Hormone Imbalance: Symptoms, Causes, & Natural Remedies

Biological Underpinnings of Hormone Imbalance

Hormones serve as the body's messengers, orchestrating a symphony of physiological processes from growth and metabolism to mood regulation and reproductive function. Produced by various glands in the endocrine system such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries/testes, hormones must maintain a delicate balance for optimal health. Hormone balance hinges on feedback loops that regulate hormone production and secretion. When this equilibrium is disrupted, hormone levels can fluctuate, leading to a cascade of effects throughout the body. 

In the lens of whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM), hormone imbalance is tied to the concept of the Yin and Yang balance. Excessive Yin or Yang as well as Yang or Yin deficiency can cause these imbalances and disruptions in hormone balance. What is Yin and Yang? Yang energy is light energy and represents the day, masculinity, and order, while its opposite, Yin energy, is a darker energy that represents the night, femininity, and chaos. Try to think of Yang as the gasoline that fuels a car and keeps it going, while Yin is the engine coolant. Without the coolant, the engine will overheat and burn out eventually. They both need each other in order to work properly and keep going. 

For women, there are two natural hormone cycles. First, everyone has a daily hormone release cycle that governs our bodily functions from waking in the morning to falling asleep at night. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone hormones shift to prepare for a possible pregnancy as ovulation approaches. When a woman becomes pregnant, these hormones increase rapidly. When a woman’s egg remains unfertilized, hormone production falls and all of the built-up nutrients prepared for conception are released as a period, also known as menstruation. This triggers the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. Read our other blog post about eating in sync with your cycle here.

Common Causes of Hormone Imbalance

1. Stress: Chronic stress can trigger the release of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, disrupting other hormone systems and leading to imbalances. Continuously being in fight-or-flight mode can cause adrenal fatigue, which can lead to a variety of other symptoms and conditions.

2. Poor Diet: Nutritional deficiencies and excessive consumption of processed foods can disrupt hormone production and function. Red meat, alcohol, caffeine, processed sugars, produce sprayed with pesticides, as well as soy and dairy products can affect our sensitive hormone levels.  

3. Lifestyle Factors: Lack of sleep, sedentary behavior, smoking, and exposure to environmental toxins can all contribute to hormone imbalance.

4. Medical Conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and diabetes can disrupt hormone balance. Qi stagnation as well as hormone imbalances can also be the cause of some of these conditions.

5. Aging: Hormone levels naturally decline as we age, leading to imbalances and associated symptoms.

The Endocrine Glands and their Responsibilities:

Adrenals - The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of the kidney. The outer portion secretes corticosteroid hormones that control stress response, the balance of salt and water, immune function, metabolism, and sexual development and function. The inner portion releases adrenaline hormones that respond to stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, chronic and inflated stress levels can lead to adrenal fatigue, also known as burnout. If you’re experiencing adrenal fatigue Chinese medicine may be the solution you need! 

Pineal - The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates our natural sleep-wake cycle. Drinking caffeine too late in the day, artificial light (aka blue light) from screen use, and vigorous exercise late at night can disrupt the natural release of melatonin. 

Pituitary & Hypothalamus - Located in the brain, they are responsible for secreting growth hormones as well as secreting/suppressing the release of different hormone messages to the other glands. These two coordinate together to manage hormones and maintain homeostasis.

Pancreas - The pancreas secretes both insulin and glucagon, hormones that are responsible for providing the body’s cells with a continuous supply of energy in the form of glucose. The pancreas also releases enzymes to aid digestion. 

Reproductive - Responsible for the development of male and female biological characteristics. In women, estrogen, progesterone, and eggs are produced in the ovaries. In men, androgens, namely testosterone, are produced in the testes. 

Thyroid - The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the throat. Hormones secreted by the thyroid control the temperature, growth, and function of every cell in our body. The thyroid controls metabolic processes in the body to maintain and distribute energy. 

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

The symptoms of hormone imbalance can vary widely depending on the specific hormones involved and the underlying cause. The imbalanced organ also plays a role in the symptoms experienced. For example, if someone has stagnant reproductive hormones, they may have issues with fertility. Common symptoms include:

1. Fatigue and Low Energy

2. Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight

3. Mood Swings and Irritability

4. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

5. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

6. Hair Loss or Thinning

7. Sleep Disturbances

8. Digestive Issues

9. Decreased Libido

10. Skin Changes (Including Acne)

The WS-TCM Perspective

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hormone imbalance is viewed through the lens of imbalance in the body's vital energies, or qi. According to TCM principles, hormone imbalances may arise from disruptions in the flow of qi, often attributed to disharmonies in organ systems such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

Holistic Approaches to Balance Hormones Naturally

1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels by promoting the smooth flow of qi and addressing underlying imbalances in the body. By stimulating specific points related to specific organs on the body's meridian pathways, acupuncture removes blockages and aids in qi stagnation or qi deficiency. Cupping and gua sha are other WS-TCM techniques that can help unblock a stagnant qi and rebalance hormones. 

2. Herbal Medicine: Chinese herbal formulas tailored to individual needs can rebalance hormones and support overall health. Chinese herbs known to help restore hormone balance include goji berry, dang gui, shan yao (Chinese wild yam), he shou wu, white peony root, Chinese ginseng, and horny goat herb.

3. Dietary Changes: Adopting and maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can support hormone balance and overall well-being. Avoid caffeine, red meat, non-organic produce, and alcohol, as these products affect hormone levels, especially if consumed too much. 

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce cortisol levels and support hormone balance. Try yin yoga for gentle, long stretches that target deep joints and ligaments. Grounding, or earthing, can also be helpful. 

5. Mind-Body Practices: Try practices such as qigong and tai chi, which can help harmonize qi flow and promote overall balance and well-being. 

Hormone imbalance can have far-reaching effects on health and well-being, impacting everything from energy levels and mood to reproductive health and metabolism. By taking a holistic approach such as WS-TCM, acupuncturists can address underlying imbalances and promote overall health and vitality, using ancient techniques, allowing individuals to restore harmony to their hormones and reclaim their vitality. Our team of board-certified acupuncturists work with you to create a personalized plan of action to achieve your health goals. Experience premium care with proven results at Garden Acupuncture Brooklyn.