressive symptoms, low libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle-to-fat ratio, and weight gain.

Menopause, 'Manopause,' and Hormone Replacement Therapy:

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a safe and effective treatment option for both menopause and 'manopause' when bioidentical hormones are used and administered by an experienced practitioner. However, it is not recommended for women with active breast cancer or those who have ever had estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer.

HRT has shown significant usefulness in relieving symptoms and improving overall well-being in individuals with low levels of sex hormones. It has also been shown to have preventive and therapeutic effects on conditions such as osteoporosis, heart health, eye health, skin health, and brain health.

Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms:

Several supplements can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including:

• Black cohosh
• Don quai
• Evening primrose
• Korean ginseng
• Flax
• Red clover
• Wild yam
• Hops

Other Important Hormones:

Melatonin, produced in the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and wake rhythms (circadian rhythms) and acts as an overseer and regulator of the entire hormone system in our bodies. It also functions as a potent antioxidant and positively influences immune function. Melatonin levels generally decrease with age, and low levels are commonly associated with sleep issues.

It is generally safe to experiment with melatonin supplementation, starting with 1 milligram 1 hour before bed. Women can try up to 15 mg per day, while men can try up to 20 mg per day. However, most individuals do not require more than 3-6 mg per night. It's important to start with a low dose and increase gradually to avoid potential side effects such as morning grogginess or headaches.

Melatonin:

• People who have trouble getting to sleep will benefit from immediate-release melatonin.
• People who have trouble staying asleep may want to try slow-release melatonin.
• Those with both issues may consider a combination of the two.
• It is recommended to use "micronized" melatonin, as it is more optimally absorbed by the body.
• Melatonin is also used to boost the immune system in cancer and infectious diseases, and some functional doctors have used it to help treat Covid-19.
• Approximately 6 mg is the most commonly recommended dose.

DHEA:

• DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is considered an androgenic hormone.
• DHEA can affect energy, well-being, recovery, and the body's response to stress.
• DHEA levels generally decrease with age.
• Checking DHEA levels along with other sex hormone levels is recommended.
• DHEA is available over the counter and is commonly supplemented, but monitoring levels as part of a health program is advised.
• DHEA can convert into estrogen, testosterone, or cortisol in the body, so careful monitoring is necessary for individuals who should not have elevated levels of these hormones.
• Women commonly take 5-10 mg, while men commonly take 10-25 mg.
• DHEA is therapeutically used in some degenerative disorders such as MS and is often prescribed in adrenal fatigue.

Supplements and Foods for Hormone Balance:

Healthy Estrogen Balance:

• DIM: Improves estrogen metabolism, increasing beneficial estrogens and decreasing troublesome estrogens. Can be helpful in hyperestrogenic states.
• Broccoli and Broccoli Extract (sulforaphanes): Aid in estrogen metabolism (healthy breakdown).
• Green Tea Extract: Supports estrogen metabolism (healthy breakdown).

Healthy Testosterone Balance:

• Saw Palmetto, lycopene, stinging nettle, and green tea are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors that can decrease the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This can benefit individuals with enlarged prostates and women with symptoms of elevated testosterone like hirsutism.

Additional Recommendations for Healthy Hormone Balance:

• Ensure adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats intake.
• Maintain proper sleep patterns.
• Avoid overeating or undereating.
• Control blood sugar levels.
• Engage in regular exercise and reduce stress.