Hormone Health (part 1) & How It's Affecting You

Hormone health has been at the forefront of my journey to health and wellness...but at first I didn't even know it mattered. Our hormones dictate just about every action happening within the body, from blood pressure to cellular repair, appetite, mood, and sleep cycles. The endocrine system (the body's system in charge of hormone production and release) influences every cell, organ, and function within the body, yet its one of the least discussed.

We hear about hormones early in life during health class lectures. We learn about estrogen and testosterone, how women and men differ in amounts of each, and the correlation between them and the reproductive system. And that's where the knowledge ends...

What we aren't taught is that there are many more types of hormones created by the endocrine system that serve endless purposes in almost every bodily function and are a major contributor to our overall health. When these hormones become imbalanced (typically due to lifestyle and toxin exposure; more on that later) it can lead to a slew of problems presenting themselves as many different disorders and illnesses.

A few common signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalances include:

*skin issues (acne, eczema, unexplained rashes)

*metabolic issues ,weight gain or loss

*insomnia

*diabetes

*migraines or consistent headaches

*fatigue and brain fog

*low bone density and Osteoporosis

*irregular heart beat or high blood pressure

*mood disorders (including anxiety and depression)

*libido and reproductive problems, and PCOS in women

It is safe to say you have probably dealt with one (if not several) of the above symptoms before or on a regular basis. Understanding the endocrine system and how it works is a key piece of the puzzle when trying to discover the underlying cause of almost any ailment.

The endocrine system consists of several glands throughout the body that create and secrete chemical messengers known as hormones. The hypothalamus gland located in the brain, uses information from the nervous system to dictate the function of the other glands, including when and how much hormone they produce and secrete. These hormones are released into the blood stream to then travel to cells, tissues, and organs to help control, coordinate, and regulate many of the body's activities.

The following glands play a supporting role and have a hand in regulating nearly every process in the body. It is so important to understand how their function can help determine your overall wellness.

Pituitary - makes and controls several other glands hormone production, including the thyroid and adrenals, and largely impacts how your body grows and its ability to maintain bone density.

Thyroid - regulates the body's metabolic rate, controls heart and muscle health, brain development, and digestive function.

Adrenal - maintains blood pressure and regulate the body's stress response, as well as assisting immune system function and metabolism.

Pineal - manages sleep cycle and other various functions in the central nervous system. Esoteric traditions refer to this glad as the "third eye" suggesting it serves as a metaphysical connection to the spirit realm.

Pancreas - creates insulin (which allows cells to absorb glucose to be used as energy) and produces digestive enzymes that break down sugars and fats.

Ovaries & Testes - release sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and influence development.

The endocrine system, (its glands and organs, and the hormones they produce) have one major goal in mind; Homeostasis, the self-regulating process to maintain stability and achieve survival...period. That is why so often we can link endocrine malfunction and hormonal imbalances to the body working sub-optimally. Disorders, illness, and disease can largely be traced back to the endocrine system and its vast responsibilities within the body.

So many things can affect the production and release of hormones (cortisol, serotonin, and adrenalin to name a few), and commonly include illness, medication, diet, lifestyle factors, and stress. "Hormone Health - Part 2" takes a deeper look at these need to know hormones, their function, and symptoms of hormonal imbalances. "Part 3" will cover causes and effects of these imbalances and practical solutions to help you live optimally. Endocrine system function, hormone health and balance, can create a life full of vitality; free from pain, illness, many disorders and diseases.

*All information in this article was gathered through reputable sources, research studies, leading scientists and doctors, and personal experience. Listed below are some of my favorite resources for any health related factual data.

** Please ask your doctor for more information regarding hormone health and as always,

I invite you to become an investigator and advocate for your own personal health and wellbeing.

https://drhyman.com/about/

https://www.maxlugavere.com/

https://drbrighten.com/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

https://www.greencirclewellness.com/

https://drwillcole.com/

https://hormonewellnessmd.com/

https://draxe.com/health/top-50-functional-integrative-medical-doctors/