5 Habits for Unhappy Hormones
#1. Not prioritizing sleep
Seriously, ladies, this one’s huge! If you’re not prioritizing sleep (I’m talking 7-9 hours a night… going to bed at 12am/1am DOESN’T count), you’re…
…disrupting your circadian rhythm (oh, hello cortisol), tanking progesterone (hello PMS/PMDD, heavy & long periods, fertility problems, etc), spiking inflammation (hello pain and period flu), really messing up your blood sugar, and interrupting your detox processes.
#2. Drinking coffee
Sorry! I get it – coffee is life! I used to an all day coffee type of gal… but caffeine spikes cortisol, interrupts detoxification, disturbs your circadian rhythm and depletes progesterone.
A couple other reasons why your morning cup is likely to be destroying your hormone health: Caffeine causes cyst formation in the breasts and ovaries, your genes determine if you can metabolize caffeine properly (hint: only 10% of the population has this gene), caffeine decreases fertility rates, AND depletes your body of important micronutrients needed for hormone balance! YIKES!!
#3. Skipping breakfast
IF (intermittent fasting) is aaaaalllll the rage. The problem is, research doesn’t support it in women who struggle with hormonal imbalances and “adrenal fatigue”.
In these women (of which you are likely one, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this), IF can actually spike insulin and cortisol, further deplete adrenal function, deplete progesterone and lead to extreme fatigue.
Blood sugar stabilization is at the heart of my meal plans for all programs because it is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. You need to support your blood sugar and ensure it remains balanced throughout the day if you want to see any sort of change in your hormone health.
#4. Not eating enough carbs
Yes, you read that right! But that’s not an invitation to eat all the refined sugars and flours. Complex carbs are important for your hormones from supporting the thyroid, the ovaries (you actually NEED carbs in order to ovulate… without ovulation… period problems!), and even your digestive system.
#5. Working out too hard
Daily physical movement is my motto. It’s not about hitting the gym for an intense boot camp class, or HIIT workout. In fact, too vigorous exercise can be detrimental to your hormones!
No movement isn’t good either – the trick is striking a balance.
Move daily, for a max of 30 minutes if you are struggling with any sort of hormone imbalance!!
I used to do every. single. one.
It was not until I figured out all of these secrets, plus a whole lot more, that I was able to achieve the state of hormonal balance that I needed.
Need some help in this area? Reach out and I am happy to lend a hand. :)
