MANAGEMENT OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE WITH AYURVEDA

Hormones affect our mood, energy levels, metabolism, and libido. Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. Hormones are complex but healing them doesn’t have to be.

The endocrine system secretes chemicals called hormones and releases them into the bloodstream. Hormones are carried to different organs of the body through blood. Different types of hormones control or process various body functions. When there is excess or too little of a hormone, it causes imbalance.

There are three types of hormones.

•  Thyroid hormones which manage metabolism and body functions.
• Stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and DHEA affect insulin⁠ production and metabolism.
• Oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone, FSH, and LH⁠ which are sex hormones that regulate reproductive functions.

Reasons for hormone imbalance

Some reasons for hormonal imbalances are issues with thyroid, stress, eating disorders, medications, injury, or certain treatments. Several types of research have underlined the role of stress in hormone imbalance. Unwanted stress and frustration result in hormonal issues. There are also other factors like an excess workout, exercises, too much screen time, environmental pollution, and more. From fatigue to weakness, obesity, low sex drive, and itchy skin, hormonal imbalance can create a lot of issues.

Signs of hormone imbalance

From pregnancy to childbirth, lactation, growth, and metabolism, hormones play a crucial role in every stage of human life. If you are feeling one or more of the below symptoms, it may be an indication of hormone imbalance.

• Cold and chills
• Rapid hair loss and gets thinning 
• Weight gain 
• Unwanted hair growth in your body 
• Bloating 
• Rough skin 
• Obesity
• Brain fog 
• Craving crabs 
• Acne and pimples 
• Constipation
• Irregular and painful periods 

Ayurveda and hormones

It’s interesting to note that Ayurveda doesn’t mention hormones as such in the texts. However, the physicians realized how various organs work to maintain a balance. According to Ayurveda, the three doshas –Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, have a role in hormonal health. 

Vata

Vata is closely connected with the nervous system, and it plays a role with the adrenals and hormones. Everyday stress – work, lifestyle, etc. can aggravate Vata.

Pitta

Pitta is involved in all chemical processes in the body. Pitta rules liver and blood. Food or lifestyle that aggravates pitta – sour, acidic items, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco impacts your hormones through the liver.

Kapha

A sedentary lifestyle and heavy diet cause the accumulation of Kapha. It will slow down digestion and block the flow of nutrients and wastes. The heaviness, along with Vata, can lead to thyroid issues, uterine fibroids, and bloating.

The Ayurvedic approach 

Ayurveda manages hormonal imbalance by addressing the dosha. From Panchakarma to eliminate toxins in the body to herbal tonics and powders are used to address the issues with thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, and insulin imbalances. Medication along with a nutrient-rich diet and a calm mind can help alleviate hormonal imbalances. If you suspect hormonal imbalance, consult an Ayurvedic physician who will guide you in a holistic manner to balance the doshas and the hormones.