Hormonal imbalance is the worst, but there is so much you can do to help! Using supplements to balance hormones is a great way to start.
I know that sailing these choppy water can genuinely make you feel sick but we can take on this new chapter together.
So lets see what supplements we can use to help us help keep our hormonal boat steady during perimenopause.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life where the female hormone estrogen starts to decline and fluctuate wildly.
This stage is the run up to menopause and can happen up to 10 years before your menopause starts.
If a woman has not had a period for 12 month she is considered to be in menopause.
This decline in estrogen leads to a number of perimenopausal symptoms including:
Hot flushes/flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, brain fog, vaginal dryness and many more.
There are many strategies and treatments out there to help us deal with the new phase of our lives and supplements are one of them.
Importance of Supplements to balance hormones
As we dance through this new stage there are so many changes that will happen in our bodies.
We need to monitor these closely to ensure we can keep fit and healthy.
Hormone imbalance is one of these changes that we really need to keep on top of.
This can include things like eating nutritious foods, staying active, reducing stress, and going to see medical professionals if we are worried at all.
We need to make sure that our hormonal health is at the top of our priority list when making sure our overall health is in order.
Let me tell you, hormone imbalances are the worst and can catch you off guard really easily.
There are a lot of horrible perimenopause symptoms that can spring out of no where, be on your guard ladies!
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance
Women in their 40s and 50s (and sometimes much earlier) may begin to experience to notice that weird things are happening (perimenopausal symptoms)
The main culprit behind these changes is a decrease in estrogen production from the ovaries.
Not only does this hormone level decrease but it fluctuates wildly, so therefore, do our symptoms.
As the body adjusts to these hormone imbalances, you may also experience irregular periods, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness. Fun right?
Thankfully, there are a bunch of treatments available to help ease the discomfort of perimenopause for those who may be struggling with the symptoms of this natural transition.
Symptoms and side effects
Perimenopausal symptoms and side effects can be really scary and confusing.
Brain fog can make you feel like you have dementia, lack of confidence can make you feel unattractive. Sore joints make you feel like you have arthiritis. The list goes on.
While symptoms are a royal pain the arse, they are often the body’s way of alerting us to an underlying issue.
Ultimately spending each day fighting the good fight takes it toll on any woman.
Sadly, the side effect of all of this is that we can find our mental health deteriorates rapidly.
This is what happened to me, I no longer wanted to leave the house, talk to friends, or go to work.
I am NO medical professional, so if you feel any of these symptoms, please go and speak to your doctor.
How Supplements Can Help To Balance Hormones
Supplements are rapidly becoming a popular option for people seeking to deal with hormone imbalance along with their general health.
A lot of the supplements on the market today cannot regulate hormones but they can tackle some of the symptoms of perimenopause.
So if you are looking to boost your energy levels (fighting fatigue) Increase your mental clarity (fighting brain fog) Strengthen your immune system, there’s a supplement out there that can help.
Dietary supplements are made from a mash of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to yield positive health benefits.
By taking the right supplements, you can give your body the support it needs to function optimally and to feel your best.
So if you’re looking to take control of these symtpoms without hormone replacement therapy, supplements are a great place to start.
Key Supplements to balance hormones
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is super important in maintaining optimal health for you and your hormones.
Yes this is our sign to book our summer hols, bikinis ready ladies.
Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, so it promotes bone health and is the master at preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Low levels of Vitamin D can be linked to irregularities in your menstrual cycle (if you still have one) infertility, and other hormonal imbalances.
Make sure to get enough vitamin D, through getting out into the sun, making sure your diet is packed with it or yes, get that supplement on order.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining our health overall.
There are 8 Vitamin B, B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin)
I have no clue what each of these do, but I recommend doing your research if you want to know more.
B vitamins are great for hormonal balance. They contribute to the production of enzymes and enzymes rule.
Enzymes are responsible for the synthesis of hormones, including thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones…
The correct amount of of B vitamins through diet or supplementation can help restore hormonal balance, reduce stress, fatigue and other associated symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential dietary supplement that play a significant role in balancing hormones.
Not only do omega-3s contribute to a balanced hormonal state, but they also offer numerous benefits to overall health.
I relied on omega 3 to keep me balanced when I had postnatal depression with my second son. I dont know how that worked, but they really helped me at that time.
The best sources of omega-3s are fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, and plant-based options like flaxseeds and chia seeds.
Magnesium
This little gem of a supplement can provide loads of benefits, like reducing anxiety, promoting better sleep, and improving overall heart health.
All of us in our home take magnesium every night to help with our sleep and the suprising side effect we have found is that it has helped my son with his anxiety.
Magnesium is known to regulate the production of thyroid hormones and insulin, which can lead to better blood sugar control.
Having too much sugar in our body creates a world of trouble. Check out the Glucose Goddess to find out more about that.
Additionally, magnesium is believed to support the production of progesterone, so when our progesterone is plummeting, this could be a great supplement for perimenopause.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the human body, especially to the digestive system.
The main benefit of probiotics is their ability to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
The gut is a wonderfully complicated thing, but if like me, you are really interested, the check out the book by Tim Spector.
Probiotics helps to promote healthy digestion and improve nutrient absorption.
Other benefits of probiotics include improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and better mental health.
Additionally, probiotics help to reduce cortisol levels, this is a stress hormone and we all know that too much stress is so very bad for us.
Lifestyle Tips to Enhance the Effectiveness of Supplements
Excercise
Taking supplements can be a great way to enhance your overall health and well-being, but did you know that incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle can also make your supplements even more effective?
Being honest, I HATE exercise and I have to force myself to do it, but when I do I find that it can regulate mood swings, and of course helps combat weight gain.
I am not a big girl but I am aware my meno belly can get out of control.
Getting that body moving increases blood flow throughout the body.
Helping essential nutrients and vitamins from supplements get to where they need to go more efficiently.
So while remembering to take your daily supplements is important, don’t forget to hit the gym or go for a brisk walk – your body (and your supplements) will thank you!
Balanced Diet
Living a healthy lifestyle takes effort and commitment and let’s be honest not all of us feel like it when we are exhausted.
A balanced diet provides your body with the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that keep your body working like it should.
This is why it is essential to include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet.
A balanced diet can help you achieve proper body weight and avoid health complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart diseases.
Adequate Sleep
Ahh my old nemesis.
Getting adequate sleep has so many benefits, not just for supplements, but also for your health in general.
There are so many reasons to be making sure you have a rock solid sleep routine.
A restful night’s sleep can fully rejuvenate the body and help regulate various bodily functions.
It also supports the immune system’s ability to fight against infections and inflammation.
Recent studies have also shown that sufficient sleep duration increases nutrient absorption and metabolism effectiveness.
So, the next time you pop a supplement, remember to prioritize your sleep quality as much as good nutrition and exercise to maximize the benefits they offer!
Closing Thoughts
Balancing hormones during perimenopause can be a challenging journey, but with the right supplements and lifestyle choices, it is possible to achieve a healthy balance.
Taking supplements to balance hormones is a fantastic way to support your body and feel your best during this transition.
Remember to prioritize a balanced diet and adequate sleep, in addition to taking supplements, for optimal results.
Your body deserves the best care and attention, and with a little help from supplements, you can make this journey more manageable and enjoyable.
Make Sure You Get Advice:
When we hear about new supplements that promise to boost our immune system, improve our energy levels, or aid in weight loss, it can be tempting to jump on board and incorporate them into our routine.
However, before doing so, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional!
Many supplements can interact with medications, cause adverse reactions, or simply not work as advertised.
A healthcare professional can provide insight into which supplements are safe and effective for you and your unique health needs.
Having this information will not only keep you safe but also ensure that you’re making the best choices for your body.
So, before starting any new supplement regimen, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional to achieve optimal results.
Kathryn x
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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, herbal or physical therapist, and I am not educated in the menopause space. All opinions expressed on this blog are my own and should not be taken as medical advice. This blog is intended to share my personal experiences and insights, and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified medical professional, herbal or physical therapist for any health-related concerns. Additionally, I strive to keep things light and entertaining, but please keep in mind that the topics discussed on this blog may be sensitive or triggering for some readers.
