Stress Hormones

If you develop an imbalance of stress hormones, bothersome symptoms may develop. At Balanced Health in the Cow Hollow area of San Francisco, California, skilled naturopathic physician Erika Horowitz, ND, and her team help you properly manage thyroid hormones, adrenal stress hormones, sex hormones, and more. Call the office to schedule an evaluation or use the online booking feature today.

What are stress hormones?

Your body produces adrenal stress hormones, such as cortisol, that may fluctuate due to stressful life situations, an overly busy schedule, illnesses, chronic diseases, traumatic life events, or emotional stress. 

Finding hormone balance at Balance Health reduces unpleasant symptoms and gives you the quality of life you deserve. The practice also helps you manage thyroid and sex hormone imbalances.

What are the symptoms of unbalanced hormones?

Some of the symptoms you may experience because of unbalanced hormones include:

• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• More body fat
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Menopause symptoms
• Reduced muscle mass
• Sexual dysfunction
• Low libido
• Acne
• High blood pressure
• Increased chronic disease risks
• Weakened immune system
• Digestive problems
• Sleep disturbances  
• Low bone density

If you suspect your hormones aren’t properly balanced, see the Balance Health providers for an evaluation. 

What are the risk factors for hormone imbalance?

Some of the common risk factors for hormone imbalance include:

• Ongoing or severe stress
• Older age
• Genetics
• Poor nutrition
• Certain medications
• Chronic diseases
• Sleep deprivation
• Illnesses

However, the exact cause of hormone imbalance isn’t always clear.

How do I know if stress hormones are unbalanced?

To find out if you have issues with stress, sex, or thyroid hormones, your Balance Health provider asks about your personal and family medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They weigh you, evaluate your body mass index (BMI), and check your pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs. 

Your specialist orders blood tests or other diagnostic tests to assess your overall health, wellness, hormones, and nutritional status.

How are stress hormone imbalances treated?

To treat an imbalance of stress hormones or other hormones, the experts at Balance Health offer:

Lifestyle-change counseling

Making healthy lifestyle changes helps you better manage imbalances of stress hormones. Reduce stress using relaxation techniques, eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

Medical weight loss

If you’re overweight, medically supervised weight loss with the Balanced Health team can improve the balance of stress hormones.

Dietary supplements

Taking dietary supplements may improve your overall health, nutritional status, hormone balance, energy levels, and quality of life.

Hormone treatments 

Thyroid hormone treatment, bioidentical hormone therapy, and other hormone treatments are effective ways to balance hormones and reduce unpleasant symptoms. Your specialist may recommend pills, patches, injections, creams, gels, vaginal applications for women, or subdermal pellets placed beneath the skin near your upper buttocks.

To learn more about ways to balance stress hormones, schedule an appointment at Balanced Health by phone or online today.