Hormone Imbalance and the link to Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases, a complex group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, affect millions of people worldwide. While genetics and environmental factors have long been associated with these conditions, emerging research is shedding light on the connection between hormone imbalances and autoimmune diseases. In this blog post, we’ll explore the link between hormones and autoimmunity and how hormonal imbalances can potentially trigger these diseases.

Understanding Hormones and Autoimmunity

To comprehend the connection between hormones and autoimmune diseases, it’s crucial to understand the role hormones play in regulating the immune system. Hormones are chemical messengers that control various bodily functions, including the immune response. The endocrine system, responsible for hormone production and regulation, includes glands like the thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas. These glands secrete hormones that influence the immune system’s balance. Examples of hormones would be estrogen, cortisol, adrenaline, etc.

Hormone Imbalance and Its Effects

When hormone levels become imbalanced, it can disrupt the body’s equilibrium, affecting the immune system in several ways:

1. Thyroid Hormones and Autoimmunity: The thyroid gland produces hormones crucial for metabolism and overall health. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to hormone imbalances. Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are autoimmune disorders that primarily target the thyroid. An imbalance in thyroid hormones can contribute to the development of these diseases.
2. Sex Hormones and Autoimmune Diseases: Hormones like estrogen and testosterone have been linked to autoimmune diseases, as they can influence immune cell function. Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, which may be related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis are examples of autoimmune diseases that show gender bias.
3. Stress Hormones and the Immune System: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly involving cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the immune system’s ability to differentiate between self and non-self, increasing the risk of autoimmunity.
4. Insulin and Type 1 Diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Hormonal imbalances affecting insulin production or sensitivity can contribute to the development of this autoimmune disease.

The Gut-Immune System Connection

The state of your gut sets the stage for immune system health and your hormone health. Gut health directly affects almost every physiological process in the human body. When the health of the gut isn’t optimal hormones can become imbalanced. Gut microbiota regulates estrogen through the secretion of β-glucuronidase, which is an enzyme that works to deconjugate estrogen into its active form. When the gut is unhealthy, aka in a state of dysbiosis, this process becomes disrupted. Deconjucation is decreased resulting in the reduction of circulating estrogen leaving hormones unbalanced. The disruption in the process of circulating estrogen has been linked to endometriosis, PCOS, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, fertility, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cognitive function.¹

To break that down onto a “what you need to know basis”, to heal a hormone imbalance you want to heal the gut. Check out our post on “Healing Leaky Gut” to learn what causes it, its symptoms, how to heal a leaky gut, and free tracking printables!

Check out our other leaky gut posts:

• “Gut health and the link to Autoimmune diseases”
• “Gut healthy food swaps”
• “Smoothie for leaky gut”
• “5 supplements to heal your gut”

Natural ways to balance hormones:

Understanding the connection between hormone imbalances and autoimmune diseases can aid in pinpointing the root cause of Autoimmunity in certain cases. Here are some ways hormone imbalances are healed:

1. Stress Management: Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and exercise can help regulate cortisol levels and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases triggered by chronic stress.
2. Exercise: Getting in an adequate amount of physical exercise is important for hormone health because it enhances hormone receptor sensitivity. Aiding in the delivery of hormone and nutrient signals.
3. Protein: Ensure an adequate protein intake since proteins supply essential amino acids that your body cannot synthesize independently. These amino acids are vital for the synthesis of peptide hormones, which regulate various physiological functions such as growth, energy metabolism, appetite, and stress responses just to name a few.
4. Balanced Diet: Maintaining a balanced diet can support hormonal health. There are many diets that support hormone health check out the options below for a quick overlook at each.

Types of Diets for Hormone Balance

1. The Mediterranean Diet: This diet is rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for hormone balance. It includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts.
2. The Plant-Based Diet: A plant-based diet focuses on whole, unprocessed plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. It can help balance hormones by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy gut bacteria.
3. The Low Glycemic Diet: A low glycemic diet emphasizes foods that have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, helping to stabilize insulin and other hormones. It includes whole grains, lean proteins, and non-starchy vegetables.
4. The Hormone Balancing Diet: Some diets, like the Hormone Balancing Diet, are specifically designed to address hormone imbalances. These diets often include foods rich in specific nutrients and avoid those that exacerbate imbalances. Check out this PDF that you can print off laying out everything you need to know about the hormone balancing diet.

Hormone-Balancing Foods:

Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support estrogen metabolism and liver detoxification.

Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds provide essential fatty acids necessary for hormone production and regulation.

Fiber-Rich Foods: Whole grains, legumes, and fruits are high in fiber, which helps regulate insulin and reduce the risk of estrogen dominance.

Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support hormonal balance.

Lean Protein: Include sources like lean poultry, tofu, and legumes in your diet to provide amino acids essential for hormone production.

Berries: Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and support hormone health.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that aid in hormone regulation.

Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance hormones.

Probiotic-Rich Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi promote a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in hormonal balance.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Processed Sugars: High sugar consumption can disrupt insulin and other hormones. Minimize your intake of sugary snacks and beverages.

Trans Fats: Trans fats found in many processed and fried foods can lead to inflammation and hormone disruption. Avoid them when possible.

Caffeine and Alcohol: Overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol can negatively affect adrenal and liver function, impacting hormone balance.

Processed Foods: Highly processed foods often contain artificial additives and preservatives that can disrupt hormonal activity. Opt for whole foods instead.

The connection between hormone imbalances and autoimmune diseases is a complex and evolving field of research. While not all autoimmune diseases are directly triggered by hormonal imbalances, there is clear evidence that hormones can influence the immune system and contribute to the development of these conditions. Recognizing this link offers new insights into potential prevention and healing strategies for autoimmune diseases, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by these disorders. More research is needed to fully understand the intricate relationship between hormones and autoimmunity, but these findings represent a promising step forward in the field of autoimmune disease research.

citations:

1. Baker JM, Al-Nakkash L, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: Physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas. 2017 Sep;103:45-53. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025. Epub 2017 Jun 23. PMID: 28778332.