Hormone Balance & Energy
As a woman, you may feel drained and fatigued, especially during certain times of the month. This can be attributed to the normal fluctuation of hormones in your body, which can have a significant impact on your energy levels. However, there are other types of hormone imbalance that may contribute to energy levels and overall feelings of wellbeing. Let’s dig in.
How Hormones Impact Energy Levels
- Menstrual Cycle
Where you’re at in your menstrual cycle will determine a variety of things about how you’re feeling. Fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone balance throughout the month can leave you feeling energized, or even more fatigued, depending on where you’re at in your cycle. It’s important to listen to your body, and engage in practices such a cycle synching, to ensure you’re optimizing performance throughout your cycle.
- Thyroid Imbalance
The thyroid plays a critical role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. When the thyroid gland is not functioning correctly, it can result in hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue and a decrease in energy levels. Women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems throughout their lives.
- Adrenal Fatigue
The adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate our body's response to stress, and when they become overworked, it can result in adrenal fatigue. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and decreased energy levels. With women twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression, it’s important to look for ways to modulate the stress response to support healthy adrenal function.
What Can You Do to Support Your Hormones for Healthy Energy Levels?
- Monitor Your Stress
Engage in stress-reducing activities, whatever those may be for you. Supplement with herbs like Ashwagandha to help modulate your stress response and maintain homeostasis. Look for multi-nutrient formulas containing other supporting compounds such as GABA or L-Theanine.
- Prioritize Key Minerals
Iodine is essential in supporting thyroid function. The thyroid gland needs iodine to support the creation of T4 and T3, which are involved in regulating the body’s metabolism including energy levels, body temperature, and heart rate. Supplements containing iodine will help support thyroid health, even if their primary function is focused on other body systems or benefits.
- Try Adaptogens
Adaptogens are nature’s gift when it comes to finding balance. They help the body reach equilibrium and work to decrease stress and increase energy without any of the unwanted spikes. Using adaptogens such as Maca and Ashwagandha in combination can help promote balanced energy and adrenal health.
Hormones can significantly impact energy levels in women, but there are ways to combat fatigue. Natural solutions can provide the energy boost you need to tackle your busy life or modulate the stressors making you feel drained. As always, be sure to check with a doctor for a firm diagnosis of any hormone-related symptoms you may be experiencing before beginning a supplement routine.