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Episode
These Signs Reveal a Hidden Hormonal Imbalance
~7 min
Episode Brief·YouTube

These Signs Reveal a Hidden Hormonal Imbalance

Eric Berg
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TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items

TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items
1

Visible signs of hormonal imbalances can be spotted in the mirror: bulging eyes (hyperthyroid), thinning hair (hypothyroid), jawline/back acne (high androgens), round face and buffalo hump (high cortisol), puffy face and skin tags (high estrogen), belly fat and skin tags (high insulin).

2

For Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (90% of cases), avoid gluten, take one Brazil nut daily for selenium, and high-dose vitamin D3 to address the autoimmune root.

3

To lower androgens and insulin, avoid sugar, starches, frequent eating, and plastics; use a high-quality water filter to remove endocrine disruptors from city water.

4

High-intensity exercise (sprinting), low-carb eating, and quality sleep boost growth hormone and combat aging; poor sleep directly makes you look older.

Protocols

Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why

4 items

Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism Protocol

WhatAvoid gluten, take one Brazil nut daily for selenium, and take high-dose vitamin D3.
WhenDaily, ongoing
Dose1 Brazil nut; high-dose vitamin D3 (exact dose not specified)
For whomPeople with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (90% of hypothyroid cases)
WhyTo reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid and support immune function.
CaveatsConsult a healthcare provider before high-dose vitamin D; one Brazil nut daily is generally safe but avoid excessive intake to prevent selenium toxicity.

Berg states that 90% of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's, an autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies against the thyroid, leading to underactivity. He emphasizes that avoiding gluten from grains is crucial, likely because gluten can fuel autoimmunity. Selenium, obtainable from just one Brazil nut, supports thyroid function and the immune system. Vitamin D3 in high doses further modulates immunity. This protocol addresses the root immune dysfunction rather than just replacing thyroid hormone.

Mechanism

Gluten can trigger autoimmune reactions in genetically susceptible individuals by increasing intestinal permeability and molecular mimicry. Selenium is a cofactor for thyroid hormone conversion and supports regulatory immune cells. Vitamin D modulates the immune system, potentially reducing thyroid autoantibodies.

A very important thing about that condition is to avoid gluten from grains. You need to take more selenium. You can get enough selenium from having one Brazil nut. Selenium also improves the immune system and so does vitamin D. So, you're going to need high doses of vitamin D3 for Hashimoto's.

Also said
“90% of hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid problem that is related to the immune system. It's called Hashimoto's.”— Establishes the autoimmune basis.
“Selenium also improves the immune system and so does vitamin D.”— Explains dual immune support.

Androgen-Lowering Protocol

WhatAvoid carbohydrates, sugars, starches; avoid frequent eating; avoid plastics and use a high-quality water filter.
WhenDaily dietary and lifestyle changes
For whomMen and women with signs of high androgens (jawline/back acne, male pattern baldness, facial hair in women, deep voice)
WhyTo reduce androgen-driven acne, hair loss, and virilization.
CaveatsEnsure adequate nutrition when restricting carbs; water filter should effectively remove endocrine-disrupting plastics.

Berg explains that excess androgens cause acne along the jawline and back, male pattern baldness in men, and in women, deeper voice, facial hair, and receding hairline at the top. He advises avoiding carbohydrates, sugars, and starches, as well as not eating too frequently, implying that insulin spikes drive androgen excess. He also warns against plastics, noting that city water is a major source, and recommends a good water filter to reduce exposure. This protocol targets both dietary and environmental factors.

Mechanism

High insulin from carbohydrate intake and frequent eating stimulates ovarian and adrenal androgen production. Plastics contain xenoestrogens and androgen-disrupting chemicals that can exacerbate hormonal imbalance.

This is why it's so important to avoid carbohydrates, sugars, starches, and also not to eat so frequently. ... The other thing is to avoid plastics. So, you want to get a really good water filter because that's where most people get their plastics from uh city water.

Also said
“If there's too much androgen, you're going to get acne around your jawline, around your back, and both men and women.”— Describes visible signs.
“In women, their voice is deeper. It's more facial hair. And they will also start noticing receding in the top part of their hair.”— Specifics for women.

Growth Hormone Enhancement Protocol

WhatEngage in high-intensity, short-duration exercise (e.g., sprinting); keep carbohydrates low; prioritize quality sleep.
WhenExercise: several times per week; low-carb diet ongoing; sleep nightly.
DoseHigh-intensity intervals; low-carb not quantified; adequate sleep duration (not specified).
For whomAdults experiencing signs of growth hormone decline (aging appearance, muscle loss, belly fat)
WhyTo counteract age-related decline in growth hormone, which leads to muscle loss, midsection weight gain, and older appearance.
CaveatsHigh-intensity exercise may not be suitable for everyone; consult a physician. Low-carb should be balanced with nutrient needs.

Berg notes that declining growth hormone makes you look older and causes muscle loss and midsection weight gain. He highlights that the intensity of exercise matters—sprinting or any high-intensity, short-duration activity stimulates growth hormone. Keeping carbs low also helps, likely by keeping insulin low, as insulin opposes growth hormone. Additionally, the majority of growth hormone is secreted during sleep, so poor sleep accelerates aging. This protocol combines exercise, diet, and sleep hygiene to naturally boost growth hormone.

Mechanism

Growth hormone is released in pulses during deep sleep and in response to high-intensity exercise; low insulin levels (via low-carb) facilitate growth hormone secretion.

A couple things to know about growth hormone to increase it, it's the intensity of the exercise. So, sprinting or anything high intensity, short duration. Also, keeping your carbs low will help increase your growth hormone. Also, sleeping more can help your growth hormone because the majority of your growth hormone occurs when you're sleeping.

Also said
“When growth hormone goes down, we gain weight, especially in the midsection.”— Links decline to specific fat distribution.
“This is another reason why some people age more quickly. their sleep is poor. If your sleep is poor, you are going to look older.”— Emphasizes sleep's role.

Insulin Reduction Protocol

WhatEliminate sugar and starches (bread, pasta, cereal, crackers, biscuits, waffles, pancakes); reduce meal frequency.
WhenDaily dietary pattern
For whomIndividuals with signs of high insulin (stubborn belly fat, skin tags, swollen eyes, carb cravings)
WhyTo reverse insulin resistance, reduce belly fat, skin tags, and swollen eyes.
CaveatsMonitor blood sugar if on diabetes medication; ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Berg describes high insulin signs: protruding midsection, belly fat that won't budge, skin tags, swollen eyes. He contrasts with low insulin (type 1 diabetes) causing unhealthy weight loss and carb cravings. He identifies sugar and starches as the primary triggers, listing common foods, and emphasizes that meal frequency matters. He then criticizes the 'balanced diet' and 'moderation' advice, arguing that for hormonal balance, strict avoidance is necessary. This protocol is a cornerstone of his approach.

Mechanism

Sugar and starches spike insulin; frequent eating keeps insulin chronically elevated, promoting fat storage and skin changes. Reducing these inputs lowers insulin levels.

The big thing that triggers insulin is sugar and starches as in bread, pasta, cereal, crackers, biscuits, waffles, pancakes, and also just the frequency of meals.

Also said
“This is why telling someone to consume a balanced diet or this concept of everything in moderation is the worst advice ever.”— Reinforces his stance against moderation.
“What visual signs occur when your insulin is too high? Well, number one, you're going to have a midsection that's going to stick out. You're going to have belly fat that no matter what, you can't get rid of it. Skin tags, swollen eyes.”— Lists visible signs.

What's new

Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions

4 items

Cortisol face and buffalo hump as visible signs of high cortisol

Berg shares that he personally experienced a round 'cortisol face' and describes a buffalo hump on the back of the neck as a telltale sign of chronically elevated cortisol.

Why this matters: It's a simple visual diagnostic that anyone can use, and the personal confession makes it relatable.

Background

Cortisol is a stress hormone; chronic elevation can produce Cushing's-like features, but many people don't connect their appearance to stress hormones.

Berg explains that too much cortisol leads to a round face, a buffalo hump on the back of the neck, weight gain in the midsection, and in women, exaggerated stretch marks. He emphasizes that cortisol ages you by making skin thin and wrinkly. He then reveals, 'I used to have that,' referring to the cortisol face, which adds a personal, anecdotal layer. He notes that out of all hormonal imbalances, high cortisol is the one he sees most commonly as a problem, though he defers the solution to another video.

Personal experience

Berg states, 'I used to have that,' directly referencing his own past cortisol face, which gives his observations a first-person credibility.

I used to have that.

Also said
“Cortisol will age you. It makes your skin thin and wrinkly.”— Highlights the aging effect of cortisol.
“If there's too much cortisol, you could get like a buffalo hump on the back part of your neck.”— Specific physical sign.

Hashimoto's accounts for 90% of hypothyroidism and requires gluten avoidance, selenium, vitamin D

Berg asserts that the vast majority of hypothyroid cases are autoimmune Hashimoto's, and management must include gluten avoidance, selenium from one Brazil nut, and high-dose vitamin D3.

Why this matters: Shifts the focus from simple hormone replacement to addressing the immune driver, and gives a precise, food-based selenium dose.

Background

Hypothyroidism is commonly treated with levothyroxine without investigating autoimmunity; many patients are unaware of the gluten connection.

Berg states that 90% of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's, an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the thyroid. He stresses that avoiding gluten from grains is crucial, implying gluten can trigger or worsen the autoimmune response. He then recommends selenium, obtainable from just one Brazil nut, because it improves the immune system, and high doses of vitamin D3 for the same reason. This protocol targets the root immune dysfunction rather than just supplementing thyroid hormone.

90% of hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid problem that is related to the immune system. It's called Hashimoto's.

Also said
“A very important thing about that condition is to avoid gluten from grains.”— Specific dietary intervention.
“You can get enough selenium from having one Brazil nut.”— Precise, actionable dose.

The concept of 'everything in moderation' is the worst advice for hormonal balance

Berg directly attacks the mainstream dietary advice of moderation, arguing that for insulin and hormonal health, strict avoidance of sugar and starches is necessary.

Why this matters: A contrarian, provocative stance against a widely accepted nutritional principle.

Background

Many health authorities promote balanced diets and moderation; Berg counters that this approach fails for people with insulin resistance and hormonal issues.

After detailing how sugar, starches, and frequent meals trigger insulin, Berg declares that telling someone to consume a balanced diet or practice moderation is 'the worst advice ever.' He implies that hormonal imbalances require categorical elimination of certain foods, not just reduction. This statement encapsulates his low-carb, meal-timing philosophy and challenges the listener to reconsider conventional wisdom.

This is why telling someone to consume a balanced diet or this concept of everything in moderation is the worst advice ever.

Also said
“The big thing that triggers insulin is sugar and starches as in bread, pasta, cereal, crackers, biscuits, waffles, pancakes, and also just the frequency of meals.”— Lists the specific foods he believes must be avoided.

Low-fat diets and cholesterol-lowering drugs can cause excessively low estrogen

Berg warns that because estrogen is made from cholesterol, low-fat diets and cholesterol-lowering medications can lead to dangerously low estrogen, accelerating skin aging.

Why this matters: Challenges the widespread demonization of dietary fat and cholesterol by linking them directly to hormone production and visible aging.

Background

Estrogen decline is typically associated with menopause, but Berg points out an iatrogenic and dietary cause that is often overlooked.

Berg explains that during menopause, estrogen drops, causing collagen loss, wrinkles, and thinner skin. He then reveals that estrogen is synthesized from cholesterol, so if someone is on a cholesterol-lowering drug or a low-fat diet, that could be a major reason for excessively low estrogen. He doesn't explicitly tell people to stop medications, but the implication is clear: adequate fat and cholesterol intake are essential for maintaining estrogen and youthful skin.

You also have to realize that estrogen comes from cholesterol. So, if you're on something that lowers cholesterol or you're on a low-fat diet, that could be a major reason why your estrogen also is excessively low.

Also said
“What happens when your estrogen goes down during menopause, for example? The skin and collagen start to disappear. This is why you start looking older or you get wrinkles or the skin looks thinner.”— Connects low estrogen to visible aging signs.

Recommendations

Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode

4 items

Selenium (from Brazil nuts)

Supplement

For Hashimoto's hypothyroidism to support immune system and thyroid function.

Berg recommends one Brazil nut per day as a source of selenium, noting it also improves the immune system. He doesn't specify a brand, just the food source.

You can get enough selenium from having one Brazil nut.

Also said
“Selenium also improves the immune system”— Additional benefit beyond thyroid.
Find Selenium

Vitamin D3 (high-dose)

Supplement

For Hashimoto's to modulate immune system and reduce autoimmunity.

Berg states that high doses of vitamin D3 are needed for Hashimoto's, as vitamin D improves the immune system. He doesn't specify dosage, but emphasizes its importance alongside selenium and gluten avoidance.

So, you're going to need high doses of vitamin D3 for Hashimoto's.

Find Vitamin

High-quality water filter

Tool

To remove plastics from city water that disrupt androgens and hormones.

Berg warns that plastics are a major source of endocrine disruption, and most people get them from city water. He recommends getting a really good water filter to avoid these plastics, which can contribute to androgen excess and other hormonal imbalances.

So, you want to get a really good water filter because that's where most people get their plastics from uh city water.

Find High-quality

Ensure adequate dietary fat and cholesterol for estrogen production

Practice

Low-fat diets and cholesterol-lowering medications can cause excessively low estrogen, leading to aging skin and wrinkles.

Berg explains that estrogen is synthesized from cholesterol, so a low-fat diet or cholesterol-lowering drugs can deplete estrogen. He notes that during menopause, estrogen decline causes collagen loss, wrinkles, and thinner skin. While he doesn't explicitly tell people to stop medications, he highlights this as a major reason for low estrogen, implying that dietary fat and cholesterol are important for hormonal health.

You also have to realize that estrogen comes from cholesterol. So, if you're on something that lowers cholesterol or you're on a low-fat diet, that could be a major reason why your estrogen also is excessively low.

Also said
“What happens when your estrogen goes down during menopause, for example? The skin and collagen start to disappear. This is why you start looking older or you get wrinkles or the skin looks thinner.”— Links low estrogen to visible aging.
Find Ensure

Notable quotes

Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased

6 items
This is why telling someone to consume a balanced diet or this concept of everything in moderation is the worst advice ever.
A direct, contrarian attack on mainstream nutrition advice.
90% of hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid problem that is related to the immune system. It's called Hashimoto's.
Surprising statistic that reframes hypothyroidism as an autoimmune disease.
Cortisol will age you. It makes your skin thin and wrinkly.
Vivid, memorable description of cortisol's visible effects.
You can get enough selenium from having one Brazil nut.
Extremely specific, actionable, and surprising dose.
If your sleep is poor, you are going to look older.
Direct, no-nonsense link between sleep and visible aging.
You also have to realize that estrogen comes from cholesterol.
Challenges cholesterol phobia by tying it to essential hormone production.

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Topics covered

thyroidhypothyroidismhashimotoshyperthyroidismandrogenstestosteronedhtacnehair-losscortisolcortisol-facebuffalo-humpestrogenestrogen-dominancemenopausegrowth-hormoneagingprogesteroneinsulininsulin-resistance
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