How do you know if you have a hormonal imbalance? | Bai Zi Gui

What is Hormone?

Hormones are chemical substances, also known as hormones, responsible for transmitting information between various organs in the body, produced by endocrine glands.

The endocrine system refers to organs that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Glands in the body that produce hormones include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, gonads (ovaries, testes), and the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Some glands secrete more than one type of hormone; for example, the adrenal glands can simultaneously produce cortisol, aldosterone, and trace amounts of androgens, among other hormones.

Which organs does Hormone govern in the body?

Hormones govern various functions in the body. They regulate the skin, hair, cardiovascular system, brain, intestines, bones, and other parts as they circulate through the bloodstream. Different hormones also interact with each other, forming a complex network that maintains the stability of bodily functions.

• Hypothalamus: Regulates the function of the thyroid, adrenal, and gonads, playing an important role in weight, appetite, body temperature, sodium balance, and emotional regulation.

• Pituitary gland: Secretes corticosteroids, thyroxine, growth hormones, and sex hormones. Growth hormone is crucial for muscle and bone growth and fat metabolism, and it also governs prolactin to promote milk production.

• Thyroid gland: Regulates the body's metabolism, affecting the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, skin, and nervous systems.

• Parathyroid glands: Maintain blood calcium and phosphate balance, influencing bone growth.

• Adrenal glands: Secrete stress hormones to help cope with external emergencies.

• Pancreas: Secretes insulin and glucagon to stabilize blood sugar levels.

• Ovaries and testes: Produce sex hormones, with female hormones including estrogen and progesterone, and male hormones primarily testosterone, used to maintain stable menstrual cycles, reduce bone loss, promote collagen synthesis, and stimulate male secondary sexual characteristics.

Hormone imbalance can be caused by various factors, 8 factors lead to:

Environmental toxins: Factors such as air pollution, chemicals, and radioactive substances that negatively impact the body.

Emotional stress: Prolonged mental stress, emotional instability, etc., can disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system.

Lack of nutrition: Imbalanced or deficient diet, such as lack of key nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Diseases: Thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc., can lead to hormone imbalances.

Aging: As age increases, changes occur in the body's endocrine system.

Life stress and psychological tension: Prolonged life stress, negative emotions, etc., can have adverse effects on the endocrine system.

Lack of sleep: Poor sleep habits can disrupt the normal secretion of hormones like melatonin.

Imbalanced diet: Long-term unhealthy dietary structure, such as high sugar and high-fat diets or prolonged fasting for weight loss, can have negative effects on the endocrine system.

Common hormonal imbalance symptoms in women

Menstrual irregularities: Such as amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, abnormal menstrual flow, etc., which can lead to disrupted menstrual cycles and infertility issues.

Hirsutism: Excessive secretion of androgens in the body leading to increased body hair, exhibiting masculine characteristics such as excess hair on the lips, chest, abdominal midline, lower legs, and toes.

Breast changes: Hormonal imbalance may lead to changes in breast density, causing breast pain, fibrocystic changes, etc.

Emotional instability: Various hormones affect emotions, such as estrogen, testosterone, etc. After menopause, estrogen levels gradually decrease in women, which can lead to depressed, irritable, forgetful, and mentally unfocused moods.

Common hormonal imbalance symptoms in men

Inability to ejaculate: When men suffer from hormonal imbalance, it may affect the function of the testicles, leading to problems such as inability to ejaculate, sexual dysfunction, and difficulty in ejaculation.

Common hormonal imbalance symptoms in both genders

Acne: In addition to being a common acne problem, hormonal acne is also one of the common symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance causes the skin to secrete too much oil, increasing the chance of clogging pores. In addition, the pore exits are blocked by excessive keratin, forming hormonal acne. It usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, and chin, with redness and swelling, sometimes accompanied by pain, and There are fewer pus heads, which is often called "stone acne" or "stress acne".

Poor sleep quality: Hormone imbalance can lead to insufficient secretion of melatonin, resulting in insomnia or poor sleep, easy fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even symptoms of pain and discomfort, affecting daily work and life.

Self-observation and recording

Self-observation and recording are important steps in identifying hormone imbalances. You can monitor your health using the following methods:

Record symptoms: Detailed daily recording of symptoms, including time, frequency, and severity.

Track menstrual cycle: Women should record the start and end times of their periods, cycle length, and any irregularities.

Dietary log: Record daily diet, paying attention to nutrient intake and balance.

Sleep record: Record sleep time, quality, and any factors that may interfere.

Weight and body fat monitoring: Regularly measure weight and body fat, noting any significant changes.

How to regulate and prevent hormonal imbalances？

1.Lifestyle changes

• Balanced diet: A balanced diet helps regulate hormone levels. Consume more fruits and vegetables daily, avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods and processed foods, and limit caffeine intake.

• Regular exercise: Exercise helps reduce stress hormones in the body, promotes relaxation, and helps maintain ideal weight.

• Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing hormone imbalances.

• Maintain good lifestyle habits: Maintain a regular sleep schedule for adequate rest; smoking and excessive alcohol consumption negatively affect hormone levels, so avoid smoking and excessive drinking.

• Regular physical check-ups: Regular physical check-ups help detect and treat possible hormone imbalances promptly, preventing hormone-related diseases.

2.Hormone replacement therapy

If hormone loss is severe, direct hormone replacement therapy can be considered, but it's best not to exceed 5 years of use. Patients with breast cancer, endometrial cancer, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease are not suitable candidates for this therapy and may consider kidney-nourishing Chinese herbs or plant-based estrogen supplements.

3.Hormone imbalance supplements

Hormonal imbalances can be adjusted through daily diet adjustments. Besides balanced meals, you can follow these methods to help maintain hormone balance and prevent/improve endocrine imbalances. To help manage and prevent hormone and endocrine imbalances, here are some recommended products from a wellness store:

Wellous Femoire Novia: Specially formulated for women's health and vitality, including ingredients like saffron, Manjakani, Kacip Fatimah, Maca, Pueraria, hops, and fenugreek, this product protects women's ovaries and hormones, helping reduce physiological risks and balance hormones.

TruHerbs Viva Cap：is a health supplement designed for women to regulate hormone balance, enhance overall health, and postpartum recovery. Its natural formula contains extracts of Manjakani, five-wolfberry extract, yam, and Angelica sinensis, which help improve skin, boost immunity, relieve menstrual pain, and regulate mood.

Don't think that Maca is only for men's health! Maca is suitable for both men and women; women supplementing Maca can also regulate endocrine glands and balance hormones, helping relieve menopausal symptoms. TruHerbs Maca King combines Maca with Tongkat Ali extract, offering 4 times the effectiveness of regular Maca products. It significantly benefits hormone balance, libido enhancement, and immune function for both women and men.

4. Supplement black foods or kidney-nourishing Chinese herbs

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that black foods correspond to the kidneys, and they can supplement the body's kidney energy and strengthen reproductive function. Black sesame, black beans, black dates, black fungus, etc., are good choices to improve kidney energy and hormone balance through dietary therapy. For severe kidney deficiency, qualified Chinese medicine practitioners may prescribe herbs like wolfberry, Chinese yam, Angelica sinensis, ligustrum, Eucommia, or Cistanche to nourish the kidneys.

5. Massage kidney acupoints

Daily pressure on specific acupoints or using moxibustion can have a dual effect of regulating hormones and boosting immunity.

• Qihai point: Located in the lower abdomen, part of the Ren Meridian. Qihai point is two fingers below the navel, warming the palm or applying a hot towel to the acupoint can help replenish kidney energy.

• Guanyuan point: Also located in the lower abdomen, part of the Ren Meridian. Guanyuan point is two fingers below the Qihai point, stimulating this point helps supplement kidney energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hormone imbalances heal on their own?

In some cases, hormone imbalances can improve through lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies. However, severe or persistent imbalances typically require medical intervention.

How does hormone imbalance affect fertility?

Hormone imbalance is one of the main causes of infertility. It can affect ovulation, sperm production, and the uterine environment, reducing the chances of conception.

How to differentiate symptoms of hormone imbalance from other health issues?

Many symptoms of hormone imbalance are similar to other health problems. Detailed medical history, symptom recording, and professional medical testing can help accurately determine the presence of hormone imbalances.

Conclusion

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating many vital functions in the body, and maintaining their balance is essential for overall health. Identifying symptoms of hormone imbalance and seeking timely professional diagnosis can help take effective management and treatment measures. By adjusting lifestyle, using hormone replacement therapy, and natural remedies, significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life can be achieved. I hope this comprehensive understanding of hormone imbalance helps you better manage your health.