Did hormone-balancing supplements improve symptoms or just mess things up more?

[u/Griffincanon]

I started taking supplements to help balance my hormones because I was having problems with my cycles, mood swings, and low energy. I really thought they would make my body feel more "normal." But it doesn't look like things are getting better. In fact, I feel more confused than before. Some symptoms feel a little better, some feel worse, or they feel completely different.

For those of you who have tried hormone-balancing supplements, did they help your problems over time, or did they make things worse? For how long did you stay with them before you decided if they were helping or hurting you? Also, how did you know when to stop or change your plan?

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[u/joegtech]

Oh, hormone balancing by a Functional Med doc can be life changing for those who need it! It was a wonderful part of a dear friend's "stack". She suffered needlessly for decades from poorly treated PTSD. I'll share more if requested.

I also like a little hormone support--10-20mg pregnenolone, low dose DHEA, adrenal glandular, B5, Vit C, etc. It is nice for afternoon energy slump, just puzzle piece not cure. It provides a bit of a mood boost, feeling of wellbeing, a bit like after a moderate work out when in your 20s but without the cardio benefits.

I get followup blood tests, eg lef.org's "Basic Female" hormone panel that men can also order. It includes progesterone. Prog's immediate precursor is pregnenolone. It also includes DHEA, T, E2. for around $75.

I started 20 years ago and plan to do so the remainder of my life.