How to improve hormone balance naturally

How can you improve hormonal balance, naturally?

Hormones are something that affect us in practically every way.

Our moods, appetite, brain function, how we think and feel, our weight, and they play a huge part in our stress levels. Growing up, my hormones where always pretty up and down after I turned 12.

My periods where horrible. Pretty much anything could make me angry or burst into tears, and my cramps were debilitating. I could not get a handle on keeping my skin healthy because of excess oil from stress. I had a really hard time focusing on things, and keeping my weight static.

12 years later, and I am just now figuring out how to take care of my hormone levels.

A lot of it has to do with improved diet, exercising regularly, and my secret ingredient:

My nutritional supplements.

If you are here, you are probably interested in natural remedies and healthier solutions to everyday problems. In this post I am going to talk to you about the one amazing supplement that I take to keeps my hormones in check.

It has practically erased PMS from my monthly cycle. I am talking little to no crying, little to no random rage about things that don’t matter, and WAY less cramping and bloating that before I started taking it. Taking this supplement has truly worked wonders for me over the course of the last six months.

(This post contains affiliate links and information about health and wellness involving supplements. To read more about either of these topics, read my disclaimer page.)

So what is it?

Host Defense: MycoBotanicals Woman

Host Defense is a brand that I originally found at Vitamin Shoppe, and is a line of supplements all based around mushrooms.

Yep, I said mushrooms.

Host Defense’s MycoBotanicals Woman supplement is plant based and organic, made with Turkey Tail(mushroom), Shatavari(root), Broccoli sprouts powder, Reishi(mushroom), Maitake(mushroom), Mesima(mushroom), and Chasteberry seed extract.

Here is a list of the benefits as listed on the Host Defense website:

• Turkey Tail and Maitake mushrooms support healthy tissues*
• Shatavari and Chasteberry support a balanced hormonal cycle*
• Turkey Tail, Reishi and Maitake mushrooms support hormonal, adrenal, and immune function*
• Broccoli Sprouts nourish the liver and support detoxification*

You might not have heard of many of these before and to be honest, I had to look up was Mesima and Turkey Tail do for you, but I am going to go over some of the ingredients and briefly discuss their chief benefits.

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail is a mushroom that looks like a little turkey’s tail. There are studies that show that this mushroom has the ability to improve immune stystem health and to fight cancer cells. There is a study being done at Bastyr University is Kenmore WA, about the effects of Turkey tail for patients with various types of cancer.

“Turkey tail researchers predict the mushroom will fight cancer cells and strengthen the body’s wellness at the same time. That dual approach is typical of traditional Chinese medicine.” -Bastyr University

Shatavari

This Indian root is reffered to as the “supreme women’s tonic“. Shatavari is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a female hormone balancer.

Shatavari helps increase ovulation, aids in keeping sexual organ tissue from becoming too dry helping with fertility. It is an aphrodisiac, heightening libido. Using Shatavari stimulates endorphins to help with mood-swings, can improve digestion and improve immune system health.

This is also a plant supplement that you can take on its own, and it still helps regulate hormone balance.

“Supporting women through every stage of their lives, Shatavari’s main constituents are steroidal saponins that suggest its use as an oestrogen regulator. This modulation helps to regulate menstrual cycles, manage PMS symptoms, alleviate menstrual cramps and control the amount of blood lost. Shatavari greatly helps with fluid retention and may also be helpful with the uncomfortable bloating often suffered before a period.” -Indigo Hebs

Shatavari is one of the herbs in this mix that really spiked my interest. From fertility, to regulating mood swings and menstrual cycle, there is a lot to learn about it.

How long does it take to work?

To feel the effects of any natural supplement, you have to be consistent. That goes for dieting, lifestyle changes or anything that really matters to you. You will not get results from going to the gym once a week, and you wont see results the day after you work out.

Consistency is key.

It took me about 3 weeks to start feeling the effects of the Host Defense Woman formula. But after I did start taking it, I totally noticed the difference.

I had one month where I ran out of my supplement. I procrastinated in ordering it because we were a bit tight on funds. That month passed, and it was pretty much out of my system.

That next period sucked.

I was back to being extra emotional, and everything hurt like heck. I realized after that how much taking the mushroom complex had actually helped me.

Natural supplements take time to build up in your system. Once they are flushed out, you have to start over again. So I ordered more, and have remained diligent in taking my mushroom vitamins ever since.

Over the years, I have done a bunch of research on how to have a easier menstrual cycle. I wrote a post a while back filled with extra tips and tricks that help. Check it out for more info!

I will only ever recommend things to you guys that I take myself. It would be dishonest of me to steer you to products or services that I have not tried, so believe me when I say this product WORKS.

Always consult with your Dr. or dietitian before using any herbal supplementation, and take note of how you feel while taking it.

I wish you guys all the best! Have an awesome day.

author of a Natural Endeavor