Health providers who practice functional medicine in Toronto are trained to modify treatment plans, especially for hormone imbalances. In our clinic, this involves providing functional medicine education to patients, which can motivate people to stick to a healthy lifestyle. 

Health education may include learning how your hormones work. Each hormone has a role in regulating bodily functions, but they also work amicably as a team. Imbalances happen when there are not enough hormones or there are excessive amounts. There are several reasons why this can happen:

• • Chronic stress
  • Poor gut health
  • Sleep issues
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Certain medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, autoimmune conditions)
  • Taking birth control
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity 
  • Age-related changes (i.e. perimenopause, menopause, andropause)
  • Exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (i.e. BPA)

Luckily, there are ways to help regulate hormone levels, especially with lifestyle modifications. We list some actions to take to support this equilibrium. 

10 Quick Tips for Supporting Hormones

• • Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night: Stop browsing your phone at night and don’t eat a heavy snack near bedtime. This is due to the fact that hormones and metabolism are regulated by your circadian rhythm and sleep quality, so a good night’s rest matters!
  • Revamp your diet: Swap French fries for a fresh salad. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables boosts your fibre intake, which can prevent constipation. Constipation can prevent hormones from properly getting eliminated from the body; this can potentially cause estrogen dominance. 
  • Eat healthy fats: Regular consumption of omega-3 rich foods (i.e. certain nuts) can reduce inflammation. Excessive inflammation can drive the formation of oxidative stress, while impairing various bodily functions, such as the thyroid. This is concerning, as the thyroid must optimally regulate hormones linked to metabolism.
  • Boost hydration: Being dehydrated by half a litre can boost cortisol levels, which can worsen anxiety. Stay hydrated with water, eat hydrating foods (i.e. watermelon), and consider getting a custom-made IV drip for supporting hydration. 
  • Reduce toxin exposures: Ditch plastic containers and use mason jars or stainless-steel bottles instead; many plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. 
  • Get regular exercise: Exercise doesn’t only boost your mood, it also helps balance hormones! Working out is known to boost both estrogen and testosterone levels. Please speak to a personal trainer about exercises for your hormonal health goals. 
  • Get feedback on your weight: Consult with a functional medicine practitioner to check your weight. If you’re diagnosed with obesity, therapies may be personalized to target weight loss. “Obesity is known to impact the function of the endocrine system, with dysfunctional adipose tissue being a key contributor to this effect,” explains a Nutrients review. 
  • Focus on your gut: Studies have demonstrated links between poor gut health and hormonal imbalances. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone produced in the gut, and a lack of beneficial bacteria can contribute to declining serotonin levels; in turn, this can dysregulate mood, digestion, and appetite. 
  • Explore new stress-busting techniques: Stress-relieving strategies, such as yoga, art, and acupuncture, can have positive effects on hormone levels. High stress can dysregulate hormone serum levels, including growth hormone, glucocorticoids, and prolactin. 
  • Quit smoking: Smoking cessation can have positive impacts on hormones, as cigarette smoke contains heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Smoking can also contribute to male and female infertility; it can reduce sperm quality, lower estrogen and progesterone, and decrease IVF success rates. 

What’s the root cause of your symptoms, such as sleep issues and irregular periods? Let’s find out with functional medicine testing, and we’ll measure your estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and more. 

Suggested reading: What Exactly Are Probiotics? A Toronto Functional Medicine Guide for Beginners

About our functional medicine clinic and hormone optimization programs

Each person has a unique hormone balance; thus, a successful treatment for one patient may not necessarily suit another patient with a similar health condition. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we recognize each patient as a unique individual, which is why we adapt treatment plans for your gut, hormonal, metabolic, and brain care needs. We integrate various treatment modalities, including naturopathic medicine, herbal remedies, Western medicine, acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), holistic nutrition, and more. We also make functional lab tests available to patients so that tailored therapies match your biological needs. 

Our clinical care is patient-centered. When you opt into a hormone optimization program with us, you are given ample information about your therapies, including how functional lab tests work. When patients understand the details of their health condition (i.e. why it formed, how to manage it), this can promote positive health outcomes and potentially prevent chronic symptoms. 

When you become a Toronto Functional Medicine Centre patient, you have access to our IV Lounge. This is designed for patients with intravenous nutrient prescriptions, and they’re administered for adjunctive purposes only. A combination of nutrition IV, oral supplements, healthy living and exercise can contribute to optimal health improvements. Reach out to us if you need more details about our IV Lounge. 

Our Toronto functional medicine treatments are designed to target your needs, such as balancing hormones. Experience our personalized approach to health – call us now to reserve your initial visit.  

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

American Psychological Association. (2023, March 8). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

He, S., Li, H., Yu, Z., Zhang, F., Liang, S., Liu, H., Chen, H., & Lü, M. (2021). The Gut Microbiome and Sex Hormone-Related Diseases. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 711137. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.711137

Kim TW, Jeong JH, Hong SC. The impact of sleep and circadian disturbance on hormones and metabolism. Int J Endocrinol. 2015;2015:591729. doi: 10.1155/2015/591729. Epub 2015 Mar 11. PMID: 25861266; PMCID: PMC4377487.

Mazza, E., Troiano, E., Ferro, Y., Lisso, F., Tosi, M., Turco, E., Pujia, R., & Montalcini, T. (2024). Obesity, Dietary Patterns, and Hormonal Balance Modulation: Gender-Specific Impacts. Nutrients, 16(11), 1629. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111629

Ranabir, S., & Reetu, K. (2011). Stress and hormones. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 15(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.77573

Sun, Y., Gao, S., Ye, C., & Zhao, W. (2023). Gut microbiota dysbiosis in polycystic ovary syndrome: Mechanisms of progression and clinical applications. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1142041. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1142041

Tweed JO, Hsia SH, Lutfy K, Friedman TC. The endocrine effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Jul;23(7):334-42. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.03.006. Epub 2012 May 2. PMID: 22561025; PMCID: PMC3389568.

Van Voorhis BJ, Dawson JD, Stovall DW, Sparks AE, Syrop CH. The effects of smoking on ovarian function and fertility during assisted reproduction cycles. Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Nov;88(5):785-91. doi: 10.1016/0029-7844(96)00286-4. PMID: 8885914.

Windham GC, Mitchell P, Anderson M, Lasley BL. Cigarette smoking and effects on hormone function in premenopausal women. Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Oct;113(10):1285-90. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7899. PMID: 16203235; PMCID: PMC1281267.