Causes of Hormonal Imbalance:
And What You Can Do About It!

Hormone imbalances are incredibly common.  Seventy-five percent of women report experiencing PMS.  It’s estimated that up to 14% of women have irregular periods.  PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women and affects about 10% of women worldwide.  If you fall into any of these categories, you are in the company of MILLIONS of women.

Hormones work in concert with the whole body.  When one area becomes knocked out of balance, it can cause disruptions across the entire body system.  This is often where symptoms crop up.  Some of the most common causes of hormonal imbalances are nutrient gaps, stress, an unhealthy gut, and unregulated Insulin.

Nutrient Gaps 

Your body needs a consistent supply of key nutrients in order for the creation, maintenance, and communication of hormones and overall reproductive function.  We’ve included the vitamins and minerals essential to these processes in the most bioavailable forms.  

What are common causes of nutrient gaps?

• Medications like the birth control pill and Metformin block the absorption of riboflavin, B6, B12, and folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc which are essential for ovulatiry function, egg quality and protection, and other reproductive functions.
• Vitamin D3 is the building block of all hormones and most people are deficient due to lack of sun exposure and it is difficult to source from food alone.
• B vitamins, and zinc are very difficult to get from food sources alone, especially for those who eat plant based diets. 
• An unhealthy gut, aka an unbalanced microbiome can hinder adequate nutrient absorption.

Stress

Life comes at us pretty fast these days with no sign of slowing down.  The command center of your stress response is managed by the adrenal hormones.  Chronic stress leads to increased inflammation that can cause disruptions in sleep, mood, libido, metabolism, immunity, reproductive function, and energy.  Stress may be an inevitable part of life, but the effects of stress can be mitigated with focused nutrition and lifestyle habits. Knowell blends a mix of root, mushroom, and berry extracts used in traditional therapies as well as vitamins and minerals for stress management.

Vitamins and minerals to help manage stress:

Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells and DNA from the damaging effects of stress, inflammation, and prevents premature ageing.  

• Vitamins A & C are food based nutrients important to skin health and immune function and are anti-inflammatory as well.
• Selenium is a mineral with powerful antioxidant properties and is beneficial to thyroid function and protection.

Plant Extracts to fight inflammation, boost immunity, and protect cell integrity:

• Turmeric & Black pepper contain “superfood” antioxidant elements called polyphenols.  Turmeric boasts curcumin which is tied to antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties.  Black pepper’s alkaloid piperine has anti-inflammatory properties.  While turmeric and black pepper are separately beneficial, the combination of the two helps boost absorption.
• Cranberry extract’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help protect against UTIs.

Adaptogenic plants to manage cortisol:

Adaptogens are chemical compound found in foods that help manage stress and reduce inflammation by enhancing immune function, right size cortisol output, and balancing insulin

• Maca is a root vegetable grown in Peru known for centuries to boost energy without stimulation and boost libido
• Ashwagandha is a staple in traditional medicine for it’s many benefits including anti-inflammation, blood sugar regulation, cortisol calming, and brain health.
• Adaptogenic mushroom trio provides the well rounded balance: Cordycepts for libido and non stimulative energy, Chaga for immune protection, and Reshi for calm.  
• Rhodiola Rosea is a root from Eastern Europe best known for it’s benefits for increasing energy, balancing mood, and blood glucose.

Unheathly Gut

A healthy gut is the foundation of overall health as it impacts nutrient absorption, hunger cues, metabolism, and mood.  The gut microbiome supports the regulation of estrogen, insulin, and serotonin as well.

• Probiotics- Help top up your supply of beneficial gut bacteria to win out over pathogens that affect nutrient absorption and immune protection.
• B Vitamins- Digestive health depends on the stomach to function correctly, which in turn requires B vitamins. B vitamins protect the abdomen from distress and ensure the stomach and intestines work.
• Selenium enhances the gut’s response to inflammation. A lack of selenium has been proven to increase stress and inflammation, leading to potential damage to the lining of the gut which causes leaky gut. 
• Zinc - Even a mild zinc deficiency can reduce digestive enzyme production, which increases the likelihood of leaky gut.

Insulin Control

Insulin is an incredibly influential hormone that is best known for regulating the metabolism of food.  However, insulin also regulates estrogen response, neurotransmission, and gut health.  The vibe with insulin is definitely “less is more” and our ingredients help to optimize insulin output.

• Myo-inositol- similar to b vitamins, inositol helps to increase cellular insulin uptake.
• Chromium (Cr+3) is required for the maintenance of normal glucose metabolism as it interacts with insulin receptors.
• B6 acts as an essential cofactor for hundreds of enzymes and plays a role in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. 

It’s kind of crazy to think that millions of women have been walking around for years with symptoms of hormone imbalance without any thought that there could be a solution.  We are here to tell you that feeling better is possible!  Our goal at Knowell is to empower you with products and know-how to better manage your hormone health.