A Woman's Guide to Balanced Hormones

The human body is so complex, especially when it comes to hormones. In the realm of supporting your health naturally, it can sometimes feel overwhelming knowing where and how to start - and knowing what information is valid (or not valid). 

Hormones have a complex list of functions in the body including regulation of mood, menstrual cycle modulation, weight management, skin health and our energy levels. When we find ourselves out of balance, we may notice physical or emotional consequences - let’s have a look at some common signs of potential imbalances. 

Here are some common signs of unbalanced hormones 

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Fluctuations in menstrual patterns, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or skipped cycles, often indicate hormonal imbalances.
2. Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on emotional well-being, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. 
3. Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and low energy levels, especially around menstruation, may indicate imbalances in hormones like cortisol and potentially thyroid hormones. 
4. Skin Issues: Hormonal imbalances can manifest through the skin, leading to acne outbreaks, dryness, or excessive oiliness. 
5. Weight Changes: Difficulty in managing weight, especially sudden weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite efforts, can be linked to hormonal disruptions.
6. Sleep Disturbances: Hormonal fluctuations can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or disrupted sleep cycles.
7. Digestive Problems: Hormonal imbalances may contribute to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. 

*please note this information is not intended to diagnose or replace the support of a qualified medical practitioner. If you struggle with the above symptoms please reach our for 1:1 guidance. 

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining hormonal balance, particularly during the menstrual cycle. Certain nutrients are essential for supporting hormone production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

Some of the key nutrients to prioritise to support female hormones

1. Iron: Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. During menstruation, women lose iron through blood loss, making adequate iron intake vital for preventing anemia and supporting energy levels. 
2. B Vitamins: B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, are involved in various aspects of hormone metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. These vitamins play a role in mood regulation, energy production, and hormonal balance throughout the menstrual cycle. 
3. Choline: Choline is essential for synthesizing neurotransmitters and maintaining cell membrane integrity. It supports liver function, which is crucial for metabolising hormones and detoxifying the body. Adequate choline intake may help alleviate symptoms of PMS and support overall hormonal health. 
4. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for reproductive health and hormone synthesis. It supports the production of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, as well as the development of healthy ovarian follicles. Vitamin A also plays a role in regulating immune function and promoting skin health (hello clear/plump skin!). 

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help support hormonal balance and overall well-being (especially around period time!). Chiefs Organic Liver capsules offer a convenient way to obtain these vital nutrients, as they are rich in iron, B vitamins, choline, and vitamin A.

Because they are made from a wholefood source (Australian grass-fed Organic beef liver) this means they are highly bioavailable - therefore, the body is able to absorb the iron most efficiently. PLUS they are so easy to add into your every day routine (and won’t constipate you like normal iron supplements) which we absolutely love. 

Hormonal balance can be achieved using a multifactorial approach focusing on key nutrients/dietary choices, stress reduction and lifestyle modifications. As a Naturopath student, I love knowing Chiefs products are of the highest local quality and have no added fillers or nasties!

References:

• Stuenkel, C. A., Davis, S. R., Bradley, H. B., & Woods, E. R. (2018). A review of the evidence for menstrual cycle irregularity and risk of chronic disease. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 219(1), 33-43. 
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/menstrual-irregularity 
• Mekayik, F. B., Wang, S. P., & He, W. (2017). Nutrients and their role in hormone regulation. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 14(2), 1115–1124. 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10973102/ 
• Napoli, E. (2017). Vitamin A and reproductive health. Vitamin A Deficiency, 115–132. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146000597800560 
• National Institutes of Health. (2024). Choline. 
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/

Olivia Odey

Adaptive Naturopathy

BHSc Naturopathy Student