View source for Hormone Imbalance - Female

== What Does It Mean? ==
Hormonal imbalance in females refers to dysregulation in estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, which can lead to menstrual irregularities, metabolic dysfunction, mood disturbances, and reproductive issues. These imbalances often result from poor liver detoxification, chronic stress, inflammation, or endocrine-disrupting exposures.

=== Root Causes & Imbalances ===

* Estrogen dominance or deficiency, leading to symptoms like PMS, weight gain, and mood swings
* Low progesterone, causing cycle irregularities and mood instability
* Androgen imbalance, contributing to acne, hair thinning, or PCOS-like symptoms
* Dysregulated liver detoxification, impairing estrogen clearance
* Chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction, affecting ovarian hormone production
* Inflammation and gut dysbiosis, altering estrogen metabolism

== How Did We Get Here? ==

=== Signs & Symptoms of Female Hormone Imbalance ===
Patients with hormone imbalances may present with:

* Irregular menstrual cycles or heavy bleeding
* PMS symptoms, bloating, and breast tenderness
* Fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings
* Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and hips
* Low libido and vaginal dryness
* Hair thinning or excessive facial hair (hirsutism)
* Sleep disturbances, night sweats, or hot flashes

=== Lab Test Findings ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Dihydrotestosterone, LCMSMS
|Increased
|50.00-65.00 ng/dL
|-
|Estradiol-E2
|Increased or Decreased
|24.00-39.00 pg/mL
|-
|Estrogen (Female)
|Increased or Decreased
|80-250 pg/mL
|-
|Estrone
|Increased
|0-125 pg/mL
|-
|Free Testosterone (Calculated, Female)
|Increased or Decreased
|0.8-1.2 pg/mL
|-
|HDL Cholesterol
|Decreased
|55.00-93.00 mg/dL
|-
|Hemoglobin (Female)
|Decreased
|13.50-14.50 g/dL
|-
|Progesterone
|Decreased
|0.20-0.90 ng/mL
|-
|RBC
|Normal or Decreased
|4.20-4.90 Cells/µL
|-
|Testosterone, Total
|Increased or Decreased
|700.00-1100.00 ng/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach ===
Treatment focuses on balancing estrogen, progesterone, and androgens while supporting liver detoxification and adrenal function.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita DIM
|Supports estrogen metabolism and hormone balance
|2 capsules with or without,  daily
|-
|Vita-Balance
|Helps regulate progesterone and androgen levels for hormonal equilibrium
|2 capsules without food, daily
|-
|Femarin
|Provides botanical and nutritional support for female hormone balance
|1 capsule with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Increase cruciferous vegetables to support estrogen metabolism (broccoli, cauliflower, kale)
* Consume healthy fats (avocados, nuts, and omega-3s) to support hormone synthesis
* Reduce inflammatory foods (sugar, processed foods, refined carbs)
* Optimize liver detoxification (green tea, turmeric, and dandelion root)
* Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga, and adaptogens
* Exercise regularly to support insulin sensitivity and hormone balance
* Avoid endocrine disruptors (BPA, parabens, synthetic fragrances)