Dr. Kelly Simms ND, CNS

Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritionist, Fertility Course, Natural Women's Health, Preconception and Fertility

Because natural women’s health doesn’t have to be complicated. 

  • Home
  • Services
    • Optimal Hormonal Balance
    • Preconception Planning, Fertility, and Infertility
    • Perimenopause + Menopause
    • Fertility Course
  • Fertility Course
    • Learn More
    • Get Started Now
  • Blog
  • About
    • About Dr. Simms
    • FAQ
  • Become a Patient
    • Contact

in Hormones and Metabolic Health· Stress and Adrenal Health· Weight Loss· Women's Health

10 signs you may have a hormone imbalance – and what to do about it

Hormones are like chemical messengers, and govern nearly every cellular action in our body.

While very important, our sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, are actually not essential for our survival.

On the other hand, stress hormones (like cortisol & epinephrine, also known as adrenaline) are critical to our survival because they synthesize proteins, maintain cellular electrolyte balance, regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, and transport glucose into our cells – essentially feeding our brain.

These hormones are so crucial, that in times of chronic stress, cortisol (the “hormone of stress”), will be made at the expense of sex hormones.

So what happens when hormones stop playing well together?

We can often experience a ripple effect, even when there’s a slight hiccup in hormone function.

Also, due to the fact that the interconnected nature of your endocrine system, one hormonal imbalance can lead to an additional one, causing multiple symptoms and overlapping health issues.

The 10 most common signs that you probably have a hormonal imbalance

  1. Poor sleep – not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep
  2. Fatigue that’s not alleviated by sleep
  3. Night sweats and hot flashes
  4. Resistant excess weight and body fat, especially around the belly
  5. Low libido or sexual dysfunction
  6. Acne or other skin issues
  7. PMS symptoms
  8. Foggy thinking (brain fog!) and difficulty concentrating
  9. Mental health issues – depression and anxiety in particular
  10. Mood changes like irritability and anger

The main causes of hormonal imbalances

While there are many causes, here are the most common ones that have been identified:

  • Age and stage of life
  • Chronic stress
  • Medications (e.g. the Pill)
  • Toxins and endocrine disruptors like xenoestrogens
  • Poor nutrition and lack of adequate key nutrients
  • Blood sugar regulation problems
  • Disrupted circadian rhythm
  • Chronic inflammation (e.g. leaky gut & digestive system inflammation)

Simple ways to support and rebalance your hormones naturally

Eat whole foods: processed, packaged foods offering little to no nutritive value will also offer little to no fuel for your hormones.

Be sure to eat fresh over packaged foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and quality sources of free range and grass fed meats and eggs. Also, if tolerated – nuts, seeds, and legumes in moderation.

Grains and dairy may cause or exacerbate hormonal problems for some people.

Eat more good fats: Good fats are essential for hormonal health because sex hormones need fat as a building block – and your body can only use the ones you give it.

Opt for sources of good fats from whole foods, such as avocados, raw nuts & seeds, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, real butter or ghee (grass fed preferable), wild-caught salmon, and free range eggs – yes, you can eat the yolks!

Exercise daily: Working out on a regular basis, engaging in resistance (or strength) training, and incorporating a specific workout called HIIT (high intensity interval training) has been proven to be especially beneficial for keeping our bodies AND our hormones fit.

Better sleep: getting deeper, more restorative sleep can be the key to supporting your hormones, above all other measures (but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the other ones!)

Stress management & self-care: the truth is – stress can be devastating for hormonal health.

We need to equip ourselves to manage the stress and “business” of everyday life through the actions that bring back balance and wellbeing to our bodies AND our minds – like good nutrition, exercise and sleep!

Learn better coping mechanisms (like breathing techniques), practice mindfulness and be sure to engage in daily self-care.

Subscribe to get the latest

free goodies straight to your inbox

« Why Acne at My Age?
Why All Disease Begins In the Gut »

Search

Categories

Stay up to date

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Media Inquiries

Contact info

773-492-8010
2559 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Click here to contact us

join me on instagram

dr.simms

Did you know that over 50 million Americans strugg Did you know that over 50 million Americans struggle with acne each year, and no, they are not all teens! If you're struggling with adult acne you are not alone. ⁠
⁠
The root causes of adult acne may vary, but knowing what they are and addressing them at the source is the best way to not only clear up breakouts but prevent them in the future. 💪🏻⁠
Have you tried an "Alligator Pear:? 🥑⁠ ⁠ I Have you tried an "Alligator Pear:? 🥑⁠
⁠
I know what you're thinking..⁠
⁠
"That's an avocado!"⁠
⁠
Yes, you're correct but it's also widely known as an Alligator Pear 😎⁠
⁠
Avocados are loaded with fiber and potassium, designed to aid in bloating and gas, while at the same time, their natural high content of fat helps you feel full for longer periods of time.⁠
⁠
The fats that are contained in an avocado are actually heart healthy fats and aid in cardiovascular function. ❤️⁠
⁠
What's your favorite way to enjoy this fruit? Let me know in the comments below 👇🏼
How magnesium can benefit your blood pressure 👇 How magnesium can benefit your blood pressure 👇🏼⁠
⁠
Magnesium functions to alter the contraction and dilation of blood vessels. More contraction and stiffer vessels = higher blood pressure. 📈⁠
⁠
More dilated and relaxed blood vessels = lower blood pressure. 📉⁠
⁠
Research has shown that magnesium can support the ability of the blood vessels to dilate, and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.⁠
⁠
So, how do you know if you're getting enough magnesium?⁠
⁠
Anything that twitches, cramps, or spasms may be a sign of low magnesium status!⁠
⁠
Another way to look for magnesium levels is by checking intracellular magnesium or RBC magnesium. I can help you check this with labs 😉⁠
⁠
If you're low, try adding one or more of the sources mentioned above 👍🏼
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Yelp

Looking for something?

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Media Inquiries

Copyright © 2022 · Kelly Simms, ND · website by N.Creatives