68 - How to Balance Your Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones

Imbalances

Carrie Jones explains that hormonal imbalances often stem from disruptions in the communication between the brain and glands like the ovaries and adrenals. Stress and endocrine disruptors can exacerbate these imbalances, leading to symptoms like irregular cycles and mood swings 1. Estrogen dominance, a common issue, occurs when progesterone levels are insufficient compared to estrogen, causing PMS and other symptoms 2. Karalynne Call highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective management of hormonal health 3.

The hormones cortisol for stress can affect your hormones, like oxygen and progesterone. So there's a lot that goes into what's sort of screwing up the whole pattern, the whole cycle, the whole orchestra.

--- Carrie Jones

Recognizing these imbalances is crucial for addressing the root causes and improving overall well-being.

   

Stress

Stress and cortisol levels significantly impact hormonal balance, particularly in conditions like PCOS. Carrie Jones notes that high cortisol can suppress ovulation, affecting progesterone production and exacerbating symptoms 4. Managing stress through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can help mitigate these effects 5. She emphasizes the importance of self-care practices to manage stress effectively, especially for women with PCOS 6.

It's how we manage stress. Right. What we do for ourself. And I know the, I know the word self care, hashtag self care gets thrown out a lot. But I'm like, I don't care what you do. I don't care what it is that helps you de stressed as long as it's working for you and obviously not hurting you, keep doing it.

--- Carrie Jones

Addressing stress is a vital step in restoring hormonal harmony and improving health outcomes.

   

Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors, found in everyday products, mimic estrogen and can lead to hormonal imbalances. Carrie Jones warns that these chemicals, present in items like body lotions and plastics, can cause symptoms of estrogen dominance without altering actual hormone levels 7. Karalynne Call stresses the importance of awareness and reducing exposure to these disruptors to maintain hormonal health 8.

It's scary because we don't really have quality testing for it. So women will say, gosh, I have all these estrogen symptoms. My breasts are big and heavier. My periods are heavy or crampy or clotty. I grow fibroids, I have endometriosis, you know, whatever it is. But I got my hormones checked and they looked pretty normal.

--- Carrie Jones

Taking proactive steps to limit exposure can empower women to better manage their hormonal health.