Diet and Hormone Dysfunction

Nutrition patterns affect the levels of certain hormones circulating in the body. Fasting, excess calories, and foods with a higher glycemic load can all impact the regulation of hormones such as thyroid, cortisol, and leptin.

The functional medicine approach to hormonal dysfunction seeks to understand the web of interconnection between dietary factors and hormone signals, specifically whether cells are more resistant or more sensitive to hormones based on specific nutrients, dietary patterns, or overall nutrition. Identifying the connections between cellular sensitivity to the hormone signal and nutrition may highlight areas that will guide practitioners to therapeutic interventions to restore balance. 

Studies have shown that Western-style diets that are high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats increase cortisol release. One study of women with polycystic ovary syndrome showed that a modest reduction in carbohydrates increased insulin sensitivity. Anti-inflammatory diets that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to improve leptin sensitivity.

Cellular sensitivity to hormonal signals may be influenced by a patient’s level of systemic inflammation, amount of visceral fat, stage of life, and level of glucose intolerance. Nutrition may indirectly influence hormone signaling sensitivity depending on these states.

The functional medicine framework uses a root-cause evaluation of hormone production, hormone transport, signaling sensitivity, and detoxification for assessing and treating hormone dysfunction.