From Hormonal Havoc to Health, A Personal Guide to Balance

Do you ever feel like your body is working against you - fatigue, mood swings, or weight gain leaving you confused and frustrated? Maybe you’ve experienced challenges with your reproductive health, such as heavy or irregular periods, infertility, fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis. These conditions are typically signs of hormonal imbalances.

If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Hormonal imbalances are increasingly common, and I’ve faced my share of challenges, including decades of infertility, fibroids, and even excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Through my journey, I’ve learnt that understanding your body and the factors that influence it, like lifestyle, stress, and environmental toxins, is essential to reclaiming your health. Did you know that environmental factors, including xenoestrogens (chemicals in everyday products that mimic hormones and disrupt your endocrine system), wreak havoc on our hormonal health?

If you’ve ever suffered from mood swings or felt like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, this too is a result of hormone balance (you can thank your monthly cycle). With that being said, while your body responds to these fluctuations and imbalances, give yourself grace! These symptoms are shared experiences for many women. Dr. Christiane Northrup, a leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness, emphasises the importance of listening to your body.

Now that you know you’re not alone, don’t think you have to suffer in silence. Here are some solutions for you to consider:

Support Hormones with a Balanced Diet

Having a nutrient rich, balanced diet supports hormonal balance. I eliminated dairy and other inflammatory foods from my diet, and it made a significant difference in my symptoms. I also switched to a plant based diet, which immediately improved how I felt. I experienced reduced inflammation, less bloating, and increased energy, just to name a few benefits. However, it’s essential, even on a plant based diet, to ensure that it’s balanced and provides all the nutrients your body needs.

The Hormonal Benefits of Exercise

Physical activity helps regulate hormones and improves your mood. Incorporating regular exercise into my routine has been transformative. Activities that make us sweat are particularly beneficial as they support liver function, helping to expel excess hormones. Whether it’s pilates, cardio or strength training, find what works for you and try to be consistent (I sometimes struggle with consistency). However, moderation is key; over exercising can sometimes exacerbate hormonal imbalances.

Harnessing the Power of Natural Remedies

Herbal remedies and natural treatments have been my saving grace. I learnt the true power of herbs, acupuncture, and cupping in my early twenties. One particularly impactful experience was an eight week Chinese herbalist treatment that entirely shrank a cyst the size of a grapefruit on my ovary, avoiding the need for another open surgery (C-section equivalent) like the one I’d had the year before.

Recognising the signs of hormonal imbalance is the first step toward healing. Consulting a trusted healthcare professional can help uncover the root cause of your symptoms. While a natural approach requires patience and perseverance, it can result in better outcomes in the long term. It’s empowering to see how amazing our bodies are at restoring balance when given the right support.

Trust your body, give it the care it deserves, and embrace the healing journey; you can create a healthier, more balanced version of yourself!