HOW TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES NATURALLY

Need to know how to balance your hormones naturally and feel amazing again? When the hormone balance is off, it can have a ripple effect across your physical and mental wellbeing. And once you hit perimenopause, hormone balance can be the difference between thriving and barely surviving.

So if you’re looking for ways to keep your hormones happy and in check, I’ve got the tips you need right here.

8 STEPS TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES NATURALLY

EAT A NUTRIENT RICH DIET

Just like every other part of your body, your hormones need plenty of nutrients to stay balanced. That include macronutrients (including healthy fats!) and micronutrients such as vitamin D, magnesium and zince.

The easiest way to get those nutrients? You guessed it – a diet packed with nourishing wholefoods.

UP THE PHYTOESTROGENS

Never heard of phytoestrogens? Put simply, they are plant compounds that help to modulate (balance) oestrogen in the body. If your oestrogen is low, they give it a little boost, and if it’s high, they can reduce its effects.

Flaxseed, alfalfa sprouts, lentils, chickpeas, red clover and high quality low-processed forms of soy are all good sources to include.

BUILD UP STRESS RESILIENCE

When it comes to health, happiness and hormones in women, stress is the big bad. Once you hit your 40s and perimenopause, it’s even more of an issue. Low progesterone reduces your stress resilience, leaving you vulnerable.

Make sure you include activities that build it back up, including yoga, meditation, deep breathing and setting healthy boundaries. That’s right – I give you permission to say no more often, for the sake of your hormones!

GET PLENTY OF REST

Sleep is critical for so many things. It aids in stress resilience, balances blood sugar, keeps inflammation at bay, and even prevents premature ageing! And of course, all of these feed into your hormone balance (or lack thereof!)

Unfortunately, busy women tend to put sleep last on the list. Ensure that you’re getting 7-8 hours sleep per night as a baseline. Some people may need a little more or a little less, but it’s a good starting point.

MOVE YOUR BODY ON A REGULAR BASIS

Exercise is one of the most underrated tools for hormonal health. It reduces stress, improves sleep, supports detoxification processes and gives you a mood boost. And if you struggle to maintain a healthy weight, exercise will help to maintain or even boost your metabolism (particularly strength training)

Find a way of moving your body that feels good for you. The more you enjoy it, the more likely it is you’ll stick with it long-term!

DUMP THE CHEMICALS

One of the reasons why hormone balance has been such an issue in recent years? Exposure to chemicals and toxins that disrupt hormone balance.

We’re talking pesticides, BPA and other plastics (BPA-free doesn’t mean it’s better!), synthetic fragrances and perfumes. Instead, opt for natural and low-tox alternatives – essential oils, glass, ceramic, Pyrex are a few to consider.

EASE THE LIVER LOAD

The key organ for hormone balance is the liver. Why? Because it’s the liver’s job to detoxify everything, including excess hormones. But if it’s juggling dozens of other detox to-dos, hormones keep circulating and causing chaos throughout the body!

So wherever possible, minimise the liver burdens. This includes:

• Coffee, tea and other sources of caffeine (stick to 1-2 per day)
• Alcohol (have a few booze-free days per week)
• Added sugars
• Non-prescription medications such as Panadol
• Artificial hormones like the Pill (more on that hot topic here)

RELEASE THE EXCESS BELLY FAT

Believe it or not, your fat cells can act as an endocrine (hormone producing) organ. The fat around your tummy can even produce a form of oestrogen that can increase your risk of breast cancer! So you want to keep your body fat at a healthy level to avoid throwing off the delicate balance between oestrogen and progesterone.

Now of course, for many this is easier said than done. After all, hormone imbalances can make it difficult to maintain a healthy body weight. But it’s far from impossible – I did it using personalised nutrition, and you can too!

IF YOU WANT TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES NATURALLY... HERE'S WHAT NOT TO DO

The most common habits I see women doing that throw off the balance include:

• Fasting
• Extreme diet and exercise regimes
• Skimping on sleep
• Indulging in self-comfort activities 
• Putting themselves last
• Not seeking help when the balance is off

If you find yourself doing one or more of these, it might be time to get some tailored support to get you back on track to hormonal harmony.

TIRED OF BEING ON THE HORMONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF PERIMENOPAUSE?

While symptoms such as weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings and anxiety are common, they don’t have to be inevitable! We can take steps to balance your hormones naturally and put you back in the driver’s seat again.

If you are ready to feel calm, less stressed and able to put yourself first, book in for a free discovery call today. Together, we can explore how I can help you to support and nourish yourself – mind, body and spirit.