Although, not as “raging” as the former, maybe your experience with hormone imbalance is your boss sweating profusely during your Monday morning meeting brushing off the embarrassing moment whispering “darn menopause” at a barely audible level.

Humor aside, many hormonal imbalances are misdiagnosed as depression in women and are not reserved for the pubescent or mature female. These powerful chemical messengers — including the two main female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone — stimulate, regulate and/or control all vital bodily functions. Hormones are powerful: Even the slightest change in a certain hormone can seriously affect your physical and psychological health. That’s why keeping your hormones in their proper balance is essential to the way you live.

HORMONE BASICS
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including
Stimulation or inhibition of growth.

Induction or suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Activation or inhibition of the immune system.

Regulating metabolism.

Preparation for a new activity (e.g., fighting, fleeing, mating).

Preparation for a new phase of life (e.g., puberty, caring for offspring, menopause).

Controlling the reproductive cycle.

THE BENEFIT OF LIVING A HORMONE-BALANCED LIFE
When a woman’s hormones are in balance, she feels healthy, energized and vital. She is also far less likely to experience symptoms during her menstrual cycle or as she transitions through menopause. Include the following three best practices into your regime:

LOVE YOUR LIVER:
The liver plays a vital role in the proper metabolizing of hormones, especially estrogen. Liver-loving foods include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, garlic, lemons, artichokes and asparagus. Liver-loving herbs include milk thistle, dandelion root and turmeric.

NURTURE YOUR ADRENAL GLANDS:
The adrenals influence hormonal balance, immune health, digestion, blood sugar balance, blood pressure, inflammation control and mineral balance. Your adrenals are nourished by vitamin C, vitamin B5, cod liver oil and magnesium. Rejuvenating herbs, such as ginseng, holy basil, and licorice, provide excellent adrenal support.

STRENGTHEN YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM:
A strong digestive system ensures that your body will readily absorb your food. Digestive-strengthening foods include yogurt, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut and miso. Digestive enzymes are also helpful. A hormone-balanced lifestyle includes consuming organically grown whole foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts.

Include healthful fats in your diet by selecting extra-virgin olive oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil and butter for cooking and flavoring your foods. Last, and surely not least, drink filtered water to stay hydrated, schedule regular meals, enjoy seven to eight hours of sleep, and make sure regular exercise is part of your routine. Most of all, relaxation of mind and body supports a healthy lifestyle. Use those accrued vacation days and unused spa gift certificates as you deserve some much-needed personal time.

HORMONE HEALTH FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
At a time of energy and eagerness, women in their 20s are usually exiting the college lifestyle that was laden with fast food and late nights. Typically starting careers, young women continue the same poor habits of stress, demanding hours and unstructured meals. Combat these potential hormone-affecting behaviors by eating nourishing meals, drinking plenty of water and getting at least eight hours of sleep. If you’re taking contraceptives, use a quality multivitamin to supplement the vitamins that birth control deplete: vitamin B complex, C and E, calcium, magnesium, selenium and zone.

As you enter your 30s, motherhood may be a in your plans, and this physically altering event requires focus on adopting a healthful diet and balance lifestyle. Vitamins A and D are vital for normal reproduction and fertility.

Progesterone cream has been proven effective in not only alleviating PMS, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovarian syndrome, but also support fertility.

The ovaries are actually more active than they have been for women in their 40s. Consequently, perimenopause is a time of excess estrogen and decreased progesterone, which frequently leads to unpredictable moods, heavy flow, hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and weight gain. Make use of progesterone cream, digestive enzymes, and thyroid-enhancing supplements to balance the hormone changes in your body.

Women in their 50s typically experience menopause, leaving the adrenal glands as the primary source of hormonal support. Effectively nourish your endocrine glands (ovaries, adrenals, pituitary and thyroid) by making wise dietary and lifestyle choices.

RISKS OF IMBALANCE
Hormone imbalance may not be avoidable for every woman. However, lack of knowledge and not controlling the imbalance can be detrimental to your health. Common symptoms include:
• Fatigue.
• Hot flushes.
• Night sweats.
• Sleep problems.
• Mood swings.
• Memory impairment.
• Depression.
• Irregular periods.
• Excessive weight gain.
• Low sex drive.
• Infertility.

Laboratory tests can measure the hormone levels in your blood, urine or saliva. Your health care provider may perform these tests if you have symptoms of a hormone disorder.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a common term used to designate supplements used to replace hormones that your body is lacking. Supplements range from synthetic to natural and should only by used in conjunction with testing and approval by your physician. Regardless of any hormone supplements or replacement regimes, experts repeatedly say that a proper diet and exercise is always important.

Mary Carter, manager of Pensacola’s Natural Foods, said that after participating in hormone testing, consult with a local herbalist for natural treatments.

“Using natural herbs and vitamins instead of synthetic has many benefits but requires patience. Adjustments will be required for a while until the proper formula of supplements is discovered for your unique situation,” she said. For women suffering from PMS, Carter recommends a dietary approach.

“Include complex carbohydrates, foods rich in fiber and protein and a lot of water. Avoid salt, red meat, dairy, caffeine and processed foods (fast foods) as they will aggravate your symptoms,” said Carter, adding that natural herbs and vitamins are not risk-free, as they can interfere with other medications causing adverse effects to your health.