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Balancing Hormones through an Eastern Asian Medicine Perspective
This is very broad to lay a foundation. In the coming months, I plan on continuing further research on very specific hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, Endometriosis, balancing for fertility and other imbalances for women! So stay tuned…Q: How do hormonal imbalances happen?A: Because of our Endocrine System. The Endocrine System is made up of many glands (which secrete hormones), when our bodies make too much or too little of a hormone then we can develop an imbalance.First, a story:I got off of birth control August of 2022. Ever since then, it’s been a journey to get back to a balance. I was initially placed on birth control over a decade ago because my periods were insanely heavy (to the point of anemia). My doctor’s solution was birth control… yes, I know, not very holistic. I tried every form of birth control besides the Nexplanon. Eventually, it led to an IUD, the Mirena, to stop my periods completely. After years of holistic education and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I decided to get off of it. The reason being that synthetic hormones mess with the natural rhythm of your body.When I made the decision, I figured: I eat well, move my body and I get bodywork so why not! Now, I will not lie…this has not been easy and there are times when I still feel like I’m not 100 percent. It took me about 5 months to find a good flow! (It has now been a year since my switch) My periods are regular and my PMS is a work in progress. It is NOTHING like what it was before however, and it is not heavy, which is a win.Everything stated below can apply to many imbalances. It can serve as a starting point to the journey.With that, I share research on how to manage, what supplements to take, and what to eat. PLEASE keep in mind, not every body is the same, and you can take or leave WHATEVER works for YOU. Resources are at the bottom. Western Perspective: Our Endocrine System is made up of glands and Organs that secrete hormones. Our hormones send messages all over our body to perform bodily functions such as:
Metabolism
Homeostasis
Growth/development
Sexual functions
Moods
Sleep schedules
Symptoms:
Weight loss or weight gain
Constipation
Fatigue
PMS
Acne
Loss of interest in sex
Hot flashes
Vaginal Dryness
Infertility
Hair loss
Heavy periods
Depression/anxiety
Numbness/ tingling in hands
Cholesterol levels
Body fat distribution being uneven
Frequent urination
Irregular periods
Diagnosis: Medical history and physical exam done by your healthcare provider. You can also get a physical exam, explain symptoms and get hormone level tests Causes:
Puberty
Pregnancy
Fluctuations at certain points in ones life
Lifestyle habits
Environmental habits
EASTERN PERSPECTIVE: In TCM, Qi is described as movement in the body. If there is no movement in the body, it causes stagnation in the channels of the body. These channels as we know, are pathways to our organs. Stagnation leads to imbalances in the body. In TCM, there is also the concept of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang must be balanced to function properly as they depend on each other. The Liver plays a big role as it regulates the movement of Qi in the body. The Kidney controls the reproductive system and hormones and stores the “Essence” of the body. Side note- to influence movement in the body, we can use techniques like acupressure to start unblocking stagnation in the channels for the qi to move throughout the body.YIN AND YANG: As stated before, both Yin and Yang are present in the body. Every organ is either yang or yin in nature. Having a deficiency or excess in the organs can also cause imbalances.
Yin:
Solid
Storage and structure
Earth energy
Cold
Night
Passive
Liver, Heart, Spleen, Kidney, Pericardium
Yang:
Outside of solid organs
Outside of the body (defensive, immune system)
Hallow and Empty
It is transforming and excretes
Function
Heaven energy
Triple Heater, Small Intestine, Stomach, Bladder, Gallbladder
Causes: Typically this can also happen because of lifestyle factors and life changes/ stages of ones lifePatterns include- Liver Qi Stagnation, Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency and possibly other patterns of the organs may be determinedSymptoms of LV Qi Stagnation:
Depression
Breast tenderness
Unhappiness
Fatigue
Loose stools
Weak voice
Dry hair
Dry skin
Scanty periods
Low-grade fever
Dizziness
Poor memory
Irritability
Symptoms of Yin Deficiency:
Lower Back Aches and weak knees
Tinnitus
Diminished Sexual Function
Scanty urine
Thin Pulse
Hot Flashes
Night Sweats
KD Yang Deficiency:
Fear of cold
Cold extremities
Sore and weak lower back
Pale tongue
Infertility
Diarrhea
Incontinence
Treatments: Typically tailored depending on Yin/Yang ratio, treatment plans are then recommended. Of course, if you are able to come to your practitioner with a specific diagnosis then the more in detail the patterns and treatment will be.
Acupressure can help relieve stagnation and unblock channels through pressure to channels and points
Acupuncture has known to assist in hormone balancing as well
