Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in women’s health, affecting everything from mood and fertility to energy levels and menstrual cycles. While many turn to supplements to help regulate hormones, not all options are safe or effective. Dr. Alexa Davis, a physician at the Medical Transformation Center, shares her expert advice on two supplements that can genuinely support hormone health—and one you should steer clear of.
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Take: Inositol
Inositol is a supplement that has proven benefits for regulating women’s hormones. “It can promote more regular menstrual cycles and support ovulation,” explains Dr. Davis. This makes it especially useful for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition often characterized by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance.
Inositol works by improving insulin sensitivity, helping the body’s cells respond more effectively to insulin and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for women with PCOS, as insulin resistance can drive hormonal disruptions. Beyond its metabolic benefits, inositol also supports fertility by improving egg quality.
The supplement can even alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as sadness or anxiety, through its influence on neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Simple ways to incorporate inositol into your routine include powder mixes added to water or smoothies, making it easy to integrate without complicating your diet.
Take: DIM
DIM, short for diindolylmethane, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. It’s particularly helpful for women experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance, which can manifest as heavy periods, severe PMS, breast tenderness, or short menstrual cycles.
“DIM enhances estrogen metabolism and clearance,” says Dr. Davis. By improving the balance between estrogen and progesterone, DIM can alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, it encourages the body to produce safer estrogen metabolites, which may help reduce the risk of certain hormonally sensitive cancers. Adding DIM to your routine—often available in capsule form—can be an effective strategy for supporting hormonal health naturally.
Avoid: Estrogen/Progesterone Creams Without Prescriptions
Not all over-the-counter hormone products are safe. Dr. Davis warns against estrogen or progesterone creams purchased without a prescription. “The hormone levels in each cream can vary significantly and are not well regulated,” she says. Many of these creams contain forms of hormones that are not bioidentical, which can trigger inflammation, disrupt natural hormone production, and cause menstrual irregularities.
For those needing hormone replacement during perimenopause or menopause, Dr. Davis emphasizes that “bioidentical hormone therapy can be life-changing, but it must be done under a physician’s supervision.”
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Even effective supplements like inositol and DIM aren’t entirely without side effects. Mild fatigue or gastrointestinal upset may occur, and improper use can worsen symptoms. Dr. Davis stresses the importance of consulting with a physician to ensure these supplements are appropriate based on your health history, symptoms, and lab results.
When used correctly, however, these hormone-supporting supplements can offer substantial benefits—helping women feel more balanced, energized, and in control of their health.
