Hormones have a significant impact on how the body functions and feels. Without a good balance, the body is unable to function properly, and many bodily systems can be negatively impacted. Unfortunately, hormones can easily be out of balance, requiring serious attention to bring levels back to normal.
Some women struggle with hormonal imbalances all their lives, but there are ways to handle even temporary imbalances. One can achieve a more balanced body using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chinese herbs.
What Causes Hormone Imbalance
A hormone imbalance stems from many possible causes. It could be an ongoing problem or something that comes and goes. An imbalance can be caused by simple issues such as poor diet, lack of sleep, or persistent stress. But it could also be a symptom of other medical issues or triggered by certain medications or health changes.
A natural imbalance can also be triggered by certain life events such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. These are inevitable cycles in a woman’s life, but the effects of hormone imbalance are manageable and, at times, avoidable. Recognizing the signs and using specific herbs can help reduce the impact of a hormone imbalance.
Signs of An Imbalance
There are several symptoms that signify a hormone imbalance. Some may experience weight gain, heavier or more painful periods, anxiety, acne, hot flashes, depression, headaches, lower energy, and lower sex drive.
These could be triggered by a life event or poor daily practices with diet, exercise, and rest. In TCM, a hormonal imbalance in women is connected to yin, or estrogen. A yin deficiency is typically seen during menopause, leading to hot flashes, anxiety, acne, and other symptoms. While some hormone imbalances will self-correct in time, waiting for that can be unpleasant and painful.
Treatment Options
Western medicine leans on medications to treat a hormone imbalance. These medications will attempt to supplement the lacking hormones, often stifling overproduction. However, it is not a long-term solution. Herbs help the body find more natural solutions to an imbalance.
Herbs do not replace absent hormones but suggest better levels to maintain in the body. They serve more as a guiding solution for the body than as a replacement, though this solution may vary on a case-by-case basis. For example, a hormone imbalance after pregnancy may require different herbs than one occurring during menopause.
Best Herbs for Hormones
Using herbs to treat a hormone imbalance is less abrasive and more nuanced than other approaches. Several herbal formulas work well with women’s hormones, and each best suits specific symptoms and conditions.
For women dealing with hot flashes and dryness, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is an excellent formula. It helps rebalance the yin and yang in the body, specifically returning the yin from lower levels. Women who suffer from insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety may benefit from Lui Wei Di Huang Wan. It is one of the most common formulas used to treat hormone imbalances in women.
If a woman struggles with a broader range of symptoms or is unsure why her hormones are off, Xiao Yao Zan could help. It targets various symptoms associated with hormone imbalance and helps the body find a better neutral setting. If a woman recently changed birth control brands or stopped using hormonal birth control, this formula could help during the transition.
A variety of issues can develop due to blockage to areas requiring hormonal balance, like the abdominal region. When there is a blockage, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wa helps with blood flow to that area, returning a balance of yin and yang. Issues arising from this blockage include bloating, irregular periods, infertility, and endometriosis.
Additional herbs, like goji berries, ginseng, and Chinese wild yam, can help with hormonal problems. Many of these are found in the formulas listed above, along with others made to help with general health issues for women.
A Better Balanced Life
Herbs are a viable natural treatment option for hormone imbalance. Unlike a synthetic option that offers a temporary solution, they focus on and treat the root cause of the problem. Herbs help correct an imbalance and find a more sustainable level of hormone production. The formulas listed above are just some of many that can benefit women dealing with hormonal problems. Find additional formulas to help with women’s health here. KPC is proud to provide the highest quality of TCM and Chinese herbal medicine manufacturing experience. Our commitment to quality, standards, and providing the best herbs to TCM practitioners in the industry is unmatched.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
