Why you probably have a hormonal imbalance

Hormonal health has exploded on social media as more women realize their bodies need personalized attention. Between conversations about cycle timing and metabolism, it’s becoming increasingly clear that hormones are a crucial part of our overall health and well-being that has long been overlooked. On this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast, we spoke with registered dietitian, nutritionist and hormone specialist Lauren Papanos about how to identify hormonal imbalances, how metabolism and the thyroid are linked to hormonal health, and tips for tackling hormonal issues, from PCOS to menstrual cramps. to thyroid imbalances.

It seems like every person with a reproductive cycle has some type of symptom or diagnosis, whether it’s PCOS, infertility, endometriosis, PMS, menstrual headaches, or l ‘acne. The truth is no, you are not supposed to suffer from these symptoms: they are all signs that something is wrong in the body, which means that you can actually heal. We all deserve to have (and can have) healthy, regular and pain-free periods. We asked Papanos why so many people are facing reproductive issues and she confirmed that it’s no coincidence: we’re a generation of women facing unresolved underlying issues. Read on to learn the top three reasons Papanos says people today struggle with symptoms and hormonal imbalances, and listen to her episode on The Everygirl Podcast for more tips for optimal healing.

1. Malnutrition

According to Papanos, today’s soil contains 10 percent of the vitamin content of 50 years ago, meaning the vast majority of us are not getting the nutrients we need to maintain healthy healthy hormone levels. In addition to agricultural changes, people are eating more packaged foods and fewer foods grown from the land. “Packaged foods, even if they are ‘healthy,’ still don’t contain all the phytonutrients and vitamins that are alive and active for our bodies to use,” Papanos said. “Our society is truly undernourished and these nutrients are the building blocks that allow us to make hormones. »

If you suffer from a hormonal imbalance, make sure you eat foods that provide your body with enough vitamins and minerals. Specifically for hormones, Papanos recommends prioritizing daily intake of vitamin B, zinc, iron, and selenium, whether through your diet or supplements.

2. Endocrine disruptors

In addition to decreased nutrient availability, Papanos points to the presence of artificial chemicals and toxins in our food, environment and products as one of the main reasons many women today suffer from hormonal imbalances. . “There has been such an increase in endocrine-disrupting chemicals over the last 10 to 20 years, and it continues to increase,” she explained. “These chemicals can impact the body’s ability to use the hormones it produces.” According to Papanos, perfumes, pesticides and herbicides can all impact the body’s ability to activate the hormones it produces. Examining the potential human-made toxins you consume daily could provide answers to why you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance: start by eating as organic as possible and replace beauty products, cleaning products, etc. . with non-toxic products. alternatives.

3. Restless culture

An increase in workaholism and hustle culture could well be the reason why your hormones are out of balance. The pressure of hectic culture and increased stress levels can negatively impact the regulation of our nervous system, which in turn impacts our hormonal health. “If the nervous system is constantly in an anxious, dysregulated state, this will impact the signals in the brain that allow it to produce the right amount of hormones,” Papanos explained. It is crucial to manage stress and have moments of relaxation in order to properly regulate the nervous system. Taking stock of our participation in the hectic culture and the pressure we place on ourselves can be a key step toward resolving our hormonal imbalances.