Hormone Harmony - Supplements To Balance Hormones

Ah, hormones. They can be our best friend or worst enemy, depending on the situation. But one thing's for sure - when they are out of balance, it can wreak havoc on our bodies and our emotions. As women, we are particularly susceptible to hormone imbalances, whether it's related to our menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or just the stresses of everyday life, and these imbalances can really impact our mood, energy and overall wellbeing. But fear not! There are ways to balance our hormones naturally with hormone balancing supplements and get back to feeling our best and happy self. 

Let's take a look specifically at the vitamins and minerals that have been shown to help balance our hormones and alleviate symptoms. Consider adding these nutrients to your diet to help bring harmony to your hormones.

Hormone Balance Supplements - The Vitamins & Minerals That Could Work

Vitamin D3 For Hormone Harmony

Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D3 is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to irregular menstrual cycles, mood disorders, and a higher risk of breast cancer. A lack of vitamin D can significantly contribute to menopausal symptoms. For example, low vitamin D levels can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity (making you prone to illnesses), depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and impaired cognitive function like memory loss, poor concentration, and mental fogginess. This cluster of symptoms mirrors typical menopausal issues. Foods high in Vitamin D3 include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk but as we age, our bodies struggle to synthesise and absorb enough vitamin D, therefore a supplement really could be beneficial.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) For Hormone Harmony

This B vitamin (vitamin B2) helps support hormone production and supports the maintenance of normal skin which can be affected by a hormonal imbalance. Riboflavin also has antioxidant properties and aids in red blood cell formation. Vitamin B2 helps to break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and keeps a steady supply of energy flowing through your body so if you're feeling low on energy, a good level of vitamin B2 is essential.  You can find Riboflavin in dairy products, eggs, leafy greens, and whole grains. It can be taken as a supplement if you feel you are not getting the required daily levels. 

Pantothenic Acid  (Vitamin B5) For Hormone Harmony

This nutrient is essential for adrenal gland function and can help regulate stress hormones. It's a water-soluble B complex vitamin that helps the body utilize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This vitamin contributes to normal mental performance, reduces tiredness and fatigue, and assists in the synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and neurotransmitters. Food sources of vitamin B5 include meat, vegetables like broccoli and potatoes, mushrooms, dairy products, poultry, and eggs.

Vitamin B6 For Hormone Harmony

Vitamin B6 has been used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, such as anxiety and depression, because researchers suspect it helps improve mood by aiding in the creation of neurotransmitters that regulate emotions. We've detailed how vitamin B6 could work on improving your mood here. 

Vitamin C For Hormone Harmony

This antioxidant is crucial for hormone synthesis and can help combat stress and support your immune system. Vitamin C is needed to make dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline which are hormones made by your adrenal glands to combat stress. This is why it could be beneficial to take vitamin C to keep your stress hormones balanced. Vitamin C could also reduce heavy bleeding when women menstruate because the vitamin C's anti-inflammatory ability strengthens the capillary walls. It could also increase progesterone levels. Progesterone, a hormone produced after ovulation, can provide several benefits including reducing anxiety, enhancing brain function, easing menstrual periods, and improving overall mood. One piece of research found that women who took 750mg of vitamin C per day had a progesterone increase of 77%. Oranges, red peppers, and broccoli are all great sources of Vitamin C.

Chromium For Hormone Harmony

This trace mineral could help regulate insulin levels and reduce sugar cravings, giving it possible benefits for women with PCOS or insulin resistance. PCOS is an endocrine disorder with reproductive and metabolic consequences which impacts 1 in 10 women in the UK. A double-blind randomised controlled trial of 85 people with PCOS found that supplementing with chromium picolinate for 6 months reduced fasting serum insulin levels, increased the fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio, and increased the likelihood of ovulation and regular menstruation. Despite various studies, the evidence supporting the impact of chromium picolinate on PCOS remains limited. You can find chromium in broccoli, grapes, potatoes, and beef.

Ashwagandha For Hormone Harmony

This adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries to help combat stress and support hormonal balance. This ancient medicinal herb, has recently gained recognition for its potential to promote hormonal balance in women. By moderating stress and cortisol, Ashwagandha may alleviate menstrual irregularities, mood swings, and fatigue. While research continues, this botanical appears promising as a natural way to support women's hormonal health. It can be found in supplement form or added to tea. 

Evening Primrose Oil For Hormone Harmony

This oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that can reduce inflammation and hormonal acne. Many women find that evening primrose oil offers relief from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), such as mood swings, breast tenderness and menstrual cramps. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil is thought to help regulate prostaglandins and reduce inflammation related to hormonal fluctuations around menstruation. Women with severe PMS, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have low GLA levels, which evening primrose oil can help address. It can be taken in supplement form or added to your diet through foods like nuts and seeds.

Organic Flaxseed Oil For Hormone Harmony

Organic Flaxseed Oil - This oil is rich in phytoestrogens called lignans. Phytoestrogens are polyphenols that can weakly bind to estrogen receptors in the body. Phytoestrogens can have both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects, meaning they can raise or lower estrogen depending on what the body needs. This is why flaxseed has been used by women across various age groups and stages of life to address different health issues. Flaxseed can gently and naturally raise estrogen levels in menopausal and postmenopausal women to help with hot flashes and likewise it can help menstruating women by reducing excess estrogen, which is linked to issues like PMS, fibroids, endometriosis, and thyroid nodules. Due to their phytoestrogen content, flaxseeds have also been shown to help prevent breast cancer.

What Supplement Is Good For Balancing Hormones? 

We recommend Hormone Harmony gummy supplements which contain natural extracts of Ashwagandha and Rhodiola as well as Evening Primrose Oil and Natural Flaxseed oil. Packed with vitamins, these gummies also contain your recommended daily amount of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B5 and B6 as well as Vitamin C, Chromium yeast and Vitamin D3 - all the things that could help with balancing hormones.

Not looking for a hormone harmony or hormone balance supplement right now? We've explained the best foods you can incorporate into your diet in our hormone balance article here.