The foods you eat are fuel for your body. The vitamins and nutrients you consume are essential to your overall health, including proper hormone levels. Your diet can affect your hormones during menopause. If the body’s chemical messengers aren’t in harmony, your health and quality of life can suffer. Thankfully, you can feel your best with hormone therapy in Dallas.
Foods that Affect Your Hormones
You need a precise hormonal balance for your body to function its best. There are various factors that can throw off the equilibrium, leading to several issues with your metabolism, immune system, and overall wellness. Besides age, illness, and other concerns, diet can also change your hormone levels, especially during menopause. Here’s how you can help promote your wellness while managing the change in your life:
Estrogen
Estrogen is the female sex hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle and aids the success of pregnancy. As you age, your level of estrogen can fluctuate significantly. A sudden drop is a common characteristic of menopause that can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms, like hot flashes, mood changes, and an irregular menstrual cycle.
Unfortunately, you can’t obtain estrogen from your diet to restore low levels; however, there are certain plant-based foods that act like the hormone. Plants containing phytoestrogens can relieve some of your menopause symptoms. In particular, you want to consume plant-based foods that contain isoflavones, which bind to estrogen receptors in the body. Soybeans and flaxseed are great sources to help you rebalance your hormones naturally.
Insulin and Glucagon
Insulin is a hormone that affects your diet. The glucose found in carbohydrates enters your bloodstream, which triggers your pancreas to release insulin. It attaches to the glucose molecules and your cells use it for energy.
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone that signals your liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose until your body receives more food. It’s meant to keep your blood sugar steady. Unfortunately, your body can become insulin resistant during menopause.
Eating a balanced diet is crucial to preventing diabetes. It’s best to choose whole-grain bread, beans, and vegetables instead of refined carbohydrates.
Rebalance Your Hormones
If changes to your diet aren’t enough to restore harmony with your hormones, you might be a candidate for bioidentical hormones in Dallas. They are derived from naturally occurring substances, so they closely align with those your body produces. You’ll enjoy an effective alternative to synthetic hormones to help you feel your best.
As you undergo the change of life, it’s important to track your hormone levels. Your gynecologist can monitor their levels to ensure your body is functioning at peak performance.
About Dr. Connie Casad
Dr. Casad is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She takes a natural approach to help her patients feel their best. With over 30 years of experience, she offers the advanced solutions women need to combat the symptoms of menopause. If you’re not feeling your best, she can balance your hormones with a bioidentical option. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.