What You Need to Know About Hormonal Imbalance
Now, I am not one to complain about the occasional hormonal acne that comes before the start of your period because I have battled with that for a while. Usually, two or three bumps reveal themselves around my chin, I wait them out while continuing my usual skincare routine. They usually disappear within a week if I don’t touch them. However, this was NOT the case 3 months ago, in May.
About a week before my period was supposed to start, I noticed that the usual suspects had showed up and I checked my Flo app to confirm. I woke up the next day with more and before I knew it my face had exploded with acne. Coupled with that, my period was also very late, about 6 days later than usual. A couple of other things were happening and it was at this point that I saw a post on hormonal imbalance by a nutritionist I follow on Instagram. I figured that this is probably what had happened as the symptoms seemed to match so I had to think back on what I had done differently that month. I should note... it is so important to talk to a gynaecologist about these things and any feminine health concerns you may have. As women, we should see a gyno at least once a year as well as whenever issues arise.
Soooo let’s talk about hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance is not spoken about enough but it affects tons of women around the world. It is caused by a couple of things including high stress, lack of sleep, an unhealthy diet, menopause, excess sugar, thyroid disorders, etc. Some of the symptoms include: excessive acne, heavy/late/irregular periods (in my case) and some other pretty serious stuff like hair loss and darkening of the skin, bruh. Basically, it’s pretty crazy and I have a few tips that could help curb it a little (my cousin is a doctor, so I took some of her advice):
Exercise: Most of us have been more sedentary because we have not been out in so long, I mean there was literally a lockdown so I get it but exercise really does help our bodies and hormones. But you should start with the beginner exercises if you don’t want something too hectic. Check out our Instagram for some inspo.
Healthy Diet: Basically, stay off that dairy and sugar for a while. Eat your leafy greens, proteins, fruits and water sis and watch your skin and gut health flourish. Don’t forget your tea too – green, turmeric, lemon and ginger, you name it. Also, don’t be shy to hit a nutritionist up to help you out.
Managing stress: Doing the things that cause us to breathe and destress can also help with hormonal imbalance. I find that journaling and yoga really calms me so I have been into that lately. It really is working for me but you can also try taking long walks, pilates, etc. to destress.
Sleep: I know we have a lot on our plate but sleep is necessary. Sleep experts (lmao, I know they exist) encourage us to sleep 8 hours a day because it helps us to be more productive.
These four things have really helped me to gradually get back control of my crazy hormones. My face is almost back and my period is still heavy but at least it is regular again. Always remember, you are not alone when it comes to these issues.