Hormone imbalance is the number one underlying concern of my clients. So many people suffer with these concerns! My question is; why is NO ONE talking about this?
What I am going to talk to you about today is a very important axis in the body called the Ovary-Adnreal-Thyroid Axis. All that I mean by “axis” is that these three powerhouse glands have a special interaction. If any one of these three hormone producing glands is affected, the whole axis is imbalanced. The entire system is dependent on a strategic orchestrated interaction or hormone imbalance results.

Every women depends on proper OAT function to feel their best. Energy, mood, libido, fertility, stress, metabolism are all impacted by this coordinated team.

It is so typical for doctors to only treat one of these glands without supporting the other two important pieces to the puzzle. Often this can leave you feeling worse and frustrated with lack of improvements in your health. If you want to resolve your hormone imbalance you need to treat the whole axis.

“You have adrenal fatigue.”

“You have hypothyroidism.”

“You have estrogen and progesterone imbalances.”

But it is NEVER just one gland. These glands all contribute and work together as a team. As the saying goes “you are only as strong as your weakest link,” and as you probably know if one isn’t doing it’s job you everyone feels it.

When there is a lack of appropriate communication between the  thyroid, adrenals and ovaries, a whole array of symptoms may follow. Symptoms of hormone imbalance may include;

  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings, Irritability, Overwhelm
  • Depression, Anxiety, Panic
  • Infertility
  • Irregular or heavy periods
  • Breast tenderness & PMS
  • Hair loss
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Poor immunity
  • Sugar and caffeine cravings
  • Headaches
  • Hypoglycaemic symptoms
  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep and not waking feeling rested
  • Lightheaded or dizziness from changing positions
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

The key to helping you feel better is identifying where the imbalances are occurring! This often requires a detailed history as well as lab testing to determine which organs are in need of support. In addition comprehensive lab testing allows for the best, individualized plan to be developed for you.

Testing that may be recommended includes;

  • Dutch Test
  • Estradiol, FSH, LH (Best tested on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle)
  • Progesterone (Best tested on Day 19-22 of your menstrual cycle)
  • Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Anti-TPO, Anti-thyroglobulin
  • Free Testosterone
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
  • Additional testing may be necessary based on your individual needs

What can you do right now to start correcting OAT dysfunction?

In my opinion, the #1 place to start is with your adrenal glands!

By supporting your adrenal glands, you can improve the communication of the entire OAT system. Of course, it is important to have comprehensive lab testing to ensure you are providing the right kind of support with targeted therapies. If you are looking to get a head start,  bringing in a little help from adaptogen herbs may help.

Adaptogenic herbs are those that help you “adapt” to stress. In the free guide to hormone balance ebook you downloaded I shared with you some adaptogenic herbs that improve hormonal symptoms. Adaptogens support your adrenals and help balance cortisol. Here are 3 of my favorite adaptogenic herbs I shared from the book. (Please consult your doctor prior to beginning a new supplement or herbal therapy. This is not medical advise).

  1. Rhodiola. The endurance herb, helps reduce the effects of stress and improves resiliency.  Rhodiola should not be taken if there is a history of bipolar disorder.
  2. Eleutherococcus.The focus herb, Eleuthero increases concentration, energy and reducing insomnia. It also helps to increase mental alertness. Eleutherococcus should not be taken if you have high blood pressure. Take this herb before noon to ensure a restful night of sleep.
  3. Ashwagandha (Withania). The calming herb, Ashwagandha reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, anxiety, plus improves sleep and memory. It also promotes healthy energy and a healthy libido. Ashwagandha is in the nightshade family, which can be problematic in some people who have a sensitivity.

Taking 3 different adaptogenic herbs can feel a little daunting—maybe even overwhelming. This is why I often look for a combination product as a starting place. A combination tincture is a simple way to get all of these herbs that support hormonal health.

Remember, herbal therapies can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to really feel the effects. Be patient and give the herbs an opportunity to help. They are doing some heavy lifting after all.

The most important thing to do is, talk to you doctor about your hormone imbalance and request a full assessment. It is important to get to the root of your symptoms so you can start feeling better today!

XO,

Breanne