By Leigh Siergiewicz
Women tell me all the time they think their hormones are imbalanced; they are tired, have brain fog, digestive issues, hair-shedding that seems excessive, carbohydrate cravings, and poor sleep. These symptoms could be caused by many different things, and with a full evaluation we can identify the cause. Even if hormones are imbalanced, the root cause could be something else. Treating hormones without looking for another underlying cause is using a temporary band-aid.
What hormones often need treatment?
The thyroid is a gland in your neck that regulates metabolism in the whole body; if it isn’t functioning properly, it can cause digestive disturbances, hair loss, brain fog, temperature dysregulation, and difficulty managing weight. My patients often come in already having had a basic thyroid screen, a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), with another provider. I go a step further and test T3, T4, reverse T3, and screen for thyroid antibodies that indicate thyroid autoimmunity.
Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is important to have in balance. Normally, it should be high in the morning to help us wake up, and should smoothly decline as the day goes on. Chronic stress can cause cortisol to be elevated or depressed at the wrong times of day, which often causes mid-afternoon fatigue and high energy late at night. I use a lab test my patients can do at home to test their cortisol four times in a day to see if their cortisol curve is normal.
The sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA are all important for women. Imbalances can cause many different issues at different ages, ranging from period problems, to infertility, to the common symptoms of perimenopause. When testing these hormones in women of childbearing age, it is important to test them on the correct day of an individual cycle for accuracy.
What common underlying causes make women feel like their hormones are imbalanced, but are actually the root cause?
Insulin resistance: People who are not diabetic can still have blood sugar dysregulation that contributes to poor sleep, sugars cravings, weight gain, and low energy. A test called hemoglobin A1C measures your average blood sugar over the last 3 months and can diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes. A fasting insulin test is also helpful to see if your body is having difficulty keeping your blood sugar stable.
Poor sleep can contribute to insulin resistance, even when eating a healthy diet.
Digestive issues: Many different digestive issues can contribute to feeling uncomfortable symptoms elsewhere in your body. Undiagnosed celiac disease is a common and very important one, along with others that cause poor nutrient absorption.
Food sensitivities: A temporary trial of eliminating common foods can make a dramatic difference in overall health, while allowing the intestines to heal. Skin issues, weight difficulties, brain fog, and digestive changes are all possibly related to food sensitivities.
Environmental factors: Mold in your home or exposure to pesticides and endocrine disruptors found in plastics and other modern materials can contribute to hormone imbalance.
Some people exercise, eat healthy, and seem to be doing everything right but still need extra support to optimize their health. For many, individualized nutrition and lifestyle guidance can help support you in feeling your best.
Dr. Leigh Siergiewicz is a naturopathic doctor practicing independently since 2018. Visit her website: Betulanaturopathic.com or contact her at 253-330-8708.
