November 22, 2021

BALANCING YOUR HORMONES NOW

how we can do to keep our hormones in balance and the steps you can take today for clearer skin

Originally published: JUNE 17, 2019

In a day and age where fast paced is a way of life, eating on the go, and trouble falling asleep are the norms, our hormones are suffering in return. Our hormones are some of the main messengers in our bodies, responsible for our metabolism, our energy, our reproductive system, body temperature, hunger, moods and the release of hormones from other glands; and also controls thirst, sleep and sex drive. Just to name a few!

If you have been to one of our sold out face-mapping classes, you’ve learned that hormonal acne is more rampant then ever, and its the kind of cystic acne that shows up on your chin line. If this is you, listen up!

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances include:

Infertility and irregular periods
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Depression + anxiety
Fatigue
Insomnia
Low libido
Changes in appetite
Digestive issues
Hair loss and hair thinning

Risk Factors and Causes of Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are multifactorial disorders! Here are some factors that pop up often:

Food allergies and gut issues: If you have un-addressed food issues, that could be causing leaky gut, and tons of inflammation. Both of these things impact nearly every aspect of your health.
Being overweight
High levels of inflammation caused by a poor diet and little exercise
Might be in your genes
Toxicity (exposure to pesticides, toxins, viruses, cigarettes, excessive alcohol and harmful chemicals)
High stress
Not enough sleep + rest
Adrenal health

There are many things we can do to keep our hormones in balance, some of them more in depth then others. In this post we will just cover some of the basics, and go into more depth in future blogs. Today, we will link hormonal acne and the steps you can take today for clearer skin.

Healthy fats: ghee, coconut oil, nuts and seeds, avocado, fatty fish. We are consuming way too many omega-6 fatty acids from polyunsaturated vegetable oils, and not enough beneficial Omega-3s and saturated fats. Too much Omega 6 causes inflammation, and omega 3 helps kick inflammation to the curb. So read labels, and know what you are purchasing and consuming. Knowledge is power, baby.
Limit Caffeine: I love a good coffee. And do it in moderation. But caffeine wrecks havoc on your endocrine system and sends your hormones into a tornado of a frenzy. Replace your morning cup with a hot herbal tea that supplies your body so many nutrients to help fight stress.
Check your chemical load in your beauty products, cleaning products and other household items. Harmful chemicals found in these items can contain hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic hormones in the body and keep the body from producing real hormones. Hello problems! Invest in some quality house plants that do double duty and keep your air clean.
Sleep. Keep a routine and stick to it as much as you can- on weekends, on vacation, on days off. This allows your body to understand the routine you have and start creating and releasing hormones based on your schedule. Without adequate sleep, hormones will not be in balance. Period. Keep your room nice and dark, noise free, and a comfortable temperature. Our electronics are outside of our sleeping space. Do a little meditation or 10 deep belly breaths, to release the day's thoughts, and get into sleep mode. Refrain from eating too late at night as this can also interfere with sleeping patterns.
Exercise. Make sure you are getting some form in daily in order to get things moving and releasing. If you are someone that knows they suffer from hormonal imbalance, stay away from intense exercise for a bit. Instead, choose gentler options such as swimming, walking, cycling, yoga, rebounding,
Digestive health. Research has shown that your gut is now your second brain. Creating, signaling and releasing hormones all of the time. It would make sense then that your hormonal health and balance would reflect in your gut health. Assess any food sensitivities, issues, deficiencies etc. Perhaps start adding in quality supplements, and changing foods/ meals to more balanced, whole foods options.
Hormone balancing diet. Limit sugar and caffeine. Include more: plant based proteins and fish, healthy fats, adaptogenic herbs, organic eggs, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, cilantro + parsley, cruciferous veggies, turmeric, garlic, onion, ginger, beets. Water of course!