Hormones are chemical substances released by certain specific groups of cells (endocrine glands), that regulate the functions of the body. It plays an important role in growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism. Hormones are made up of fats and cholesterol. Improper nutrition, obesity, over/under-functioning of other essential glands, and many other factors can impact the balance of hormones during pregnancy. Hormones play an important role in growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism. This leads to unwanted weight gain, pigmentation, facial hair growth, etc.
During pregnancy, the estrogen and progesterone hormones surge as fetus growth takes place. These trigger weird pregnancy cravings, bloating, mood swings, etc. Some obstetricians may prescribe medicines to balance hormonal levels, thyroid ones are quite popular! Well, you can attempt to balance hormones at home, naturally without resorting to medicines. Sounds tempting, eh?
In This Article
Top 5 Home Remedies To Balance Hormones Naturally During Pregnancy
Since you can work at home itself to correct hormonal imbalance, why not try it out? The below set of instructions is very simple to follow and requires a bit of self-control, is it too much? When it comes to your baby, nothing is too much.
Read the following and see for yourself how easily you can manage hormones:
1. Stay Away From Chemicals
Certain substances and man-made chemicals such as those present in cosmetics, plastics, artificially processed food, and cleaning agents have the ability to mimic the hormone estrogen. So when these products come in contact with your body, they start creating hormonal imbalances. These substances are called Xeno-estrogen. Ultimately, it’s in your hands how many chemicals you want to deal with in your daily life. Stick to organic, natural products and food too!
2. Get Enough Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Unfortunately, the maximum sources of fat we consume are rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, whereas the one which is beneficial to us is Omega 3. What actually happens is, that hormones are made up of cholesterol and fats. If we provide our body with polyunsaturated fat and omega-6 fats (all bad fats), then how can the resulting hormones be healthy?
Therefore, avoid Omega 6 sources such as soybean oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, conventional meats, grains, etc. Opt for healthier options such as olive oil, coconut oil, and butter, and munch on walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. Non-vegetarians can include fish such as salmon and tuna or fish oil supplements.
3. Sleep Well And Stay Away From Stress
Our body works on a schedule. We eat – work – sleep. Similarly, the hormones also function as per the schedule. The stress hormone cortisol is particularly regulated at night. Experts suggest going to bed by 10 pm. Lack of sleep or going to sleep at the wrong times contribute to hormonal imbalance.
If you are not getting enough sleep, your hormones will never be balanced. Distress yourself. Sometimes, just strolling in nature works as a fine workout. Hitting the gym or huffing, and puffing too much on weight loss may unduly create more stress.
The fresh breeze, pure oxygen, and sunlight will all affect the pituitary gland in the brain which will help in regulating hormones. Research indicates that exposure to natural sunlight has the ability to regulate hormonal imbalances created by Xeno-estrogen.
4. Watch Your Diet To Balance Hormones During Pregnancy
You can easily control your diet. In order to achieve optimal hormonal functioning avoid extra sugary stuff, fried foods, alcohol (anyway, alcohol, if off the list during pregnancy, and caffeine – this one is known to interrupt the thyroid functioning and increase cortisol. Red meat and processed foods such as white bread, rice, and pasta should also be avoided.
The more you consume natural products, the greater the chances of improving hormonal balance. Try herbal teas, including fresh fruit juices, or prepare concoctions using holy basil and Ashwagandha. These are particularly known to regulate thyroid functioning, balance the sugar level of the body, and promote healthy weight. Stock up on foods high in flavonoids such as fruits, veggies, and pulses. These also help in balancing estrogen levels in the body.
5. Lose Weight
It is equally important to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Pregnancy does not mean eating anything and everything in tremendous amounts. Excess fat stored in the body also causes hormonal imbalance as it starts producing estrogen.
Therefore, you can stop this source of hormonal imbalance by exercising and eating with caution. Light and relaxing exercises such as swimming and walking will help balance your hormones. Short bursts of heavy lifting can also serve as useful for releasing good hormones.
See, the above doesn’t sound tough to do. All you need is a firm determination and will to get your hormones sorted naturally. It may take time but you will definitely notice a difference if you follow the above protocol.
Stay active, stay happy, and have a happy baby!
FAQ’s
1. How Do I Know If My Hormones Are Imbalanced?
Hormonal imbalance symptoms depend on age, health, and other factors. Hormonal imbalances may cause fatigue, heat or cold sensitivity, hair loss, night sweats, sleep problems, unexplained weight loss or gain, joint pain, and muscle pain. Prioritize seeing a doctor if you are suffering symptoms of any type and are unsure of their cause.
2. What Happens If A Woman’s Progesterone Is Low?
When progesterone levels are inadequate, the uterus may not be able to sustain a pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. When progesterone levels drop too low, pregnancy complications, including spotting and miscarriages might occur.
3. When Do Pregnancy Hormones Stabilize?
Fluctuations in pregnancy hormones should return to pre-pregnancy levels within six months after the delivery.
