Medicinal Mushrooms for Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones are chemical messengers that are made by many different glands and organs in the body.

They play a role in many things, like sleep, mood, and reproduction. The body produces many hormones, but the female sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone are responsible for the monthly changes in physiology, mood and more. The balance of these hormones is important for female health and if it is disrupted this is when symptoms can occur.

Hormones can be affected by many factors including medication, diet, lack of exercise, toxic load, as well as stress. Hormone imbalances are becoming more common, with conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, infertility, and severe menopausal symptoms becoming more prevalent.

Symptoms like irregular periods, fatigue, low libido, bloating, cramps and unexpected weight gain can indicate that hormones are out of balance.

Medicinal Mushrooms to regulate Hormonal Imbalance:

Reishi mushroom is an excellent liver tonic and can help support the liver to eliminate harmful toxins in the body. It is also very calming, and its adaptogenic nature supports the adrenals against stress-related negative effects, which can cause hormonal balance problems.

Maitake is another useful mushroom for restoring hormonal balance and supporting female health. It is particularly beneficial in supporting blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity.

Excess fat and insulin resistance can cause the body to store and release oestrogen and inflammatory markers. Maitake can reduce these negative effects.

It has been shown to be helpful for people with PCOS because it helps with insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.

Studies have also shown that it can help women with PCOS get pregnant and control their menstrual cycles.

Menopause is a time of huge stress and change for the body, it’s an inevitable part of the aging process and many women report negative symptoms.

Cordyceps mushroom has been shown to counteract the symptoms of low oestrogen like irritability and mood swings.

Cordyceps mushroom has always been considered in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a valuable mushroom for hormonal imbalance, as well as supporting vitality and libido which can be affected during and post-menopause.

Lion’s Mane mushroom can also be useful for menopausal support with its brain-supporting benefits.

A study in 2010 showed menopausal women who used Lion’s Mane for 4 weeks had reduced anxiety and depression and improved overall well-being.