[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/hormonal-health\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/hormonal-health\/","headline":"Hormonal Health","name":"Hormonal Health","description":"[vc_row type=\u201cin_container\u201d full_screen_row_position=\u201cmiddle\u201d column_margin=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_tablet=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_phone=\u201cdefault\u201d scene_position=\u201ccenter\u201d text_color=\u201cdark\u201d text_align=\u201cleft\u201d row_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d row_border_radius_applies=\u201cbg\u201d overflow=\u201cvisible\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d shape_divider_position=\u201cbottom\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d][vc_column column_padding=\u201cno-extra-padding\u201d column_padding_tablet=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_phone=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_position=\u201call\u201d column_element_direction_desktop=\u201cdefault\u201d column_element_spacing=\u201cdefault\u201d desktop_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d tablet_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d phone_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d background_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d background_hover_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d column_backdrop_filter=\u201cnone\u201d column_shadow=\u201cnone\u201d...","datePublished":"2015-01-17","dateModified":"2026-01-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/#Person","name":"Marlene","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Edison Institute of Nutrition","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hormonal-health.jpg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/hormonal-health.jpg","height":630,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/hormonal-health\/","about":["Articles","Health Conditions","Nutrition Science"],"wordCount":2578,"keywords":["adrenals","Black cohosh","Edison Institute of Nutrition","estrogen dominance","estrogene","HGH","hormonal health","hormonal imbalance","hormones","human growth hormone","magnesium","menopause","Nutrition Courses","Online Nutrition Course","phytoestrogens","Progesterone","sex hormones"],"articleBody":"[vc_row type=\u201cin_container\u201d full_screen_row_position=\u201cmiddle\u201d column_margin=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_tablet=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_phone=\u201cdefault\u201d scene_position=\u201ccenter\u201d text_color=\u201cdark\u201d text_align=\u201cleft\u201d row_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d row_border_radius_applies=\u201cbg\u201d overflow=\u201cvisible\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d shape_divider_position=\u201cbottom\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d][vc_column column_padding=\u201cno-extra-padding\u201d column_padding_tablet=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_phone=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_position=\u201call\u201d column_element_direction_desktop=\u201cdefault\u201d column_element_spacing=\u201cdefault\u201d desktop_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d tablet_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d phone_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d background_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d background_hover_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d column_backdrop_filter=\u201cnone\u201d column_shadow=\u201cnone\u201d column_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d column_link_target=\u201c_self\u201d column_position=\u201cdefault\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d width=\u201c1\/1\u201d tablet_width_inherit=\u201cdefault\u201d animation_type=\u201cdefault\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d border_type=\u201csimple\u201d column_border_width=\u201cnone\u201d column_border_style=\u201csolid\u201d][image_with_animation image_url=\u201c45551\u201d image_size=\u201cfull\u201d animation_type=\u201centrance\u201d animation=\u201cNone\u201d animation_movement_type=\u201ctransform_y\u201d hover_animation=\u201cnone\u201d alignment=\u201ccenter\u201d border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d box_shadow=\u201cnone\u201d image_loading=\u201cdefault\u201d max_width=\u201c100%\u201d max_width_mobile=\u201cdefault\u201d][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=\u201cin_container\u201d full_screen_row_position=\u201cmiddle\u201d column_margin=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_tablet=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_phone=\u201cdefault\u201d scene_position=\u201ccenter\u201d text_color=\u201cdark\u201d text_align=\u201cleft\u201d row_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d row_border_radius_applies=\u201cbg\u201d overflow=\u201cvisible\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d shape_divider_position=\u201cbottom\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d][vc_column column_padding=\u201cno-extra-padding\u201d column_padding_tablet=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_phone=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_position=\u201call\u201d column_element_direction_desktop=\u201cdefault\u201d column_element_spacing=\u201cdefault\u201d desktop_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d tablet_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d phone_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d background_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d background_hover_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d column_backdrop_filter=\u201cnone\u201d column_shadow=\u201cnone\u201d column_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d column_link_target=\u201c_self\u201d column_position=\u201cdefault\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d width=\u201c1\/1\u201d tablet_width_inherit=\u201cdefault\u201d animation_type=\u201cdefault\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d border_type=\u201csimple\u201d column_border_width=\u201cnone\u201d column_border_style=\u201csolid\u201d][vc_column_text] Hormonal Health 101If you wish to optimize your hormones, the first thing to look at is your diet. You can also add nutritional supplements that can support hormone production. Hormones are made from nutrients, with the help of enzymes, which require minerals.What is Considered Good Food? Answer: the food that people ate in the Palaeolithic times, before agriculture existed. This includes fresh vegetables and, if possible, organic, not canned or those with preservatives and pesticides. Pasture raised meat, chicken, and wild caught fish, cooked at a low temperature, are also approved.Estrogens, androgens, progesterone, and others, of the steroid family, all come from the precursor cholesterol.Although it hasn\u2019t received good press, since the mid 80\u2019s, cholesterol is a vital substance. The body produces the required amounts in the liver. People on low-fat, low-cholesterol diets find their hormonal balance disturbed.Too much sugar, even in fruit juice, imbalances one\u2019s hormones. It has been shown, for example, that children drinking fruit juice every morning, have a four times greater risk of obesity and grow two centimeters less, almost an inch less, per year. When you eat the whole fruit, especially at the end of the meal, the sugar gets into your blood stream more slowly and avoiding a peak of sugar to block the secretion of hormones.Did you know?When agriculture was introduced, we invented many foods that are actually unfit for our body and that imbalance our hormone levels. When ingested, those new foods, for example, grains, that are not sprouted, like bread or pasta, or those high in sugars, lower about seven of the most important hormone levels in your blood.Grains, that are not sprouted, contain chemicals that block digestive enzymes and metabolic reactions in your body. There is a type of natural pesticide, made by the grain, to protect itself against predators. We need to sprout the grains to make them digestible and then use their plant hormones, which impact your health in a positive manner.Alcohol lowers your growth hormone production. This, most powerful age-reversing hormone, is decreased by 75%, if you drink a glass or two of alcohol every day. Coffee increases insulin levels, which makes you put on weight. It also impacts the thyroid which can keep you slim, and growth hormone.Read our blog: \u201cHow Balancing Your Hormones Can Help You Lose Weight\u201d.Human Growth Hormone (HGH)Growth hormone is the hormone that makes you tall. Without it, you would be half of your size. In addition, it is necessary, in order to maintain, tight, supple tissues. Without it, your tissues become thinner, atrophied, and may sag. Sagging cheeks, droopy eyelids, thinning hair, increased abdominal fat, plus cellulite and anxiety, are typical, physical signs of growth hormone deficiency.When you\u2019re really deficient, exhaustion sets in. Even if you sleep 16 hours per night, you won\u2019t recover enough because you need growth hormone to recover. Protein is vital in order to have higher and more efficient growth hormone activity.Growth Hormone deficiency can affect your mood, cognitive function, bone density, sleep, and more.Although Growth Hormone is not a sex hormone, like estrogen, it governs many features directly related to your sex drive.Sex HormonesThe body produces three main types of estrogen: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). These are categorized as ether \u201cstrong\u201d estrogens (estrone and estradiol) or \u201cweak\u201d estrogens (estriol).After menopause, the adrenal glands produce the hormones testosterone and androstenedione, in higher amounts, which can be converted to estradiol and estrone in fat cells, through the action of the enzyme aromatase, which can turn other hormones into estrogen. The more fat, the more \u201cin house\u201d estrogen exposure. We can help block the aromatase enzyme with ground flaxseed, grape seed extract, and foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.Estrogen Dominance indicates that the hormones are not metabolizing through the liver, and, therefore, not being reduced efficiently. Estrogen dominance will cause breast tenderness, mood swings and an increased risk for cancer. Excess estrogen also inhibits thyroid function while progesterone facilitates the action of thyroid hormones.Estrogen is metabolized in the liver, during the breakdown of estradiol and estrone. Two metabolites are formed\u2009\u2014\u20092 hydroxyesterone (C\u20112 good estrogen) and 16 hydroxyesterone (C\u201116 bad estrogen). Indole-3-carbinol (plant chemical) converts estrogen to C\u20112 and inactivates C\u201116.Indole-3-carbinol is found in cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, Bok Choy, kohlrabi, and turnips. Consume them raw or slightly cooked. Include sea vegetables, if there is a thyroid issue. A high fibre diet is important to discourage the recycling of estrogen from the intestines. Improving liver function will increase both C\u20112 and estriol, as well as, improve hormone metabolism and efficient elimination.Estrone is converted to C\u20112 hydroxyestrone in phase one of liver. This conversion requires vitamin A, B2, B3 vitamin E, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium. Foods include soy, turmeric, flaxseed oil, rosemary, limonene, cayenne, calendula and solidago. The interference of estrone, being converted to C16 instead of going C2, is caused by alcohol, cigarettes, bad fats, car exhaust, barbiturates, valium, antihistamines, dioxin, pesticides, paint fumes, and caffeine.Phase Two liver detoxification is to support the elimination of estrogen through the colon. Estradiol and estrone are joined to glucuronic acid, through a process called glucuronidation, to form a conjugate for excretion from the liver into the bile and then to the intestines and out. This process requires cysteine, methionine, choline, Vitamin B3, B6, B12, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and molybdenum. Foods include limonene, flaxseed oil, fish oil, the brassica family, calcium D\u2011glucarate present in oranges and apples, and fibre, such as Psyllium or ground flaxseeds. Ellagic acid, found in red raspberries, can increase glucuronidation, the elimination of toxins, by 75%!Substances that interfere with phase two are tartrazine dyes, NSAIDs, the birth control pill, cigarettes, phenobarbital, and protein deficiency.Typical signs of a progesterone deficiency, or an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, are abdominal obesity, breast and ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. Eating more of what makes sense like protein-rich food, like fish and meat, will improve ovulation, which will improve progesterone secretion. Vitamin A, along with other fat-soluble vitamins from eggs and butter, helps ovulation that can increase sex hormone secretion. Increase progesterone by consuming yam, soy, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, boron, zinc, selenium, and Chaste Tree berry.Avoiding processed foods and harmful chemicals is the best strategy for preserving your natural hormone function. Refined carbohydrates and damaged fats can elevate your estrogen levels\u2009\u2014\u2009as much as twice of what is normal. This is a major cause of menopausal symptoms, in the first place.Additional Considerations for Hormone HealthPhytoestrogens: Consuming plenty of phytoestrogens (plant-estrogens), such as licorice and alfalfa, prior to menopause, can help moderate your day-to-day estrogen levels. In this way, when menopause arrives, the drop won\u2019t be as dramatic. However, avoid using unfermented soy, as it can wreak havoc on your health in a number of different ways.Optimize your vitamin D levels: This is a must for gene regulation and optimal health.Polyphenols: Certain polyphenols have been shown to have HRT-like benefits, without the drawbacks, and are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease. Royal Maca is an excellent adaptogenic herbal solution for menopause that many women have found helpful. Avoid the inexpensive varieties as they typically don\u2019t work.\u2009Instead, opt for the authentic version from Peru.Animal-based omega\u20113 fat: You will want to get plenty of high-quality animal-based omega\u20113 fats..Black cohosh: While dismissed by ACOG, as having no scientific foundation, black cohosh may indeed help regulate body temperature and hot flashes in some women.Magnesium: Improves sex hormones. Testosterone, for example, is more in a form that can be absorbed by the cells or in a more bioavailable form, when you take more magnesium. Magnesium also increases the growth hormone levels, the hormone that makes your body firm, with a lot of muscles and low in fat. Testosterone does that also. But growth hormone does that in a more major way. It\u2019s easy to know a vegetable that has poor magnesium but should have had a lot of magnesium because it is light green. A vegetable that is dark green is high in magnesium.Complex amino acids: Proteins are made from amino acids. If you supplement with an amino acid formula, you can improve your levels.Although BHRT (bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) has not been associated with the negative effects (e.g. CVD, breast cancer) found with the use of synthetic and non-identical hormones, it is important to note that large-scale trials of bio-identical hormones have not yet been carried out.A Nutritionist can help you implement lifestyle changes and offer you nutritional supplements that are often successful in restoring hormone balance for both men and women.https:\/\/nppwebinars.com\/hormone_imbalance.html\u2009\u2014\u2009Through the Feminine Life CycleEXHAUSTED ADRENALS AND A TOXIC CONGESTED LIVER WILL DETERMINE HOW EASILY ONE PROGRESSES THROUGH MENOPAUSEHormoneWhere It\u2019s ProducedPrimary FunctionsI. STEROID HORMONES: Derived from cholesterol, includes sex hormones and adrenal hormones (mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids)EstrogensOvaries, placenta, breasts, liver, adrenal glands, fat cells, hypothalamus, and othersFemale sexual development, breast development, menstruation, pregnancy, memory, and anti-agingProgesteroneOvaries, placenta, and CNSFemale sexual development, breast development, menstruation, and pregnancyTestosteroneTestes and ovariesMale sexual development, sex drive, sperm production, and muscle and bone massDHEA(Dehydroepiandrosterone)Adrenals and brainLean body mass, bone strength, immunity, heart health, and resistance to stressPregnenoloneAdrenalsMemory and resistance to stressCortisolAdrenalsResistance to stress, energy production, anti-inflammatory, and mood stabilityVitamin D(1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D or calcitrol)Skin, liver, and kidneysVaried, including bone and muscle health, heart health, immunity, metabolism, brain development, cell communication, and moreII. PEPTIDE HORMONES: Often in \u201cpre-hormone\u201d form, requiring further processing to be activeHCG(human chorionic gonadotropin)PlacentaHelps support the endometrial lining for a developing fetus (and stimulates progesterone)HGH(Human growth hormone, or somatotropin\/somatropin)PituitaryPromotes growth in children and adolescents, and helps regulate body composition, tissue growth, and metabolism in adultsMelatoninPineal glandSleep; supports brain health, heart health, immune system, and cancer preventionInsulinPancreasSignals glucose to be transferred from your blood into your cells for energy usage; fat body regulationGlucagonPancreasSignals liver to release glucose into your bloodProlactinPituitary, breasts, uterus, prostate, skin, fat, and immune cellsPromotes lactation, bonding, and more than 300 reproductive, metabolic, immune, and other functions10Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)PituitaryStimulates cortisol releaseLeptinFat cellsFat regulationGhrelinStomach and pancreasStimulates hungerParathyroid hormone (PTH)Parathyroid glandControls amount of calcium in your bones and bloodThyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH)HypothalamusStimulates the thyroid gland to release THHumoral factors (e.g., thymosin)ThymusDevelopment of a healthy immune systemIII. AMINO ACID DERIVATIVE HORMONES (AMINES): Derived from tyrosine and tryptophan, includes thyroid hormones and catecholaminesAdrenalinAdrenals\u201cFight or flight\u201d response: increases heart rate, dilates blood vessels, and releases glucoseThyroidhormone (TH)Thyroid glandOrgan development and metabolismIV. Eicosanoid hormones: Produced from fatty acids (arachidonic acid); very short-lived in your body and exert effects primarily on local tissuesProstaglandinsNearly every cell in the human bodyVaried, including uterine contractions, bronchodilation, inflammation, etc.Chart source: https:\/\/articles.mercola.com\/sites\/newsletter\/newsletter-archive.aspx fantastical-world-hormonesEarn a Diploma in Holistic Nutrition. We strive to provide you with the knowledge to live well and stay healthy. We are an internationally recognized school offering online nutrition training. If you\u2019d like to learn more about any of our programs, call us today at 1\u2212800\u2212456\u22129313 or contact us online.Flexible online learning \u2022 Payment plans \u2022 Advisor supportExplore Our Programs | Book an Advisor Call [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=\u201cin_container\u201d full_screen_row_position=\u201cmiddle\u201d column_margin=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_tablet=\u201cdefault\u201d column_direction_phone=\u201cdefault\u201d scene_position=\u201ccenter\u201d text_color=\u201cdark\u201d text_align=\u201cleft\u201d row_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d row_border_radius_applies=\u201cbg\u201d overflow=\u201cvisible\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d shape_divider_position=\u201cbottom\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d][vc_column column_padding=\u201cno-extra-padding\u201d column_padding_tablet=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_phone=\u201cinherit\u201d column_padding_position=\u201call\u201d column_element_direction_desktop=\u201cdefault\u201d column_element_spacing=\u201cdefault\u201d desktop_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d tablet_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d phone_text_alignment=\u201cdefault\u201d background_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d background_hover_color_opacity=\u201c1\u201d column_backdrop_filter=\u201cnone\u201d column_shadow=\u201cnone\u201d column_border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d column_link_target=\u201c_self\u201d column_position=\u201cdefault\u201d gradient_direction=\u201cleft_to_right\u201d overlay_strength=\u201c0.3\u201d width=\u201c1\/1\u201d tablet_width_inherit=\u201cdefault\u201d animation_type=\u201cdefault\u201d bg_image_animation=\u201cnone\u201d border_type=\u201csimple\u201d column_border_width=\u201cnone\u201d column_border_style=\u201csolid\u201d][image_with_animation image_url=\u201c45568\u201d image_size=\u201cfull\u201d animation_type=\u201centrance\u201d animation=\u201cNone\u201d animation_movement_type=\u201ctransform_y\u201d hover_animation=\u201cnone\u201d alignment=\u201ccenter\u201d border_radius=\u201cnone\u201d box_shadow=\u201cnone\u201d image_loading=\u201cdefault\u201d max_width=\u201c100%\u201d max_width_mobile=\u201cdefault\u201d][\/vc_column][\/vc_row] "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Hormonal Health","item":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/hormonal-health\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]