Natural Hormone Balancing — A Naturopathic Approach to Hormonal Health

Hormonal imbalance occurs when the body produces too much or too little of one or more hormones. Because hormones act as chemical messengers affecting virtually every organ system, even small imbalances can produce widespread symptoms. Common signs of hormonal imbalance include: • Irregular or absent periods • Heavy or painful periods • Unexplained weight gain (especially around the midsection) • Fatigue that doesn't resolve with rest • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression • Acne, oily skin, or adult breakouts • Hair thinning or excess facial/body hair • Low libido or painful intercourse • Sleep disruption (difficulty falling or staying asleep) • Hot flashes and night sweats These symptoms can stem from imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, insulin, or thyroid hormones — or, most commonly, a combination of several. The key to effective treatment is identifying WHICH hormones are imbalanced and WHY.

Naturopathic medicine investigates the underlying drivers of hormonal disruption rather than simply supplementing hormones: • Chronic stress — Prolonged cortisol elevation (from the adrenal glands) directly suppresses progesterone production, impairs thyroid function, and disrupts the entire hypothalamic-pituitary axis. This is one of the most common root causes of hormonal imbalance in modern women. • Blood sugar dysregulation — Insulin resistance drives the ovaries to produce excess testosterone (the mechanism behind PCOS) and impairs sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free estrogen and testosterone levels. • Gut health dysfunction — The estrobolome (gut bacteria that metabolize estrogen) plays a critical role in estrogen balance. Dysbiosis can lead to estrogen dominance through impaired estrogen clearance. • Nutrient deficiencies — Magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential cofactors for hormone production and metabolism. Deficiencies impair the body's ability to produce and process hormones properly. • Environmental toxin exposure — Xenoestrogens in plastics (BPA, phthalates), pesticides, personal care products, and household chemicals mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt natural hormonal signaling. • Life stage transitions — Perimenopause, postpartum, and post-contraceptive transitions naturally shift hormone levels and may require support.

Evidence-based natural approaches to hormone balancing include: • Clinical Nutrition — Anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-stabilizing diet with emphasis on cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) for estrogen metabolism, healthy fats for hormone production, adequate protein for amino acid precursors, and fiber for estrogen clearance through the gut. • Botanical Medicine — Vitex (chaste tree berry) for progesterone support and menstrual regularity. DIM (diindolylmethane) for healthy estrogen metabolism. Maca for libido, energy, and menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh for hot flashes. Dong quai for menstrual support. • Adaptogenic Herbs — Ashwagandha for cortisol regulation and thyroid support. Rhodiola for stress resilience and fatigue. Holy basil (tulsi) for cortisol modulation. These herbs help the body adapt to stress and restore adrenal-hormone balance. • Targeted Nutraceuticals — Magnesium glycinate for progesterone support, sleep, and muscle relaxation. Zinc for testosterone metabolism. Vitamin B6 for progesterone production and PMS relief. Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation reduction. • Lifestyle Modification — Sleep optimization (7-9 hours, consistent schedule), stress management (breathwork, meditation, boundaries), movement (strength training supports insulin sensitivity), and toxin reduction (clean personal care and household products).

Effective hormone balancing starts with thorough testing. At Soma Naturopathic, Dr. Sanika orders a comprehensive hormone panel that goes beyond standard bloodwork: • Full sex hormone panel — Estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone, DHEA-S, and SHBG, timed to the menstrual cycle phase for accurate interpretation • Thyroid panel — TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies • Metabolic markers — Fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c to assess insulin resistance • Cortisol assessment — Morning cortisol and/or a four-point cortisol curve to evaluate adrenal function • Nutrient status — Vitamin D, ferritin, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins • Inflammatory markers — hs-CRP, homocysteine This expanded testing identifies the specific hormonal and metabolic imbalances driving each patient's symptoms — enabling a truly personalized treatment plan rather than a generic protocol.

Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar at Soma Naturopathic in Kirkland, WA (12911 120th Ave NE, Suite J-3) specializes in natural hormone balancing for women at every life stage — from menstrual irregularities in young women to perimenopause and menopause management. Her unique approach integrates: • Western naturopathic medicine (Bastyr University training) • Ayurvedic perspectives on constitutional health and hormonal rhythms • Certified pelvic floor therapy for hormonal effects on pelvic health • Collaborative care with conventional providers when hormonal medications are needed New patients start with a free 15-minute intro call to discuss their hormonal concerns. The 60-minute initial visit ($200) includes comprehensive health history, relevant testing orders, and a personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits ($95, 30 minutes) monitor progress and adjust protocols. Soma Naturopathic serves patients from Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, Sammamish, and Issaquah, with telehealth available for all Washington and California residents.