Do you ever feel like you’ve lost control over your body? Are you dealing with unwanted hair growth, acne, or other strange changes that just don’t make sense? If so, it could be due to imbalances in your hormones. Too often, we accept the symptoms and turn to product fixes as our immediate solution instead of taking the time to find out what is really going on within our bodies. With greater understanding, knowledge, and empowerment can come increased confidence in taking back control over your own health. In this blog post, I want to explore some common causes of hormone imbalances in women aged the late 30s and beyond and discuss steps you can take today for relief from these uncomfortable physical symptoms (such as facial hair growth) associated with hormonal shifts.
Wellness in the Functional Approach
As a woman who’s been through the struggles of hormone imbalances, I know firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it can be. I tried everything mainstream medicine had to offer, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until I delved into the world of functional medicine that I finally found answers and techniques that actually helped me rebalance my hormones naturally.
And I didn’t stop there. I went beyond my conventional degrees and immersed myself in functional medicine because I truly believe in the power of this approach. It’s not just about fixing my own hormone imbalances; it’s about sharing this way of life with others who are also struggling.
I have a passion for helping women, especially those in their late thirties and beyond, because I understand the challenges that come with this stage of life. And I know that by rebalancing your hormones, you can not only feel better physically but also achieve overall health and wellness over the long term.
Does this Resonate with You?
Today, I want to talk about a topic that affects more and more women, yet many don’t even realize it’s happening. I’m talking about the symptoms of hormone imbalances.
I don’t like to focus on specific diagnoses because I believe in treating the root cause of the symptoms rather than just the label. But let’s briefly touch on some of the symptoms you may be experiencing if you’re a woman in your late thirties, early to mid-forties, or beyond.
Weight loss resistance, irregular periods, and extreme mood swings are just a few common symptoms. You may feel like your anger and irritability come out of nowhere and are hard to control. And on top of that, you might be noticing changes to your skin, like cystic acne that appears in various places on your body.
Your hair may be thinning in certain areas while sprouting up in places you don’t want it, like around your chin, upper lip, nipples, and belly button. These symptoms can be frustrating, confusing, and even embarrassing.
But the good news is that there are natural ways to rebalance your hormones and alleviate these symptoms. It’s not about just masking the symptoms with medication; it’s about addressing the underlying causes and achieving overall health and wellness.
Getting to the Root
Women may experience various symptoms related to a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), such as weight loss resistance, irregular periods, and skin changes.
Some women may not even realize they have this condition until later in life. PCOS can have various causes, making it challenging to diagnose. However, by focusing on the root cause of these symptoms, we can potentially prevent or manage PCOS.
Often, the underlying issue is imbalances in metabolic health, such as blood sugar imbalances caused by poor sugar processing. Stress can also contribute to the hormonal imbalances that cause these symptoms. Women in their thirties and forties may be especially vulnerable to these imbalances due to their busy, high-stress lifestyles.
By addressing the root causes of these symptoms, we can help women find relief and improve their quality of life overall.
Getting Hairy and Pimply?
When your body is inflamed, it can affect the way your hormones work, and this can vary based on your genes. For some women, this can lead to an increase in androgen hormones, especially as they age or experience more stress. This can also impact the way both male and female hormones are processed, leading to symptoms like excess hair, acne, weight gain, and mood swings in men due to the production of inflammatory male hormones.
We should be thinking about where this might be coming from and what we can do. This is because, many times, what people will do is look for things like:
“Can I go and get something to put on my acne?”
“What kind of products can I use to get rid of this?”
“Can I take something to help me with my weight loss? Nothing’s working.”
“Is there something I can take that’s going to help me with weight loss?”
“What can I do to help me with my hair health? It’s thinning and falling out.”
“Are there some special shampoos or anything I can put on my body to put out the fire?”
While it may seem like a quick fix, taking temporary measures won’t solve the underlying problem. To truly fix things, we need to get to the root of the issue and figure out what needs to be done.
Ready for Change?
There are a few really easy lifestyle strategies I have found and put in place with women, and they help them almost right away.
Fruitify
You might have already guessed it, but one way to improve your health is to cut down on sugar. I know it’s easier said than done, especially if you have a sweet tooth. But if you’re craving sugar, try swapping out sugary snacks like baked goods for fruits. Fruits have natural sugars, but they also contain fiber, which helps your body control and stabilize blood sugar levels. This can help reduce inflammation in your body and prevent hormone imbalances that cause negative symptoms. Start by taking a look at your overall sugar and carb intake and making some modifications. Try adding more fiber-rich vegetables to your diet along with fruits. These simple changes can make a big difference in your overall health.
Move it, move it!
To keep inflammation in check and balance your hormones, it’s crucial to move your body every day. But be careful not to overdo it, as too much exercise can actually increase inflammation and stress. On the other hand, not getting enough exercise can also be harmful. Aim for consistency and moderation. Take a daily walk or light jog, go for a hike, or try some gentle resistance training if you enjoy it. 20 to 40 minutes a day is all you need. Focus on getting enough steps throughout the day, but don’t go overboard. Remember, the key is to keep moving every day in a sustainable and enjoyable way.
Breathe!
Managing stress is crucial to preventing hormone imbalances, but it’s easier said than done. One simple technique you can try is to focus on your breath. Take a moment to pause and listen to your breathing, reflecting on it and blocking out the noise around you. It could be for just a few seconds or up to five minutes. This helps to regulate the hyper-cortisol state that many of us experience daily. These are basic lifestyle strategies that can make a difference, but for some women, more may be needed to manage stress effectively.
Let’s Team Up
If you’re struggling with symptoms like changes to your skin, hair, weight, and mood, it’s possible that your hormones are out of balance. While some lifestyle changes can help, you may need more personalized support from a functional practitioner, like me. By doing the right lab testing, we can uncover the root cause of your symptoms and create a customized plan to rebalance your hormones naturally.
If you’re interested in taking these next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can book a free consult on my website, where we can talk about whether working together is the right fit for you. Alternatively, you can explore my blog and offerings to see if they resonate with you. Whatever you choose, know that there are options available to help you feel better both now and in the long term.
Are you feeling frustrated and embarrassed due to hair or skin issues? Are you experiencing unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or mood changes? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, know that you’re not alone. Hormone imbalances affect more and more women every day, and they can leave you feeling defeated and hopeless. We’re here to help! We don’t just treat the symptoms; we pinpoint the root cause of your problems and develop a personalized plan to help you regain control of your life. We believe in empowering women to feel their best by getting to the bottom of their health issues. If you are ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you, schedule a free discovery call where we can discuss your symptoms in detail and come up with a plan that is tailored specifically for you!
Don’t forget to join our Private Facebook Group for additional resources, support, and a community of women who are on the same journey as you. Click HERE to join now!
DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
