Home Remedies for a Hormonal Imbalance

The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that hormones, made from endocrine glands, send messages to the body's tissues and organs, affecting bodily functions such as growth and development, metabolism, sexuality and reproduction and mood changes. Hormonal imbalances occur when there is an overproduction or underproduction of specific hormones. Symptoms of hormonal imbalances include acne, depression, reproductive problems, weight gain or loss and fatigue. Doctors treat these conditions with prescription medication, but various home remedies for a hormonal imbalance naturally reduce symptoms.

Reduce Meat Consumption

• A home remedy for a hormonal imbalance begins with dietary changes. Chemicals found in animal fats leads to hormone imbalances in the body; therefore, people should reduce the amount of meat and dairy products they consume. Overconsumption of animal fat primarily affects the prostate and increases a person's risk for getting cancers directed related to hormone imbalance. It is better to eat soy products, because they contain phytoestrogens that balance hormone levels.

Eat Organic Fruits and Vegetables

• People who eat organic fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads reduce instances of hormonal imbalances. Organic foods work as home remedies for hormonal imbalances, because they don't contain pesticides and herbicides that lead to hormonal imbalances in many people.

Essential Fatty Acids

• Eating foods high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids helps hormone levels. These foods include flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and lean fish, which all contain the essential fatty acids needed to assist hormone levels. People can find various supplements containing these essential fatty acids; however, to be an effective home remedy for a hormonal imbalance, people should get 300 mg of omega-3 and 200 mg of omega-3 from their daily diet.

Chasteberry

• Scientists are continuing to research the effects of chastenberry on female hormones. Some people use chasteberry as a home remedy for hormonal imbalances caused by premenstrual syndrome, menopause, infertility and acne, and women use chasteberry to increase breast milk production. People can find this home remedy at drug stores in tablet or capsule forms.

Black Cohosh

• The Native Americans used black cohosh for a variety of gynecological conditions, malaria, rheumatism and sore throat. This home remedy improves hormonal imbalances caused by menopause and reduces inflammation in the ovaries. However, black cohosh may causes side effects such as stomachaches and headaches.