Natural Treatment for Hormone Imbalance

A hormonal imbalance causes such symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats, irritability and depression, unexplained weight loss or gain, and fatigue. Prescription medicines are available for treatment of hormone imbalances, but you may prefer to use natural remedies instead of synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Though not all imbalances can be treated without the use of replacement hormones, the symptoms can be managed through natural treatments.

History

Before the advent of synthetic hormones, natural remedies were used. Among these were the herbs black cohosh, nettles, dong quai and soy. These herbs contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic estrogens found in the human body. When the body doesn't produce enough estrogen, the most common cause of hormonal imbalance, these herbs supply the body with estrogen-like substances, thus "tricking" the body into believing the hormone levels are in balance.

Types

But the phytoestrogens found in these plants don't "reset" the thyroid or stimulate hormonal production. They do relieve the symptoms of menopause, but if the goal is to restore fertility, as in early ovarian failure, the herb mecafem may be effective.

Mecafem does not contain phytoestrogens. It does, however, stimulate the pituitary and endocrine glands into production. Estrogen levels are naturally raised, and so fertility may be restored.

But herbs aren't the only treatment for hormonal imbalance. Acupuncture works to restore the body's systems by tapping into the body's energy paths. The precise placement of needles realigns the body's energies and restores natural hormone levels. Because acupuncture is a difficult technique to quantify, however, scientific studies do not bear this out. The evidence of effectiveness is anecdotal.

Meditation can be used to manage the symptoms of hormonal imbalances, but it is not a cure. Much like yoga and massage therapy, meditation allows you to control the affects of the condition. In the case of menopause, this may be all that is necessary.

Considerations

Menopause is a naturally-occurring condition in women. This is nature's way of protecting older women from the stress and demands of pregnancy. The symptoms of menopause are a side effect of the condition. Managing the symptoms is an appropriate treatment; menopause need not be cured.

Function

Managing the symptoms of hormonal imbalance usually requires a combination of treatments. Herbal extracts and teas often provide immediate relief, but some, like black cohosh, can only be used for up to 6 months.

If the goal is long-term management and relief of symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance, changes in lifestyle and diet may be necessary.

Time Frame

The most natural treatment for hormonal imbalances begins with diet. A diet of fish, organic fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods and raw foods maintains your body's natural inclination toward good health and systemic balance.

Using proper diet as your baseline, add herbal teas and stress management techniques to your daily routine. Stress management techniques include exercise, meditation and relaxation.

These lifestyle choices will aid in reducing sleeplessness and fatigue, which in turn alleviates depression and irritability. They promote proper weight management and circulation, which in turn reduces the frequency of hot flashes.

Over time, a healthy diet and a regimen of natural treatments suppress the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.