How often do you think about your hormones? If you’re dealing with struggles relating to hormonal acne, fertility, menopause, or something else, hormones might be on your mind.
Hormones impact all stages of life, from when you’re young and into older adulthood – and nobody is immune to the potential impacts of hormonal imbalance. However, there are steps you can take throughout your lifetime to balance these essential messengers in your body.
It’s an ongoing process no matter your age – yet there are many simple steps you can take to promote hormonal balance in your body.
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel throughout your bloodstream and tell your tissues and organs what to do. Hormones are involved in critical functions all over the body, such as mood, skin, metabolism, reproduction, growth, and so much more.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there are more than 50 hormones in the human body. And they state that hormones regulate “all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age.” That’s a big job!
Hormones are made in the endocrine glands, such as the adrenal glands and thyroid. Even small hormonal imbalances can cause noticeable changes in the body. The good news is there are many ways to test your hormone levels when you work with a professional.
Since hormonal imbalance can create health and wellness challenges, it’s important to practice healthy lifestyle habits that promote balanced hormones. Here are some simple ways to get started.
Visit a functional medicine doctor or naturopath
Want to know the current state of your hormones? You may suspect imbalanced hormones, but you won’t really know until you get them tested. Hormone levels can fluctuate based on the time of the year and even the time of the day. A good example of this is melatonin. Melatonin production increases at night to help you fall asleep. Cortisol is higher in the morning to give you that get-up-and-go. However, when these don’t function optimally, your energy levels might be off.
By visiting a physician – such as a naturopath – you can discover where you lack balance. A trained medical professional will help you pinpoint what hormones may be off-balance and suggest a natural solution.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise promotes the increase of dopamine levels – the “feel good” hormone. This hormone also takes the “edge” off during stressful times. Physical activity also helps boost other hormones in the body and promotes restful sleep (essential for hormonal balance!).
Get adequate sleep
Sleep is one of the most important foundations of good health. Many studies show a connection between sleep and hormonal imbalance. For example, one study states that sleep disturbance “negatively impacts hormonal rhythms and metabolism.”
In addition, the Sleep Centers of Middle Tennessee mention that “a good night’s sleep is vital to healthy hormone production and secretion” – and that not getting enough sleep can affect hormones and cause problems sleeping in the future. So if you want to keep hormones balanced, be sure to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Reduce exposure to toxins
We come into contact with toxins (chemicals that may disrupt hormones) on a daily basis. They’re in food, water, personal care products, and in many products we buy. The truth is we cannot avoid toxins in our modern world – and this creates hormonal challenges and imbalance.
Your liver is responsible for processing waste products and chemicals that enter the body. It metabolizes drugs, breaks down harmful substances, and filters out by-products. It also processes hormones. If your liver is not functioning optimally, it can cause hormones to get stuck and recirculate in the body, creating an imbalance.
Chemical safety organization Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) states there are more than 800 known endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. EDCs can trick your body into thinking they are actual hormones – and as a result, they block your actual hormones from functioning. SAICM also notes these hormone disruptors have been linked to numerous health issues.
Reducing your exposure to toxins can help promote hormonal balance. It can feel overwhelming to reduce toxin exposure at first. However, you have more control over this than you think! One of the best places to start is to clean up your beauty routine. Replace skin care products with healthier, natural skincare products. For example, you can swap your cleanser with Teami Gentle Superfood Liquid Cleanser – which is made with 76% organic ingredients.
Other ways to reduce toxin exposure are to clean your home with natural products, invest in a water filter, and you can even get your home inspected for mold and other toxins.
Clean up your skincare routine
Do you know what’s inside your skincare products? Personal care products are one of the largest culprits of hormone disruption. Many skin care products and cosmetics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals interfere with how hormones function.
According to the Safe Cosmetics Campaign, the European Union law bans more than 1,300 chemicals in beauty products due to the harm they can cause to the human body. On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States only restricts the use of 11 chemicals in personal care products!
Using clean skincare products with natural ingredients can help create more balance in your body.
Looking for a simple way to support hormonal balance daily?
Teami Hormone Hero is a powerful blend of adaptogenic herbs designed to help promote balance in the body, nourish your cycle, support energy levels, and help you manage daily stress.*
Hormone Hero includes some of nature’s most powerful herbs for hormonal support, including:
Ashwagandha root: One of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic tradition that assists with relieving occasional adrenal fatigue and supports rest and relaxation for a calm mind.*
Maca root: A staple food of the Peruvians, this root vegetable has been used for centuries for natural energy, hormonal transitions, mood support, and vitality.*
Chasteberry: Also known as vitex, this superfruit may provide PMS relief and reduce hormonal acne.
Wild yam root: Wild yam root is known as a balancing herb for women. It is an herbal nutrient that occasionally soothes menstrual cramps that cause gastrointestinal discomfort.*
Broccoli extract: Broccoli contains diindolylmethane (DIM is short), a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables. DIM supports healthy estrogen metabolism and overall metabolism, and cellular health.*
And if you’re on a path to reduce toxins exposure, this supplement is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free from harmful fillers, colorants, and artificial preservatives.
A final note about hormones
It may feel overwhelming when you start your journey toward hormonal balance. The best thing you can do is start slowly by making the changes you can do daily. It isn’t something you can do in one day or all at once. Achieving hormonal balance may take some time depending on your personal needs. Always work with a healthcare practitioner who knows your history and your current state of health to get the best results.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.