Come on. Hormones are jerks. One minute you’re feeling like you’re the queen of the universe, and the next you’re crying like a baby because your favorite character just died in that TV show you’ve been bingeing. We’ve all been there. Trust me.
Did you know that what you eat actually affects those mood-swinging little messengers in your body? Yep. Food isn’t just for Instagram photos and satisfying hunger pangs. It’s powerful stuff.
I learned this the hard way. After months of feeling like my body was waging a full-on rebellion against me, I finally took matters into my own hands. No more hormonal rollercoaster for this gal!
Why Your Hormones Might Be Having a Tantrum
Let’s talk about what’s happening in your body before we get into the food. Because science rules.
Hormones control pretty much everything. Everything. Your mood, energy, weight, skin. even how good you sleep at night. When they’re unbalanced, it’s like having a party where everyone is arguing with everyone else. Not fun.
Common causes of hormone imbalances are:
- Stress (yikes, who isn’t stressed anymore?)
- Diet (those late-night cookie snacks may be getting to you)
- Environmental toxins (they’re everywhere, sorry to be the bearer of bad news)
- Sleep deprivation (Netflix, I’m blaming you for this one)
- That thing called aging (it happens to the best of us)
My friend Sarah once said to me, “My hormones are like toddlers on a sugar rush—unpredictable and prone to tantrums.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
The Kitchen as Your Hormone Pharmacy
Why shell out money for expensive supplements when your kitchen can become a hormone-balancing wonderland? OK, sometimes you’ll need supplements. But food gets top billing!
1. Flaxseeds: Your Estrogen’s BFF
Flaxseeds are tiny miracle workers. They contain lignans that balance estrogen. Too high in estrogen? They’ll bring it back to balance. Too low? They’ll increase it.
I tested out putting flaxseeds in my daily morning smoothie for a month. Result? My PMS changed from “hide-all-sharp-objects” intensity to just “slightly-grumpy.” Progress!
Pro tip: Grind your flaxseeds before you consume them. Otherwise, they’ll just pass right on through like tourists who never stopped to see any landmarks.
2. Cruciferous Veggies: Not Just for Health Nuts
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts. The vegetables you most likely hated as a kid are actually hormone-regulating superheroes. They have an ingredient called diindolylmethane (try saying that five times fast) that supports estrogen metabolism.
I tried making cauliflower wings last week. My boyfriend said they were “almost as good as chicken wings.” High praise from him is about a five-star Michelin rating.
3. Fatty Fish: Not All Fat Is Created Equal
Salmon, mackerel, sardines. these fatty fish pack omega-3s that battle inflammation and support hormone production.
I used to have this idea that sardines were only for old guys and cats. Oh man, was I so wrong! Lo and behold, they’re really good when you don’t mind that you’re eating little whole fish. Mind over matter, people.
4. Avocados: More Than Toast Topper
Avocados give us healthy fats upon which hormone production is based. And let’s not forget the magnesium and B6 to boot, aiding in hormone regulation!.
The day I discovered avocados balance hormones was the day I used it as a reason to justify my $15 avocado toast habit. No regrets.
5. Turmeric: The Golden Child of Spices
This bright yellow spice does more than stain your countertops. It’s anti-inflammatory and assists your liver in functioning optimally, which is crucial in balancing hormones.
I put turmeric in all my food now. Sometimes it’s a success (turmeric lattes) and sometimes it’s a total failure (turmeric ice cream was a mistake I will not be repeating).
Real Talk: It’s Not Just About Food
Shoving your face full of avocados and sardines may be helpful, but hormone balance takes a whole body approach. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
Sleep. It’s a big thing. Your body spends most of its time balancing hormones when you’re sleeping. So don’t watch that new show at 11 PM, okay? Just me.
Exercise works too. But not the “I’m-going-to-workout-until-I-pass-out” type. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming can work wonders with your hormones.
And stress? It’s basically hormone kryptonite. Learn some stress-reduction tricks that don’t include wine (that said, sometimes wine really is the answer, let’s not delude ourselves otherwise).
My Two-Week Hormone Reset Plan
Through much experimentation and error over several years, I’ve figured out a simple plan that works for me and plenty of my girlfriends who were had it with feeling like their bodies were alien land.
Week 1: Just begin adding hormone-supportive foods to your diet. Don’t worry about cutting things out yet. Just add in the good stuff.
Week 2: Start reducing hormone disruptors like too much caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Remember I said “reduce” not “eliminate.” We’re aiming for progress, not perfection here.
Small changes equal a big impact over time. Don’t attempt to overhaul your entire life over a weekend.
When to Get Professional Help
DIY hormone balance is great and all, but every now and then you need to call in the professionals. If you’ve tried all the avocados and turmeric in the world and still aren’t feeling like yourself, maybe it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
Symptoms you should probably see a doctor:
- New irregular periods
- Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Persistent mood issues
- Abrupt changes in hair growth patterns
Your body shouldn’t be making you feel like you’re constantly battling it. If so, get help. You need to feel good!
Getting a natural balance of hormones isn’t going to happen overnight. It was months of constant changes before I noticed significant progress. The human body is not an Amazon delivery—overnight results are just not an option.
But it’s worth it. So worth it. Waking up with energy, stable moods, and actually enjoying life instead of just surviving it? Priceless.
Start with one small change. Maybe it’s adding ground flaxseeds to your breakfast. Maybe it’s swapping your afternoon coffee for a turmeric latte. Whatever it is, start somewhere.
Your hormones will thank you. And so will everyone who has to deal with you on a daily basis. Trust me on this one.
Now if you’ll just let me go, I’m going to go cook some broccoli that doesn’t taste like broccoli. The war rages on and on!