Hormone Imbalance
Various hormonal maladies and disorders due to hormonal imbalances are commonly increasing these days. These hormonal imbalances or malfunctioning may lead to certain diseases like diabetes, imbalance of thyroid, improper behaviour of the sex hormones or a problem with the pituitary glands etc. Ayurveda medicinal herbs provide a strong support in managing such types of diseases and help the patient to lead a healthy and normal life.

Ayurvedic Approach to Balancing the Hormones

Although the modern medical system would generally provide pills to be taken regularly to control these hormonal imbalances which might help in avoiding further complications or deterioration but cannot offer successful treatment. Whereas, the Ayurvedic science of healing has altogether different and holistic approach in correcting the hormonal imbalance. This is because Ayurveda believes in “to prevent the disease, to cure and treat”, for which one must recognize the reason behind the disease. It is believed that the cause for any hormonal malfunction in the body can be either improper diet or lifestyle and on psychological level it can be stress, depression and/or anxiety. Hormones are the connectors between body and mind, which carry the information to the body from mind and maintains the mutual working of the both the systems i.e. physical as well as psychological. And therefore it is strongly believed that most of the ailments cropping up in human body, particularly relating to hormonal imbalances, result from psycho-somatic relevance which relate to the interaction of both the mind as well as body.

Ayurvedic understanding of Hormone Imbalance
Ayurveda relates all ailments, both physical and mental, to result from dosha discrepancy i.e. aggravation or mitigation of either or all of the three doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha (watch video). As line of treatment for hormonal imbalance, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the vitiated dosha, improving the digestion and metabolism, strengthening immune and nervous system, expulsion of ama toxins and body detoxification, improving nutrition and counselling so as to relieve the psychosomatic intervention.

When Hormones Lose Balance

Hormone malfunctioning can occur in two possible ways:
When hormone producing glands starts secreting excess of hormones i.e., Hyper secretion of the hormones.
When the glands secrete lesser amount of hormones i.e. hypo secretion of hormones.

A slight imbalance either hyper or hypo secretion can cause dramatic effects on our weight, appearance, mood, fertility, energy and anxiety levels.

Signs / Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances

Some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance include-

  • Anxiety, irritability and sleeping problems
  • Headache/migraines
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Acne or skin breakouts
  • Cravings for sweets
  • Excess hair growth
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Allergy symptoms
  • Irregular periods
  • Water retention & weight gain
  • Excessive oily or dry skin

    Ayurveda Tips for Balancing Hormones

    Ayurveda tips are based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbs, Ayurvedic treatments, and yogic breathing practices providing holistic approach to balancing the hormones. Certain lifestyle changes and simple techniques allow balancing of the hormones and reclaiming health.

  • If your hormones are disturbed, you need to get enough sleep. This is because limited sleep is connected to hormonal imbalances and related disorders.
  • The inversion Yoga poses are also advised. These include headstands, shoulder-stands, legs up the Wall, bridge pose, forward bends and similar asanas. They aid in stimulating the pituitary gland and its secretions.
  • It is also guided to practice Meditation regularly. This not only helps to decrease the stress hormones, aids in relieving psychosomatic disparity and also aids the body to function more efficiently.
  • Remember that the body requires some moderate fat in diet so as to fuel the body’s hormonal systems, including the production of sex hormones like testosterone. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids like fish, fish oil, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds help improve the hormone levels in the body. Not only this, these also improve memory and cognitive thinking by replenishing the body with fatty acids (that are destroyed due to hormonal imbalances).
  • Everyday diet should include antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds as these help to strengthen the endocrine system and also terminate the effects of free radicals on the body.
  • Consumption of organic food (foods produced without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides) with plenty of clean, filtered water is essential and is highly helpful in preventing hormone imbalance.
  • Some herbs help in balancing both the male as well as female hormones, as for example turmeric, ashwagandha, avena sativa, ginseng etc. Phytoestrogens which are found in some plants like red clover, red raspberry, wild yam etc supports in balancing body hormones.
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic herb has been found to be most important restorative and regenerative tonic herbs for women.
  • Also, you need to practice Pranayama or the deep breathing yogic exercises regularly. These deep breathing techniques significantly help to stimulate the vital hormonal secretions throughout the endocrine system, thereby balancing all vital functions, including sexual potency and fertility. 
  • Watch Video – Radio Talk Show in Wise Health Here

    About the Author:
    Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
    Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
    Related Post: