From hormonal imbalances, to nutritional deficiencies, to psychological stress there are many internal factors that can trigger unwanted changes in how we feel and look. The two hundred or so hormones that circulate through our body work in concert with each other like the many instruments in a symphony orchestra. And like the symphony, when even one falls out of tune- an imbalanced and disharmonious sound ensues.
When it comes to our hormones, an imbalance in even one or two key hormones can leave us feeling out of synch and unwell. Women who are entering the early stages of peri-menopause can experience hormonal imbalances and may start to notice changes in their face, skin and body including acne, an expanding waistline and hair loss.
These common changes can arise because of an imbalance in female and male sex hormones. Early in peri-menopause, there is often an increase in estrogen with a secondary increase in circulating levels of free testosterone. The estrogen-free testosterone rise occurs because there is inter-conversion between these two vital hormones, largely in fat tissue, but also because the increased estrogen binds to carrier proteins in the blood replacing the bound testosterone and allowing it to be taken up in its target tissue and exert its effects. In women, these effects may include increased body hair, shedding of hair from the frontal hair line and crown, acne breakouts (often involving cysts along the jawline), increased underarm sweating and changes in body odour, and some times changes in sexual function with either increased or decreased libido.
This picture of hormonal imbalance can be seen in early peri-menopause but also in women with conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) characterized by high estrogen levels, often absent ovulation and high androgens, as well as in metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by insulin resistance and inflammation.
A personalized approach to restoring hormone balance requires an in depth understanding of the overlying situation as well as common related issues such as nutritional deficiencies and metabolic derangements.
Whether it’s acne, hair loss or a body reboot- here are some helpful tips to restore hormonal and metabolic balance.
- Take an inside-outside approach:
- Enhance Estrogen metabolism
- Block Androgen Conversion
- Boost your Nutrition
- Reboot your Metabolism
These five steps can be shaped within a personalized treatment plan to precisely address the underlying hormonal, nutritional and metabolic imbalances helping you to reach your goals for health, body and beauty!