Health info - hormonal imbalance in men and women

Unfortunately hormonal imbalance is becoming more and more common, and the related symptoms and conditions associated with it can be devastating. Anything from PMT right through to depression and endometriosis can result from an imbalance in our hormonal health.

Who suffers from hormonal imbalance?
It used to be that puberty and menopause were the only times our focus turned to out hormones, but nowadays we see women of all ages plagued by a disruption in their hormones.

Why has it become so common?
In general we have many more hormonal disruptors in our lives than ever before. Some scientists have been known to say we are ‘swimming in a sea of chemicals' that disrupt our natural hormonal balance. They are in our air, our food and in our water. Petrochemicals, personal care products, agrochemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, and plastics. All these have the ability to mimic our own hormones, particularly oestrogen. When this happens we become ‘oestrogen dominant' which can contribute to conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, low libido, fatigue, early puberty, weight gain, irregular periods, infertility, swollen painful breasts and more.

What about nutrition?
Poor diet and nutrition can often trigger hormonal imbalance. Our bodies need a fine balance of the right fats, proteins and carbohydrates as well as vitamins minerals and trace elements. If we get this balance right it can make a huge difference to our hormonal symptoms. There are certain ways to help clear excess oestrogens through diet and nutrition, and everyone requires advice specific to their unique symptoms.

Should I take supplements and herbs?
Supplements and herbs can have amazing effects in the area of hormonal health. Herbs have a long history of use in this area and although they must be prescribed with each patient's symptoms in mind and by a herbalist, they are generally very safe and side-effect free.
Certain supplements have a balancing effect on hormonal health such as evening primrose oil for swollen breast and hormonal acne, or magnesium for menstrual cramps. There are dozens of other useful nutrients that can be helpful depending on your symptoms.

What can I do to get back in balance?

1. Take our hormonal profile questionnaire
Just fill in the questionnaire below and submit to Elementa. We can then advise you whether our hormonal balance programme is right for you or advise you on what other steps you may wish to take.

Elementa Hormonal balance programme
The hormonal balance programme promotes natural hormonal balance. Fill in the hormonal profile questionnaire below and submit to Elementa. We will follow up with a short email advising you on next steps and providing more information about programmes and supplements which may help.
Our hormonal balance programme starts with an in house or telephone consultation with a naturopath followed by the appropriate nutritional supplements, herbal endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional follow-up consultations. Call us on 09 520 4015 for more information.

Hormonal Balance Questionnaire (for men and women)

Name
Email address
Telephone number
Address
Age (years)



HORMONAL BALANCE TEST FOR WOMEN
Have you been diagnosed with any of the following? Please tick any that apply
	Polycystic ovarian symptoms (PCOS) Ovarian cysts Endometriosis Fibroids Menopause Thyroid disorder Insulin resistance/hypoglycaemia Adrenal exhaustion
Do you experience any of these symptoms? Please tick any that apply
	Put on weight easily Stubborn weight around tummy or thighs Sugar cravings Fatigue Heavy periods Painful periods Irregular periods Low libido PMS Bloating/breast tenderness Mood swings Anxiety/depression Stress Slowing metabolism Difficulty in getting pregnant Generic diets don't work
Symptoms Group 1 (Please tick boxes which apply)
	PMS Early miscarriage Unexplained weight gain anxiety insomnia painful and/or lumpy breasts cyclical headaches infertility
Number of group 1 symptoms ticked
Symptoms Groups 2 (Please tick any that apply)
	vaginal dryness painful intercourse bladder infections hot flushes night sweats memory problems lethargic depression
Number of group 2 symptoms ticked
Symptoms Groups 3 (Please tick any that apply)
	puffiness & bloating rapid weight gain mood swings anxious depression insomnia red flush on face weepiness cervical dysplasia breast tenderness heavy bleeding migraine headaches foggy thinking gallbladder problems
Number of group 3 symptoms ticked
Symptoms Group 4 (Please tick boxes which apply)
	A combination of symptoms in group 1 and 3
Number of group 4 symptoms ticked (total of number boxes ticked in # 1 and #3)
Symptoms Groups 5 (Please tick any that apply)
	acne excessive hair on face and arms thinning hair on head ovarian cysts Polycystic ovarian symptoms (PCOS) hypoglycaemia and/or unstable blood sugar infertility mid-cycle pain
Number of group 5 symptoms ticked
Symptoms Group 6 (Please tick boxes which apply)
	debilitating fatigue foggy thinking thin and/or dry skin brown spots on face unstable blood sugar low blood pressure intolerance to exercise
Number of group 6 symptoms ticked
Women, If you ticked 2 or more boxes in any of the six symptom groups your hormones may be out of balance. Please submit your questionnaire at the bottom of the page and an Elementa therapist will contact you soon


HORMONAL BALANCE TEST FOR MEN
Symptoms Group 1 (Please tick boxes which apply)
	weight loss loss of muscle lower sex drive enlarged breasts lower stamina softer erections fatigue gall bladder problems
Number of group 1 symptoms ticked
Symptoms Groups 2 (Please tick any that apply)
	hair loss prostate enlargement irritability puffiness & bloating headaches breast enlargement weight gain
Number of group 2 symptoms ticked
Men, if you ticked 2 or more boxes in either of the two symptom groups your hormones may be out of balance. Please submit your questionnaire at the bottom of the page and an Elementa therapist will contact you soon to tell you what type of hormonal imbalance you may have

Hormonal imbalance - what can you do?

What can I do to get back in balance?

Hormonal balance assessment