Hormonal Balance

What hormones affect my cycle?

A few of the hormones involved in our cycles are: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estrogen and progesterone. While the precise causes of PMS are still uncertain, most doctors and researchers agree that fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are key culprits. Finding balance and supporting your body in the efficient metabolizing of these hormones is essential to feeling better.

Hormones out of whack?

Let’s face it: Life throws a lot of unexpected situations our way on a daily basis. Feeling unbalanced and not like our normal selves prevents us from dealing with the day-to-day and feeling our best. Here are a few signs of hormonal imbalance:

These symptoms are likely to occur starting a week before your bleeding begins, but can occur any time of month; Only 10-15% of menstruating people have cycles that last exactly 28 days. We’re all different and manifestations of balance and imbalance within our bodies reflects that.

Ways to improve hormone balance

Eating for your cycle is essential for getting the nutrients you need as your body’s needs fluctuate throughout your cycle.

Some of our favorite herbs for hormonal balance and stress relief are: Burdock root, lemon balm, red raspberry leaf, linden flowers and lemon verbena. If bloating, digestive issues, or general inflammation are issues, turmeric is also an important herbal ally.

Stress management can range from a walk outside to self-care rituals to therapy.

Nothing like some good zzz’s to balance out serotonin levels and support your liver in cleansing excess hormones from your system.

Stay hydrated with water and tea and only consume levels of sugar, caffeine, sodium, and alcohol that are balanced for your body. All of those substances can aggravate dehydration (as well as inflammation!). A healthy balance will stave off headaches, bloating, and cramping.

Incorporating Herbs

Burdock root supports liver function to clean blood and balance hormone levels.
Lemon balm is associated with improvements in mood and cognitive function and is associated with a significant reduction in PMS symptoms.
Linden flowers reduces anxiety, calming the nerves and making those PMS jitters float away.
Lemon verbena is used as a nerve tonic, countering depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and is used in TCM as a “driver,” increasing the effectiveness of other herbal allies.
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