Hormonal Imbalances and Common Symptoms

Almost every symptom can be linked to a hormonal imbalance these days. One of the most common phrases we hear in clinical practice is "I think my hormones are off". 


There are many many hormones that all have different effects on different tissues in the body. 


Hormonal Imbalances in Women

Certain hormones have gotten special focus within the women's health realm due to their tendency to go "out of whack" during certain life stages like pregnancy and menopause, or during and after stressful times or events like giving birth, raising children, work stress, family stress, grief, etc.


For example, hypothyroidism is a common issue for many women after giving birth, and is very often autoimmune in origin. Being told that you're just tired because you're taking care of an infant feels dismissing because you can tell something else is going on. 


The Danger of Self-Diagnosis and Treatment

It's tempting to try and Google natural solutions for the symptoms you are experiencing but we find that many patients that eventually come in to see us are exhausted by the overflow of information on the Internet, or the advice from well-meaning friends and family. They've also usually purchased many supplements that are now sitting half-full , collecting dust in the cupboard, because they didn't seem to make a difference.


The Ember Approach

There is not usually one single nutrient or herb that will "rebalance" a particular hormone, despite what the marketing of such supplements will say.


Your symptoms might not be due to a hormonal imbalance at all. For example, fatigue or low energy- one of the most common complaints patients have- can be due to hundreds of things, but it could be as simple as an iron or B12 deficiency, or not eating enough calories.


If you DO have a hormonal imbalance, best results will usually be found by ensuring that your body is ready to accept the treatments you are going to give it. This is the basis of the Ember Approach.


If you are eliminating daily (having healthy bowel movements), are free from digestive concerns and signs of liver congestion, and have good blood sugar management (the focus of pillar one of the Ember Approach), you are in a good position to move on to working on two of the most important hormones- cortisol and thyroid hormone (pillar two).


These hormones are tightly linked and also linked to our sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (pillar 3). Trying to balance these without the foundational work above likely won't give you the results you were hoping for.


Conclusion:

If you need help figuring out what's going on and a plan of how to get back on track, please reach out! Our naturopathic doctors are here to provide you with a clear assessment and roadmap.