Suppose you’re making healthy choices—eating clean, exercising, and focusing on self-care—but still feel fatigued, struggle with weight changes, or notice shifts in mood and energy. In that case, there may be a hidden factor affecting your hormones.
For many people, that hidden factor is seed oils.
While they’ve long been marketed as “heart-healthy,” research is showing that certain seed oils can disrupt your body’s delicate hormone balance, especially when consumed in excess. At Revitalizing Health & Hormones, we believe knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your long-term health.
What Are Seed Oils?
Seed oils are extracted from plants like soybeans, corn, and sunflowers—often using high heat and chemical processes. The most common include:
- Canola oil (rapeseed)
- Soybean oil
- Corn oil
- Cottonseed oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Rice bran oil
These oils are typically high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)—especially linoleic acid. While some omega-6 is essential for health, the average modern diet contains far more than we need, which can lead to problems.
How Excess Seed Oils Impact Hormone Balance
Omega-6/Omega-3 Imbalance
- Most seed oils are high in omega-6 but low in omega-3.
- Too much omega-6 promotes chronic inflammation, which can interfere with hormone production and sensitivity, impacting insulin, thyroid, and sex hormones.
Increased Estrogenic Activity
- Chronic inflammation can increase aromatase activity, which converts testosterone into estrogen.
- This can contribute to symptoms like stubborn belly fat, low libido, mood changes, and fatigue in both men and women.
Oxidative Stress and Hormone Receptor
- Seed oils are prone to oxidation, especially during cooking.
- Oxidized fats can damage cell membranes and disrupt hormone receptor signaling
Liver Stress
- Your liver plays a major role in breaking down and metabolizing hormones.
- Diets high in oxidized fats from seed oils can burden the liver, impairing hormone clearance and balance.
Better Choices for Hormone Health
Instead of heavily processed seed oils, choose stable, nutrient-rich fats that support hormone balance and reduce inflammation:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats; helps support insulin and estrogen balance. Best for salads, drizzling, and low-heat cooking.
Avocado Oil – Packed with vitamin E and monounsaturated fats. Great for high-heat cooking and salad dressings.
Coconut Oil – Contains MCTs that support thyroid function. Perfect for baking and sautéing.
Grass-Fed Butter or Ghee – Provides vitamins A, D, and K2 for hormone health. Ideal for cooking, baking, or adding flavor.
Tallow – A very stable saturated fat that works well for frying and roasting.
Duck Fat or Lard – Lower in omega-6 than seed oils and full of flavor. Great for roasting and searing.
Macadamia Nut Oil – Extremely low in omega-6 and high in healthy fats. Best for dressings or low-heat cooking.
A SMART Goal to Get You Started
S: Identify 3 products in your kitchen made with seed oils and replace them with healthier fats.
M: Track your swaps in a simple list or note on your phone.
A: Make one swap per week during normal grocery shopping.
R: Support hormone balance, reduce inflammation, and boost energy.
T: Complete your swaps in 30 days.
Your Hormone Health Matters
Small, consistent changes to your diet can have a powerful impact on your hormone health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Reducing your intake of seed oils is one simple step toward better balance.
At Revitalizing Health & Hormones, we help patients in Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, and beyond uncover and address hidden hormone disruptors through advanced testing, personalized treatment, and whole-body wellness strategies.
📞 Call us at (715) 666-4313 or schedule a consultation to take the first step toward better hormone health today.
