Hormones play an essential role in the body by sending chemical messages through the blood stream to different organs. They regulate hundreds of physical processes, from growth and development, to blood pressure, blood sugar, sexual function, sleep, and mood.

Hormones are produced by glands that form the endocrine system. When our glands produce excessive or insufficient amounts of hormones, this disrupts vital bodily functions, often leading to health issues.

This article explains the main factors behind disrupted hormone production and recommends the ten best vitamins and supplements for hormone balancing.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?

Hormonal imbalances are typically caused by:

• A specific life phase, such as puberty, perimenopause, or menopause.
• Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress.
• Medical issues, such as insulin resistance, autoimmune diseases, tumors, etc.

What Are the Main Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance?

The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance are many and depend on which hormones are affected and the patient’s sex and age. They include:

• Acne
• Sweating
• Low sex drive
• Muscle weakness
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Excessive hair growth
• Hormonal insomnia
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Mental fog
• Sudden weight loss or gain

Note: In lay language, symptoms of a hormonal deficit are called adrenal fatigue.

Supplements to Balance Hormones

We usually have a window of opportunity to restore optimal hormone levels, and our general well-being before more severe medical problems develop.

The key is to provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs for proper functioning. While the primary source of nutrients is food, we can’t always acquire them this way. Industrial processing robs the food of nutrients, or people can’t absorb them due to health issues. Supplements are the first line of help for nutritional deficiencies and hormone balancing.

Doctors often recommend a combination of these ten vitamins and supplements. Note that men and women need different supplements because of the difference in their hormone levels.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that restore the healthy balance of microbes in the stomach and intestines. These microorganisms form your body’s microbiome and are essential in supporting immune function and controlling inflammation. Studies suggest that gut microbes contribute to the optimal functioning of many hormones, including insulin, cortisol, estrogen, melatonin, and leptin.

Good microbes occur naturally in our bodies, but various factors, such as processed foods, chronic stress, antibiotics, and environmental toxins may deplete their levels. You can improve their levels with fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha.

Probiotic supplements are a good choice for people who dislike fermented foods or want a quicker route to restoring a healthy gut. The supplements typically include the bacteria Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.

2. B vitamins

B complex includes nine vitamins that regulate various functions, including metabolism and digestion. Each vitamin has a specific role in hormone balancing.

• Vitamin B1 can help manage PMS symptoms.
• B2 promotes estrogen production and helps alleviate PMS symptoms.
• B5 supports adrenal hormone production.
• B6 reduces estrogen, increases progesterone, and helps manage PMS symptoms.
• B9 increases progesterone levels and helps balance hormones in pregnancy.
• B12 helps improve thyroid gland function.
• B1, B6, and B12 vitamins assist with the production of serotonin and dopamine, regulating mood and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Note: Learn how to increase vitamin B levels with IV therapy.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D has a multifold role in our hormonal health. It regulates estrogen and progesterone production, insulin levels, and thyroid gland function.

Vitamin D is synthesized when our skin is exposed to the sun’s rays. The further people live from the equator, the more likely they are to have a vitamin D deficiency, especially during winter. Women of reproductive age, obese patients, and people over 65 are particularly susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.

Complementing a nutrient-rich diet with vitamin D supplements is best at preventing an imbalance.

Note: One of the ways to get vitamin D is to expose the skin to the sun’s rays. Scientists say that in light-skinned people, vitamin D synthesis begins after as little as 10 minutes of exposure. However, there are numerous health and anti-age reasons why we should protect ourselves from the sun, and sunscreens are the best way.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps combat inflammation and improve immune function. It is vital in maintaining adrenal gland health and regulating cortisol production. Vitamin C also supports the liver, which breaks down and metabolizes excess estrogen. It also helps maintain testosterone levels in men and increases progesterone.  

Vitamin C is abundant in many foods, and people in developed countries rarely lack this nutrient. Supplements may be a good solution for people more susceptible to vitamin C deficiency, such as pregnant women, smokers, people whose diet is low in fruits and vegetables, and patients with gastrointestinal problems.

Note: Find out the vitamin C IV therapy benefits. Next, learn how vitamin C for weight loss can help you achieve your desired look.

5. Zinc

Our bodies need zinc in trace amounts for vital functions such as DNA repair, cell growth, wound healing, and immunity. Zinc also affects many hormones and plays a key role in the endocrine system by:

• Increasing the synthesis of the growth hormone.
• Regulating the synthesis and function of insulin.
• Supporting thyroid hormone metabolism.
• Helping with melatonin synthesis.
• Promoting optimal testosterone levels and sperm health.

Zinc supplements are ideal for people who can’t get enough of this mineral through food, including pregnant women, vegans, and vegetarians.

6. Selenium

Selenium is most abundant in the thyroid gland and plays a vital role in thyroid hormone production. Patients with thyroid issues benefit from taking selenium supplements.

The mineral is also a potent antioxidant, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which cause a hormonal imbalance.

7. Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for hormone balancing, helping to regulate insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormone production. It also supports serotonin synthesis, improving the body’s stress response and maintaining healthy cortisol levels.

Magnesium supplements are useful for patients experiencing conditions caused by hormonal changes, such as PMS, PCOS, thyroid issues, and perimenopause.

Note: If you are struggling with weight loss, you may have low levels of magnesium. Read more about how magnesium can help you lose weight.

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that build cell membranes. They are vital in producing hormones that regulate blood clotting, the movement of artery walls, and inflammatory response. Omega-3 deficiency may lead to a hormonal imbalance and various medical issues, including heart disease.

Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are especially beneficial for patients experiencing:

• Thyroid dysfunction
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Menopause symptoms
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Insulin resistance

Fish oil is a common Omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

9. Skin Detoxification Supplements

Environmental toxins are a frequent cause of hormonal imbalance. A skin detox effectively combats environmental damage, while Osmosis MD Skin Defense is a helpful aid in the process. One jar of Osmosis MD Skin Defense contains a month’s supply of capsules that include:

• Diindolylmethane – a compound that helps remove excess estrogen and supports healthy estrogen metabolism.
• Glutathione – a potent antioxidant that protects against environmental toxins which cause various imbalances.
• Activated charcoal – a compound that binds and removes toxins from the GI tract, including heavy metals, pesticides, food preservatives, and more, helping to restore optimal hormone levels.

Patients who use Skin Defense experience an alleviation of menopausal symptoms, menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, sleep problems, migraines, and acne*.

10.  Hormone Relief Supplements

Hormone Relief Elixir focuses on alleviating the symptoms rather than treating the root cause of hormonal balance. It is ideal for patients who want relief through natural, drug-free ingredients. It contains 75 fulvic minerals, natural elements found in decomposed organic matter. These work to counteract the damage caused by free radicals, increase iron absorption, bind and remove heavy metals, and replenish good gut bacteria, helping restore hormonal balance.

Hormone Relief Elixir helps improve*:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Low sex drive
• Hair loss

Note: We all need an occasional hormone detox to improve our bodily functions and health. Read our article on the benefits of a hormone detox and how to do it!

Conclusion

The best we can do to increase our chance of reaching old age in good health is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits which keep our hormones in check. However, many factors compromise our ability to absorb the nutrients necessary for optimal health and hormonal balance. That’s where supplements come into play.

If you notice signs of a hormonal imbalance, contact a health professional to help you choose the best supplements for your specific needs.