How to balance your hormones naturally

Certain lifestyle changes could improve your hormonal health and help you achieve better overall wellness.

The hormones that are produced by our bodies play an extremely important role in our overall wellness. In fact, hormones contribute to many of our essential functions and can have an impact on various factors, including mood, appetite and body weight. In the ideal situation, the body produces just enough of each hormone to maintain one’s general health. But there are cases in which hormone levels decrease to a point that affects the way one feels.

Read on to find out what you can do to improve your hormonal health and enjoy a better sense of wellbeing….

1.  Exercise regularly

One of the biggest influences on hormonal health is physical activity. In fact, exercise has a range of health benefits — it helps to maintain stable body weight, improves blood flow to the muscles, and can even improve one’s mood. When it comes to hormonal health specifically, regular exercise actually increases what is known as hormone receptor sensitivity, which means that it can improve the efficiency with which nutrients and hormone signals are delivered.

Exercise also helps to reduce insulin, a hormone that transfers sugar from the bloodstream to be used as energy. This helps to prevent issues like insulin resistance, a common risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

2.  Eat protein

It is very important that you eat enough protein every day as this nutrient plays an important role in providing your body with the amino acids that are needed to produce peptide hormones. The endocrine glands produce these hormones, which help to regulate processes like metabolism, appetite and reproduction, with the help of amino acids.

It is advisable that you eat some protein with every meal in order to get the required amount each day. Some good sources of protein include eggs, lentils, beans, fish and chicken.

3.  Maintain a stable body weight

Weight gain can cause a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances. These hormonal imbalances can, in turn, lead to other problems such as insulin sensitivity and issues related to reproductive health. In many cases, individuals with obesity who lose excess weight experience improvements in insulin resistance and its associated symptoms, as well as reduced risk of health concerns like heart disease and diabetes. Obesity has also been linked to reproductive health problems, such as a lack of ovulation in women and low levels of testosterone in men.

Research suggests that weight loss can help to resolve many of these health issues and that by maintaining a moderate and stable weight, it is possible to enjoy better hormonal balance.

4.  Manage your stress levels

Stress can have a considerable impact on your hormones. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, helps your body to deal with long-term stress. Chronic stress, however, can cause one’s cortisol levels to remain high, which can then stimulate one’s appetite. Often, those who struggle with chronic stress consume excessive amounts of sugar and fatty foods, which can lead to weight gain over time. High cortisol levels have also been linked to an increased risk of insulin resistance.

If stress is a concern for you, it is worth trying some stress reduction techniques to get your cortisol levels under control. Meditation and yoga are popular options, while regular exercise can also be helpful in managing stress.

How can we help?

Associate Professor James Lee specialises in endocrine treatments and is available to discuss any concerns or questions you have about your hormonal health. While certain lifestyle changes can certainly help to promote good hormonal health, there are, of course, cases in which treatment is necessary to achieve overall wellness.

If you have been referred for endocrine surgery, Associate Professor James Lee is happy to assist. He offers a range of surgical procedures, including thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgery. As a qualified specialist in his field, Associate Professor James Lee is fully committed to providing top-quality care to each of his patients.

If you would like to find out more about the endocrine treatments that Associate Professor James Lee offers and when they may be recommended, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with Associate Professor James Lee, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9246 6466.