The Internet Is Obsessed With ‘Hormone Balancing.' These Doctors Aren't Sold.

Yahoo

09-07-2025

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
If you've ever had a hunch your hormones were off, that might be because you've been hearing about it everywhere. From low cortisol workouts and cycle syncing to even drinking certain teas, it can seem like everyone is offering you a hormone-balancing hack. But what does a hormone imbalance really entail? How do you know if you have one, and when, exactly, is it a cause for concern?
First, know this: The hormone craze on social media isn't necessarily a bad thing. 'I think it's fantastic that hormone health is finally getting the attention it deserves,' says Li-Shei Lin, MD, PhD, an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center in San Diego. 'The fact that so many people are now talking about it—especially on social media—means we're becoming more empowered to tune into our bodies and advocate for our well-being.'
That said, when it comes to the idea of 'balancing' your hormones, social media doesn't always get it right. '[The phrase] 'balancing your hormones' can sometimes oversimplify what's actually a beautifully complex and finely tuned system,' Dr. Lin says. 'Our hormones fluctuate on purpose—they're not meant to stay the same every day.' For example, they fluctuate with our sleep-wake cycles, our menstrual cycles, and even our stress levels—and that's all by design. 'There's no such thing as a static 'perfect balance'—and that's not the goal,' says Dr. Lin.
Basically, you don't really need to worry about whether your hormones are balanced per se—but you do want them to be functioning according to plan. 'What we're aiming for in medicine isn't balance in a static sense, but hormonal harmony—where the body's regulatory systems are working smoothly, and symptoms are manageable,' says Rekha Kumar, MD, the head of medical affairs at Found and associate professor of clinical medicine and attending endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Meet the experts: Li-Shei Lin, MD, PhD, is an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center in San Diego. Carla DiGirolamo, MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist and the head of endocrinology at Eternal. Rekha Kumar, MD, is the head of medical affairs at Found and associate professor of clinical medicine and attending endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medical College. Sheeva Talebian, MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist, and cofounder of CCRM Fertility New York.
Ahead, endocrinologists dive into what constitutes a hormone issue versus a normal fluctuation—plus, diagnosable conditions to look out for, potential treatment methods, and natural ways to keep your hormones functioning as they should.
Generally speaking, a hormone issue can occur anytime your typical hormone fluctuations are disrupted and your well-being is impacted, says Dr. Lin. 'That disruption could be due to genetic factors like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disease, or environmental ones like chronic stress, major weight changes, or even certain medications,' Dr. Lin says.
What hormones are we talking about, exactly? Most of the time when people say their hormones are imbalanced, they're talking about estrogen and progesterone, the main players in the menstrual cycle, Dr. Lin says. But there are many other important hormones at play in our systems as well, including adrenal hormones like cortisol (which affect energy and stress), thyroid hormones (which regulate metabolism), insulin (for blood sugar balance), and even melatonin (for sleep).
Keeping in mind that achieving a 'perfect balance' is a myth, things can get out of whack when there is either too much or too little of one or more hormones in the bloodstream, says Dr. Kumar. The challenging thing is, though, testing alone (at home or at your doctor's office) won't necessarily show you the whole picture, so it's important to consult your doctor if you're concerned. For example, you might test your cortisol levels using an at-home kit or in-person with your doc, but there are many limitations—like the time of day, sleep patterns, medication use, and where you are in your cycle, all of which can significantly impact results, Dr. Kumar says. In other words, context matters. 'An assessment should be made by a clinician who can assess that the fluctuations or symptoms that a woman is experiencing are within the range of health and not disease,' Dr. Kumar says.
As for what your doctor is looking for: 'We look at whether hormone levels fall within healthy ranges and assess whether the patterns make sense and whether symptoms are getting in the way of daily life,' Dr. Lin says. Because everyone's body is different, your doctor will have to assess both your lab results and your specific symptoms to determine whether or not there's a potential underlying condition.
Here are some of the most common signals that your hormones are off, per Dr. Lin:
Irregular or missing periods
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
Trouble sleeping or waking up unrefreshed
Hair thinning, acne, or skin changes
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Hot flashes, night sweats, or decreased libido
Clearly, hormones affect a lot—which makes sense, considering your endocrine system is closely related to many different important functions. For example: 'Symptoms often stem from disruption in the body's natural rhythms—like poor sleep affecting melatonin and cortisol, or high stress impacting reproductive hormones,' Dr. Lin says. 'The good news is, many of these imbalances are reversible, especially when you gently restore the body's natural cycles through lifestyle support and, when necessary, medical care,' she adds. (More on treatment methods soon.)
It's worth mentioning that hormone fluctuations don't always necessarily constitute a serious medical issue. For instance, it could simply be that PMS symptoms are emerging. 'Progesterone peaks about a week after ovulation—what we call the 'mid-luteal phase'—then naturally starts to decline,' says Dr. Lin. If no pregnancy occurs, a drop in progesterone can trigger symptoms like mood changes, irritability, or even depression, she says. In other words, there's a real, biological shift happening.
Symptoms are to be expected throughout your menstrual cycle. But if they feel intense, last more than a few days, or significantly disrupt your life, it's worth checking in with a provider to see if it's premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or another diagnosable condition, Dr. Lin says.
Also, if your symptoms are severe and ongoing to the point where they interfere with daily life or relationships, sometimes medicine is the way to go, Dr. Kumar says. 'For example, severe cramps with a normal cycle could necessitate a hormonal IUD, or mood symptoms just prior to a period might allow for intervention with a cyclical antidepressant,' she says.
Here are some of the common diagnosable hormone-related conditions Dr. Lin sees in practice:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): a metabolic and hormonal condition that affects ovulation.
Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may impact mood, metabolism, and cycle regularity.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): when the ovaries slow down earlier than expected.
Estrogen dominance or low progesterone: can lead to heavy periods, breast tenderness, PMS, and more.
Other conditions associated with hormonal abnormalities include Cushing's disease, diabetes, and hypothalamic amenorrhea, which is when your period stops or becomes irregular, Dr. DiGirolamo says. Note: Hypothalamic amenorrhea can occur in athletes and active people due to low energy availability (LEA) or relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)—basically, when the body doesn't have enough energy to support physiological functions, she says. (So if you're working out a lot without nourishing yourself accordingly, that might throw your hormones off too).
If you're wondering, Wait, but what about menopause?! Yes, you're right—perimenopause and menopause do lead to dramatic hormone shifts (and, obviously, some uncomfortable symptoms). 'Research shows that 80 to 85 percent of women will experience symptoms during this stage of life, and many times, those symptoms can be debilitating,' says Carla DiGirolamo, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and head of endocrinology at Eternal, a performance health company for athletes. (Brain fog and insomnia, looking at you). However, because perimenopause and menopause are physiological experiences most women go through, they aren't technically classified as hormone irregularities, despite there being major hormonal shifts during that time, says Dr. DiGirolamo. Still, that doesn't make them any less worthy of support.
If you suspect you have any hormone issues, trust your instincts—because if something feels off, it probably is, Dr. Lin says. 'Start by tracking your symptoms and cycles, and bring that info to a trusted healthcare provider who can order the right tests and really listen to your story,' she says. Depending on your symptoms, a doctor might want to test your thyroid, reproductive hormones, adrenal hormones, and/or a combination of many to see what's going on.
From there, exact treatment options will depend on the cause of your hormonal disruption, Dr. DiGirolamo says. For example, if you have a thyroid disorder, medication is usually required. If you're dealing with LEA or RED-S, the best course of action is to correct the energy imbalance by managing nutrition and training, and in these cases, meds usually aren't helpful, she says. For type 1 diabetes, insulin is required, and for type 2 diabetes, nutrition and exercise can often be enough, she says, along with meds that help with insulin sensitivity.
Ultimately, the key to finding appropriate treatment options is personalization, Dr. Lin says. 'Treatments can include medications like hormone therapy or thyroid support, but lifestyle plays a massive role, too,' she says. 'Sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition are all incredibly powerful in helping your hormones function optimally.'
There are also supplements that can be helpful in certain cases, like inositol for PCOS and magnesium for PMS, Dr. Lin says—but supplementation should always be guided by a professional. 'Supporting hormone health doesn't always mean doing more—it can mean doing what works best for your unique body,' she says.
Here are the basics when it comes to giving your hormones a healthy chance, according to Dr. Lin and Sheeva Talebian, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist, and cofounder of CCRM Fertility New York.
'Regular physical activity helps regulate important hormones such as insulin, cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone, which have numerous effects on our physical, emotional, and cognitive health,' says Dr. Talebian. 'Exercise also helps modulate estrogen levels, which can help reduce risk of conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and even breast cancer,' she says. Even taking a walk outdoors with a friend can be helpful since it gives you sunshine exposure and social interaction, both of which can influence how your body produces and regulates hormones, Dr. Talebian says.
Generally speaking, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (or a combination of both) every week. Adding in moderate- to high-intensity strength training at least two days per week can also be helpful for maintaining overall health, per the AHA.
In terms of the best workout for hormone health, that's a personal decision—some women swear by cycle syncing (choosing workouts according to where they are in their cycle), but the research is mixed and experts aren't sold on its benefits. It is worth noting that high-intensity workouts tend to trigger a stress response in the body, which leads to spikes in cortisol and adrenaline. (This can be okay in the short-term, as long as you're recovering and not overtraining). Bottom line: Try to mix up your routine with lower-intensity workouts as well.
'Our entire hormonal system follows a circadian rhythm, and when sleep is disrupted, everything from melatonin to cortisol to reproductive hormones can fall out of sync,' Dr. Lin says. Poor sleep is linked to imbalances in hormones like insulin, cortisol, and leptin, per a 2018 study in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine. Also, anywhere from 40 to 69 percent of people going through menopause experience sleep disturbances, according to a 2024 review in Menopause—further highlighting the need for quality sleep when your hormones are changing (at any stage).
Despite the common belief that everyone needs eight hours of sleep per night, there's no magic, one-size-fits-all recommendation for how much sleep a person should get. That said, 5 to 9 hours of sleep for most women can help combat insulin resistance and elevated leptin, both of which are associated with metabolic syndrome (having multiple conditions like high blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol) and hormone-related weight gain, Dr. Talebian says.
Clearly, hormone changes can throw off your Zzzs, so all the more reason to practice good sleep hygiene and optimize your environment for quality rest.
It's okay to have a bit of sugar from time to time, but consuming high amounts of sugar has been associated with type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and it might interfere with certain metabolic processes, per a 2022 review published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. (Even non-sugar sweeteners might affect your gut microbiome!)
'Eating too much sugar can cause insulin resistance and inflammation, which can negatively interfere with hormone balance,' Dr. Talebian says. Limiting sugar intake can help you reduce risk of conditions like hyperinsulinemia, which can disrupt your cycle and affect ovarian hormones, she says.
The AHA recommends women consume no more than six teaspoons (about 25 grams or 100 calories) of added sugar per day. Choosing whole, unprocessed carbohydrates can help make a meaningful difference, Dr. Lin says.
There are many benefits to following a high-fiber diet. First, high-fiber diets promote healthy estrogen levels, Dr. Talebian says. Eating more fiber helps keep your blood sugar in check, per Harvard Health, which can be helpful if you're navigating hormonal challenges and trying to regulate your sugar levels. Fiber also stimulates signals from the gastrointestinal tract to parts of the brain involved in appetite regulation, per a 2024 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition—so you'll stay fuller and more satiated for longer.
Similarly, eating protein can help decrease ghrelin, the hunger hormone, per a 2020 study in Physiology and Behavior—and it also stimulates the production of hormones that make you feel full, per a 2020 study in the European Journal of Nutrition. Getting fiber and protein in your diet regularly will help you avoid spikes and manage your appetite and metabolism, Dr. Talebian says.
Healthy fats in your diet can't hurt, either. 'Healthy fats (like avocado and nuts) can help synthesize hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are so important for women's health,' Dr. Talebian says. In general, she recommends adding fibrous foods like beans, oatmeal, and veggies into your diet, along with healthy fats like avocado and nuts.
'Disruptions in the gut microbiome have been linked with hormonal conditions such as PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and the imbalances associated with perimenopause,' Dr. Talebian says. Your gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating estrogen levels, per a 2025 review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology. There is also growing evidence to suggest that they have a 'bidirectional relationship' (meaning estrogen influences gut health, and vice versa), per the review. This bidirectional relationship could even hint at a new, untapped area for helping women who are experiencing estrogen changes during menopause, per the review.
Eating a diverse diet rich in 'good' bacteria can help promote healthy estrogen activity, Dr. Talebian says. She recommends incorporating foods like probiotic-rich yogurts, as well as pickled or fermented foods, into your diet.
It's no secret that stress affects just about every part of the body, including the endocrine system. 'Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with ovulation, disrupt sleep, and throw off other hormone systems,' Dr. Lin says. 'Stress management isn't just nice to have—it's a cornerstone of hormone health.'
Stressful events can impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the primary driver of the body's stress response, per the American Psychological Association (APA). 'Long-term activation of this 'flight or fight' response can disrupt hormones that oversee our sex, sleep, and appetite drives,' Dr. Talebian says.
When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, which is helpful for dealing with threatening situations—but chronic stress can impair communication between your immune system and the HPA axis, per the APA. This impairment has been linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes (and a slew of other physical and mental health challenges).
Additionally, stress can impact your thyroid hormone levels, which may exacerbate autoimmune thyroid disease, per a 2024 study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.
Managing your stress can look like mindfulness, exercise, deep breathing, or even stimulating your vagus nerve. Yoga and meditation can also help you regulate cortisol levels and improve your mood, Dr. Talebian says.
That said, experts agree that if you're concerned about a potential imbalance—or if you simply feel something is out of whack—it's best to seek help from an endocrinologist or another trusted provider before panicking.
And in a world of influencers touting their favorite hormone hacks, exercise caution. 'Try not to go down the Google rabbit hole,' Dr. DiGirolamo says. 'There is so much misinformation out there, and endocrinology is such a vast and confusing field. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be proactive in educating yourself about your hormone health—just be very careful about your information sources,' she says.
At the end of the day, you deserve answers, and you deserve to feel good in your body, Dr. Lin says. 'Hormone health is such a vital part of overall well-being, and when we pay attention to it, the ripple effects are incredible.'
You Might Also Like
Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream
These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals