Hormone imbalance — Can Hormone Balancing Supplements help?

Understanding hormonal balance is key to solving the wellness puzzle, since hormones help regulate processes like breathing and heart rate and direct the course of our mental, cardiometabolic, and reproductive health.

Whether you're battling fatigue, weight fluctuations, or mood swings, hormonal imbalances are playing a part. This post dives deep into the science of hormonal health, shedding light on the symptoms and causes of hormone imbalance and offering hormone balance supplements that may help restore balance.

The science behind hormone regulation

The hypothalamus, a small part deep in the brain, regulates functions such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, growth, repair, and reproduction. The brain via the hypothalamus communicates with the rest of the body by triggering the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroid glands, thymus, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

Shifts in hormones due to genetics, diet, lifestyle, or environmental factors can change the tone of brain-body communication and if it goes on long enough, it may develop into a host of potentially chronic conditions. Before we jump into what causes hormonal imbalances, let’s look at what some symptoms of hormonal imbalances may look like.

Symptoms of Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can be difficult to pinpoint because any single shift in this delicate balance can lead to a cascade of seemingly unrelated symptoms, but a few symptoms to watch out for are:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Insomnia
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Hair thinning, hair loss, changes in hair growth patterns (hirsutism), and/or androgenic alopecia
• Mood changes, depression, and/or anxiety
• Changes in sex drive
• Weight fluctuations
• Bloating and constipation
• Hot flashes and night sweats (menopause-based hormonal changes)

Causes of hormone imbalances

The endocrine system plays a delicate hormonal harmony to affect changes throughout the day, and several factors may disrupt this balance and lead to hormonal imbalances.

For instance, chronic sleep deprivation can impact the release of growth hormone (GH) that supports tissue repair. Sleep deprivation is also associated with higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Chronic stress (higher levels of circulating stress hormones) can lead to a series of downstream effects that may be benign at the beginning, but may end up turning into chronic health conditions like diabetes (cortisol acts on the pancreas and decrease insulin and increase glucagon, both of which lead to an increase in blood sugar levels) and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Mineral deficiencies either primary (via a deficient diet) or secondary (via interactions with antinutrients within the body or due to oxidative stress) can present in various forms. For instance, copper is a key mineral in peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), an enzyme that is necessary for the activation of hormone and neuropeptides such as oxytocin, gastrin, cholecystokinin, oxytocin, vasopressin, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Phytates present in cereals and grains and herbicides like glyphosate can bind to trace metals like copper and make them unavailable to the body.

Hormonal imbalances may occur due to genetic predisposition like multiple endocrine neoplasia (an overgrowth/tumors on one or more endocrine glands) or congenital hypothyroidism. However, lifestyle, diet, and environmental toxins can all contribute to hormonal imbalances. A few factors that may contribute to hormonal imbalances are:

• Trauma and Isolation
• Diet and lifestyle
• Physical inactivity
• Environmental toxins and endotoxins (LPS) and mycotoxins from an imbalance in the gut microbiome

• Alcohol
• Sleep deprivation
• Obesity
• Micronutrient deficiencies
• Birth control pills

Let’s look at the hypothalamus-pituitary- thyroid axis (HPT axis) to understand how environmental and lifestyle factors may influence hormonal imbalance.

Environmental factors and thyroid hormones

Communication within the HPT axis begins when the hypothalamus releases TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), which acts on the pituitary gland and facilitates the release of thyrotropin (TSH) hormone. TSH activates the thyroid gland and stimulates the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (TH) — thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) — which further regulate metabolism and growth in TH-sensitive organs.

An imbalance in thyroid hormones (hypo or hyperthyroidism) can influence weight, mood, and fertility outcomes since thyroid hormones facilitate the release of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) from the ovaries and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.

Any disturbance in this hormonal cascade can lead to an imbalance. Whether due to an iodine deficiency since iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, interference from endocrine disruptors like environmental toxins, or the growth of a nodule or a tumor on the thyroid.

Environmental toxins (manufactured or natural) like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalate can act as endocrine disruptors that can mimic hormones or interfere with their synthesis (either increasing or decreasing production) and have been associated with thyroid dysfunction.

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A recent study suggests that residues of widely used glyphosate-based herbicides affect several steps within the HPT axis in an age-dependent manner. These herbicides also alter genes associated with T4 production and impact thyroid hormone-dependent organs including the liver and the gut, which can further influence insulin and glucose homeostasis.

Lifestyle and chronic stress in hormone imbalance

We are hardwired to survive, which means dropping into the fight or flight state at the drop of a hat or the sight of an unexpected bill. Your brain does not differentiate between physical and emotional stress. When the amygdala (a part of the brain that is always on the lookout for danger) senses a threat, the hypothalamus down-regulates non-essential functions like digestion and growth and up-regulates the release of stress hormones to prepare the body to respond to perceived threats.

Stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol released by the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis) increase your blood pressure, release glucose, and fatty acid from temporary storage sites to provide energy and keep you on high alert. Once the threat passes, the hypothalamus then facilitates the release of hormones like acetylcholine that help you go back to the rest and digest state.

Acute stress (short-term) or eustress like a deadline or a hike, tasks that make you feel nervous yet excited, can be good as they help build resilience. On the other hand, chronic stress (high cortisol) may lead to the development of severe physical and mental health conditions like metabolic syndrome (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, etc.), anxiety, and depression.

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Chronic stress and testosterone

Chronic stress or prolonged exposure to cortisol can affect the HPG axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) that is responsible for testosterone production and lead to lower testosterone levels.

Lower testosterone levels affect male fertility due to reduced sperm count, motility and overall sperm quality and low libido, erectile dysfunction and increased sexual performance anxiety. Testosterone levels also impact muscle mass, bone density, vigor, fat distribution (low testosterone and high cortisol levels lead to an increase in belly fat), etc.

Cortisol, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome

Cortisol and insulin serve opposite functions in the endocrine system. In a relaxed environment, the pancreas releases insulin in response to increasing blood sugar levels after a meal. Insulin acts like a key that opens the lock on cells in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscles for glucose storage while suppressing food intake.

On the other hand, cortisol facilitates the release of stored glucose and fatty acids to have ready energy for the fight-or-flight response and muscle repair. Cortisol disrupts sleep, increases your sense of fear (anxiety), and increases your appetite and belly fat deposits (visceral fat) while disrupting insulin secretion (glucose storage) to increase blood glucose availability.

Acute stress lets you go back to a baseline state, but chronic exposure to cortisol down-regulates insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells and impairs cell sensitivity to insulin. This may lead to the development of hyperinsulinemia (high blood insulin), insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

Hyperinsulinemia, Insulin resistance, and PCOS

Hyperinsulinemia does not only contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are also common factors in individuals with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), a reproductive endocrine disorder. Research suggests that high insulin levels stimulate increased testosterone synthesis in the ovaries, which interferes with follicle development and ovulation.

Hyperinsulinemia may contribute to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A study involving over 600 individuals aged 65 and older found a link between hyperinsulinemia and an increased risk of AD and memory decline.

Gut microbiome, estrobolome, and estrogen

Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) may also be a contributing factor in free circulating estrogen that has been linked with endometriosis and an increased risk of breast cancer.

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Estrobolome is the set of bacterial genes that produce the enzyme β-glucuronidase that breaks bound inactive estrogen in the gut to its active form that reenters the blood circulation. Research draws a potential link between gut dysbiosis, estrobolome activity , synthetic endocrine disruptors like BPA, phthalates, and herbicides, and the development of estrogen-dependent conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer.

Metabolic endotoxemia, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances

Your gut microbiome hosts trillions of bacteria that thrive in a give-and-take ecosystem while keeping each other in check. However, gut dysbiosis or an imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to the increase of endotoxins like lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

LPS can trigger a proinflammatory cascade in the gut that can lead to increased intestinal permeability, allowing bacterial endotoxins to enter the systemic blood circulation. Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of insulin resistance and an increase in visceral and overall fat. Insulin resistance is often accompanied by high insulin, which can lead to increased testosterone secretion associated with PCOS. Blood serum levels of LPS, LPS to HDL ratio, and LBP (LPS binding protein) were found to be significantly high in PCOS.

Can supplements help restore hormonal balance?

Achieving hormonal balance or optimal health can feel challenging when factors outside our control like genetics and environmental toxins are at play. But there are many ways to support hormonal health including lifestyle changes (things like intermittent fasting, regular exercise, stress-reducing practices such as meditation and tai-chi), diet (organic prebiotic-rich vegetables like Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, green and red peppers; probiotic-rich fermented foods like kimchi and homemade yogurt ; grass-fed and wild game protein), and supplements with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to support gut and metabolic health.

Here are a few supplements to consider:

Omega-3 fatty acids and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and flax seeds and specialized pro-resolving mediators (omega-3 fatty acid metabolites) have been associated with enhancing stress resiliency (lower cortisol stress response) and with limiting inflammation in the body respectively. Fatty fish and oysters can be a great way to add omega-3 fatty acids, phosphatidylserine and a host of minerals into your diet.

Adaptogenic herbs

Adaptogens are plant or chemical compounds that help your body adapt to stress. Ashwagandha and Rhodiola have been associated with several improved stress responses and improved mental and physical performance.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been linked with improving thyroid hormone function, fertility, and stress responses. Ashawagandha contains bioactive compounds such as withanolides (withaferin-A, withanolide-D and withanone) that exhibit antioxidative effect by enhancing the performance of cellular antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, etc. as well as anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release proinflammatory messengers like interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) and nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB).

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a structural part of the cell membrane, and it enhances cell communication. PS supplementation has been associated with improvements in neuroinflammation, cognitive decline associated with age, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's. Fatty fish and animal proteins are high in PS and diets that primarily utilize animal proteins and healthy fats to fulfill most of your caloric intake may be helpful tools to support hormone health in the short run.

Micronutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds

Nutrient deficiencies may occur due to reasons such as a lack of variety in diet or antinutrients (including herbicides like glyphosate and phytates), genetic variations that limit nutrient absorption, and birth control pills that can affect hormone regulation. Commonly depleted nutrients that may influence hormone regulation are magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins (B9 and B12).

Additionally, nutrient antioxidants like vitamins A and C and plant-based antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, etc., may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses associated with gut dysbiosis and environmental stress.

Probiotics in hormone health

So far, we’ve looked at how different factors like endocrine disruptors and lifestyle may play a role in tipping over hormonal balance. But how does the gut microbiome affect hormonal health?

The role of gut microbes in health and disease is being increasingly studied, and research continues to shed light on how microbiome-directed therapies can play a supportive role in hormone health.

For instance, oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone, inhibits and lowers the production of cortisol. Probiotic L. reuteri has been linked with stimulating oxytocin release. Additionally, probiotics such as L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and B. longum have been associated with anti-inflammatory activity. Probiotics also enhance melatonin (sleep hormone) synthesis in the gut that has antioxidant activity during sleep.

A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials concluded that although prebiotics and probiotic supplementation did not alter thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4 and TSH), there were significant reductions in TRAb (thyrotropin receptor antibody) in patients with Grave’s disease.

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in overproduction of thyroid hormones. Since TRAb mimics TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), it can lead to a hyperactive thyroid, despite the pituitary gland lowering TSH production in order to curb the overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Menopause is linked with a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease in women. These changes can be traced back to changes in ovarian hormones and the resultant increase in LDL cholesterol and decrease in HDL cholesterol. Probiotics strains such as B. bifidum, B. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. salivarus , etc. have been associated with favorable outcomes like improved glucose homeostasis and improved lipid profiles.

Low FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels are also linked with increase CVD risk in postmenopausal women and a study that evaluated the effects of probiotics on FSH levels in women between the ages of 45 to 61 found a significant growth in FSH levels after 5 weeks of probiotic supplementation.

A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, studying the effects of our Sugar Shift® supplement containing probiotic strains L. plantarum (TBC LP-36TM), L. mesenteroides (TBC LM-37TM), P. acidilactici (TBC PA-68TM), L. paracasei, B. subtilis (DE111® by Deerland), B. bifidum, B. longum, and L. reuteri (PCR07) , found a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels, insulin, and serum LPS levels at the end of 12 weeks.

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Hormone health has many moving parts, and the best way to ensure hormonal health in the long run is to focus on nutrient sufficiency by incorporating a wide range of organic foods, quality supplements, and techniques that support stress management and gut health such as probiotics, and ashwagandha, gentle physical exercise and breathing exercises, and ample amounts of sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the best supplement for hormone imbalance?

Nutrient deficiencies including (vitamins A, C, D, or E), iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and potassium can exacerbate hormonal imbalances. Diets that focus on nutrient sufficiency, removing potential autoimmune triggers like wheat and dairy while including copious amounts of organic dark leafy greens, fruit, vegetables, organ meats and seaweed like the Wahls protocol are a great way to help you replenish essential nutrients. Additionally, consider adding in a micronutrients supplement like a quality fulvic and humic concentrate (concentrated nutrients from plant organic matter rich in minerals, antioxidants and antiinflammatory compounds).

2. What is the best thing to balance hormones?

Diet, gentle exercise, adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods, and supplements rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and glutathione, minerals like magnesium and selenium. Probiotic supplements include beneficial bacteria that help alleviate the effects of stress hormones and help restore gut microbiome balance, such as L. reuteri, etc.