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How to correct your hormonal imbalance

by — Last updated: 2018-01-10 in Women's Health
Reviewed by Medical Team — 2018-01-05

Table of Contents

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels in a way they produce excessive amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance can cause period irregularities and can cause problems when a woman is trying to get pregnant.

Over the last few years, research into the nutritional approach to PCOS has revolutionized the treatment of this problem. As women with PCOS lose weight, hormone levels start to return to normal, testosterone levels fall, serum insulin levels go down, SHBG levels go up and the symptoms of PCOS diminish. Therapy improves the condition with significant improvements in the growth of excess hair, as the women lose weight. Along with the weight-loss comes a remarkable change in ovarian function. 

The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome was remarkable: a significant improvement in weight, percent free testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, and fasting insulin in women with obesity and PCOS was noted. Out of five women who completed the study, two women who had previous infertility problems got pregnant. [9]  

In several studies, results were so dramatic that doctors now suggest that changing a woman’s diet should be the first move if she is overweight and failing to conceive.

One study found that 11 out of 12 women who had been overweight and not ovulating conceived naturally after reducing their weight due to PCOS. [10] In general, women with high levels of luteinizing hormone in the first half of their menstrual cycle seem to have a greater risk of miscarriage, so miscarriages are more likely to occur in women with PCOS because of the high levels of LH.

The most common form of treatment and correcting hormonal imbalance for PCOS is the birth control pill. Birth control pills contain hormones, so even if you are not sexually active, your doctor might prescribe them. The birth control pill is a great solution because it contains the hormones that your body needs to treat your PCOS and correct your hormonal imbalance. By taking the birth control pill either continuously or in cycles, you can:

  • Successfully correct the hormonal imbalance,
  • Lower the level of testosterone (which will in turn deal with acne and hair growth),
  • Regulate your menstrual periods,
  • Lower the risk of endometrial cancer,
  • Prevent an unplanned pregnancy if you are sexually active.
There is also a medicine which helps the body lower insulin levels — metformin. This is particularly helpful in women who have high levels of insulin, or have pre-diabetes or diabetes. You will need to have your kidney and liver function checked before taking this medication to treat a PCOS-related hormonal imbalance. [11]

It is important to discuss with your doctor whether this medicine is right for you, because you may ovulate while on this medication. Therefore, you will also need to use birth control if you are sexually active and do not want to get pregnant. You should not drink alcohol if you are taking metformin.

Sometimes women need to receive treatment with both metformin and birth control pills at the same time.

Multivitamins and minerals could also help to make sure that you are getting a little bit of everything. Chromium is an extremely important mineral if you have PCOS; it helps encourage the formation of the glucose tolerance factor. [12] This is a substance released by the liver and required to make insulin more efficient. However, it would be the best to talk to your doctor about your problem; he or she will recommend the best treatment available, and the best way to correct your hormonal imbalance of PCOS, according to your symptoms and your needs.