BY SANDRA GUY

The puzzle of how to balance hormones has no simple answers, experts agree.

First, why is it so important to have a balance? It’s because hormones are a key signaling system. They regulate vital functions such as sleep, mood, fertility and metabolism.

Yet how to regulate them remains uncertain.

One possible help comes from the leaves and dried fruit of a shrub with the ironic name of the Chaste tree. The berries of the plant, native of western Asia and the Mediterranean, may help stimulate progesterone, though no scientific evidence proves this.

Progesterone is a female hormone that increases two weeks before menstruation.

Chaste tree can be found in capsules, tinctures and liquid extracts. Experts advise taking care to follow directions to ensure proper dosage.

Other studies show hormone imbalances can be helped by intermittent fasting, followed by vigorous aerobic and weight-lifting exercises. Studies have shown that exercise lowers estrogen levels.

Research has shown that Irisin, known as the “exercise hormone,” activates genes that turn “bad” white fat into “good” brown fat and by regulating certain cells to morph from storing fat to building bone.

Studies have shown that both strength training and intense endurance exercise, as well as intermittent fasting for 18 hours, increase irisin.

Exercise also stimulates testosterone and human growth hormone, which also serve to reduce belly fat and boost fat metabolism.