Hormone-regulating supplements help to support the endocrine system naturally. They are made of the adrenal glands, thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. They play a critical role in controlling many different bodily functions. Consider them as messengers, each delivering specific instructions to organs and tissues to ensure the body functions harmoniously. When these signals are disrupted, it can lead to an imbalance, resulting in a wide array of unwanted symptoms and conditions.

Common Causes of Hormone Imbalance

Several factors can lead to hormonal imbalances:

  1. Age and Life Stages: Hormone levels naturally fluctuate with age, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. For women, estrogen levels can shift significantly during perimenopause and menopause, leading to hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms.
  2. Stress: Chronic stress causes the body to produce high levels of cortisol, often known as the “stress hormone.” When the body increases cortisol production, it suppresses other hormones, leading to imbalances in sex hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
  3. Poor Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies: The body needs specific vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to produce hormones effectively. A diet high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients can interfere with hormone production.
  4. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, can mimic hormones in the body and interfere with natural hormone production. Plastics, pesticides, and personal care products are the primary suppliers of these toxins.
  5. Medical Conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and adrenal insufficiency directly impact hormone levels and may require targeted interventions.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Hormone imbalances can manifest in various ways depending on the hormones involved. Common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue or low energy levels
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
  • Changes in libido (sex drive)
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
  • Digestive issues, such as bloating
  • Hair loss or thinning hair
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or heavy periods (in women)

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a hormone assessment may help identify specific imbalances. Dr. Sheri Kembel and our team offer thorough hormone testing and personalized treatment plans to correct these imbalances.

Best Hormone Regulating Supplements

Incorporating targeted supplements can offer the body the nutrients and compounds needed to support balanced hormone levels naturally. Here are some of the most beneficial hormone regulation supplements available through Metagenics and Pure Encapsulations.

Best Male Hormone Regulating Supplements: DIM (Diindolylmethane)

Benefits: DIM is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It supports estrogen metabolism, helping the body process excess estrogen that can lead to “estrogen dominance.” This is especially useful for women with PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, or those in perimenopause.

Suggested Products:

Best Adrenal Hormone Regulating Supplements

Benefits: Chronic stress causes the body to produce cortisol, the primary stress hormone, through the adrenal glands. Over time, this can lead to “adrenal fatigue” and cause other hormones to fall out of balance. Supplements containing adaptogenic herbs help regulate cortisol and support adrenal function.

Suggested Products:

  • Metagenics: Adreset – Features adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola to support adrenal health and reduce fatigue.
  • Pure Encapsulations: Adrenal – A balanced formula of nutrients and adaptogens to support stress resilience.

Hormone Regulating Supplements: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hormone production and help reduce inflammation linked to hormone imbalance. They are especially beneficial for supporting mood, cognitive function, and overall hormone regulation.

Suggested Products:

Hormone Regulating Supplements: Vitamin D

Benefits: Vitamin D is necessary for healthy immune function and hormone health. It directly impacts estrogen and testosterone levels and can help improve mood and overall energy.

Suggested Products:

Hormone Regulating Supplements: Magnesium

Benefits: Magnesium is a mineral that supports numerous biochemical reactions, including those involved in hormone production. It also has calming effects, making it helpful for stress management, better sleep, and reducing PMS symptoms.

Suggested Products:

What are Hormone Pellets?

For some individuals, supplements may not fully restore hormone balance. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormone pellets in a customized approach to hormone health. It does so by using hormones chemically identical to those naturally produced in the body. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant compounds and are specially formulated to match the molecular structure of human hormones. Specifically, wild yam is converted to a bioidentical version of testosterone, and soy is converted to a natural form of estrogen. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are designed to fit precisely with hormone receptors in the body, making them closer to the body’s hormones and potentially reducing the risk of side effects. Tiny bioidentical hormone pellets placed just under the skin in the buttocks or hip deliver the hormones. 

How Does BHRT Work?

  1. Hormone Testing and Assessment: The process begins with a hormone test, where saliva, blood, or urine samples measure current hormone levels. Testing determines which hormones are out of balance and what levels are needed.
  2. Customized Formulations: Based on test results, a healthcare provider prescribes bioidentical hormones in precise doses tailored to the patient’s needs. Depending on the imbalance, this may include estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, or other hormones.
  3. Delivery Methods: Bioidentical hormones can be administered in several forms, including creams, gels, pills, patches, or injections. The method used depends on the individual’s preferences and specific hormone needs.
  4. Monitoring and Adjustments: BHRT is an ongoing treatment. Your hormone levels are checked regularly to ensure you get the maximum benefits from the therapy. Adjustments to the dosage or type of hormones are made as needed.

Benefits of BHRT

Patients choose BHRT for its many benefits, including:

  • Natural Fit with the Body: Bioidentical hormones are nearly identical to the body’s natural hormones.
  • Symptom Relief: BHRT has been shown to reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, and fatigue.
  • Customizability: Each treatment plan is tailored to fit individual needs, offering a more personalized approach to hormone health.

While BHRT is a proven and effective treatment, you must choose a knowledgeable provider to monitor hormone levels and ensure you get the best possible response to your treatment.

How to Start Your Hormone Health Journey

If you’re ready to take control of your hormone health, consider including these supplements into your daily routine. If your symptoms are more severe, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be the balanced approach you need. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheri Kembel to find the best path forward. We’ll create a customized plan that supports your unique needs and goals. Meanwhile, if you feel you need hormone therapy, please don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment to have your hormone levels tested with a simple blood test.