Blog: 4 Natural Supports for Your Hormones
If you’ve ever felt like things are out of balance, your hormones may be to blame! Symptoms can include things like low energy, moodiness, difficulty losing stubborn weight, anxiety, or low sex drive to name a few. One of the places your functional medicine provider may look is your hormones. Hormones are essential for keeping our bodies in balance, and when they're out of whack it can lead to a variety of problems. There are a number of natural supplements that your provider may suggest to help regulate your hormones. In this blog post, we'll discuss four of them: diindolylmethane (DIM), sulforaphane, resveratrol, and saw palmetto. And the good news is that you can find most of them in your diet!
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DIM and Sulforaphane is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. It's thought to help regulate hormones by binding to estrogen receptors. This can reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance like those above. Sulforaphane has also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer as well. Easily available, try incorporating these veggies most days of the week. Not a fan of broccoli, there is actually a genetic mutation that may make you think it tastes bitter! If you’re one of about 20% of the population that doesn’t enjoy it, you can also try this supplement instead. Otherwise, try roasting with olive oil and salt and pepper for a simple and tasty approach!
Resveratrols are a type of phytonutrient that's found in plant-based foods like berries, beans, and nuts. They've been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer and heart. They also help regulate hormones by reducing the production of estrogen. They are best absorbed in food products and thankfully have a greater variety of options to choose from. Berries can be a great addition to yogurt for a healthy breakfast or pair with nuts and hard boiled eggs for an on-the-go snack pack.
Saw palmetto is a herb that's often used to treat urinary problems related to prostate issues. Stick with me though as it may also help with hormone regulation by reducing the production of testosterone. This can be especially helpful for women who have a strong alpha pathway for metabolism. They often complain of things like irritated mood, hair in places they don't want, and weight gain.
As you can see, the symptoms of different hormone problems may look similar in terms of symptoms so it’s critical to work with a provider who can help you determine your specific needs. However, incorporating more cruciferous vegetables or berries are simple ways you can implement today to get your hormones back on track. Talk to your functional medicine provider to see if they're right for you.
