Hormonal Imbalance: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance refers to disturbances in endocrine hormones (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones — estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, cortisol) that lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, PMS, infertility, weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, hair loss, acne, low libido, menstrual disorders, thyroid dysfunction and metabolic changes.

Important Safety Note

Hormonal disorders often require hormone assays and may need endocrine/gynecologic care. Ayurvedic therapies can complement medical treatment but should be coordinated with your endocrinologist/gynecologist — especially when on hormone replacement, thyroid medications, insulin or other prescription drugs. Lab monitoring is recommended while receiving detox or hormonal-supportive therapies.

Ayurvedic Care Strategy

• Medical evaluation & coordination: baseline endocrine tests, imaging and medication review before starting therapies.
• Address root causes: correct Agni, remove Ama, rebalance Doshas (often Vata/Kapha/Pitta interplay), and support reproductive tissues.
• Therapies selection: use stress-reducing and reproductive-nourishing therapies that modulate the neuro-endocrine axis and strengthen reproductive tissues (Shukra/Artava).
• Herbs & nutrition: use adaptogenic, reproductive-tonic and metabolism-supporting herbs under physician supervision (e.g., Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Gokshura) with attention to interactions and safety.
• Rehabilitation: rejuvenation (Rasayana) therapies and lifestyle modifications to sustain hormonal balance long-term.

Therapies Useful in Hormonal Imbalance — with reference images

The therapies below are commonly used in clinic protocols for hormonal balance (selected to target stress, neuro-endocrine regulation, reproductive tissue nourishment and metabolic correction). All therapies are individualized and require prior medical clearance.

Uttara Basti (Uterine / Genital Instillation) Key for gynecologic balance

What it is: Instillation of medicated oils/decoctions into the uterine or bladder canal (female/male variations) under specialized supervision.

• Used in menstrual irregularities, endometrial support, recurrent infertility, pelvic pain and disorders related to Artava (female reproductive tissue).
• Powerful local therapy—requires expert clinician, sterile procedures and clear indications; not used in active infection or undiagnosed bleeding.

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

What it is: Full-body herbal oil massage tailored to the individual's constitution and hormonal pattern.

• Calms the nervous system (reduces stress hormone/cortisol), improves circulation, supports lymphatic and endocrine function and prepares the body for deeper therapies.
• Regular sessions help reduce anxiety, improve sleep and regulate menstrual-related symptoms.

Shirodhara (Neuro-endocrine calming)

What it is: Continuous warm oil or decoction flow on the forehead to soothe the brain and autonomic system.

• Effective for HPA-axis related imbalances (stress, insomnia, mood swings) that indirectly disturb hormonal rhythms.
• Improves sleep, reduces cortisol, and supports better endocrine regulation when combined with lifestyle changes.

Nasyam (Nasal Therapy)

What it is: Administration of medicated oils/medicated powders via the nasal route to influence the head, neuro-endocrine axis and sense organs.

• Used to positively influence hypothalamic-pituitary function, improve appetite, smell, and autonomic balance—beneficial in certain endocrine patterns.
• Given carefully with liver/thyroid-safe formulations and after clinical assessment.

Basti (Medicated Enema) — Selected Use

What it is: Medicated oil or decoction administered rectally to balance Vata and support systemic regulation.

• Helpful when Vata-related hormonal dysregulation (irregular cycles, infertility due to Vata) is evident — supports gut-endocrine axis and nervous system.
• Prescribed selectively and as part of a broader treatment course.

Njavara Kizhi (Rejuvenative Bolus Therapy)

What it is: Warm boluses of Njavara rice cooked in decoction applied to the body to provide deep nourishment (Rasayana).

• Rebuilds strength, supports reproductive tissue nourishment and helps restore metabolic balance during rehabilitation.

Kati Vasti (Local Pelvic/Lower Back Nourishment)

What it is: Warm medicated oil retained over the lower back/pelvic region to soothe local tissues and support reproductive organs.

• Useful for menstrual cramps, pelvic discomfort and improving local circulation to reproductive structures.

Herbal Medicines & Nutritional Support

Herbs are prescribed after assessment and with attention to drug interactions and endocrine diagnoses. Below are commonly used herbs in Ayurvedic hormonal support (physician-prescribed).

Do not start/stops prescription hormones or endocrine medicines without your prescribing doctor. Herbs can interact with medications — always use under clinician supervision.

Sample Clinic Plans (examples)

All plans are individualized. Invasive/local therapies (Uttara Basti, Basti) require sterile technique, clear indications and informed consent.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles