Hormone Health (part 2) - Function and Imbalances

Ever felt hungry? What about sleepy? Anxious or grumpy...?

Or experienced hair loss, joint pain, or weight gain? Hormones control nearly every bodily function, regulating everything from appetite to heart rate, sleep cycles to growth and development. There are more than 35 known hormones produced by your endocrine system and when generated in proper amounts and released in proper timing, create homeostasis, or maintained equilibrium, in the body. However, nearly everyone will experience one or two (or more) periods of hormonal imbalance in their lifetimes, thus creating some not so pleasant symptoms and illnesses, and often connected to even larger, long lasting malfunction in the body.

I am sure you know about Estrogen and Testosterone, the hormones present in both male and females in charge of sexual function and reproduction. But did you know imbalanced estrogen can cause dry skin or depression? And low levels of testosterone can cause reduction in bone strength or inability to concentrate? Endocrine system function is truly something that needs to be considered almost any time the body is performing sub optimally. (If you haven't already, read "Hormone Health & How It's Affecting You" for information on the endocrine system and how it works;

linked here: https://www.thewellnesswandererblog.com/post/hormone-health-how-it-s-effecting-you-pt-1 )

I want to share with you some warning signs of hormonal imbalance or endocrine system malfunction as a tool to refer to when you experience certain symptoms. First though, I need to introduce some of the main hormones produced by the body and what they are responsible for. (Information on what causes these imbalances and natural solutions to aid in creating optimal health and function within the body will be addressed in "Hormone Health-part 3"- Causes, Effects, and Solutions)

Cortisol

Also known as the "fight or flight" hormone, cortisol is the bodies primary stress hormone. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol serves numerous functions like metabolism and blood sugar regulation, memory formation, and waking you in your sleep-wake cycle.

However, too high of cortisol levels can lead to acne, weight gain (especially around the mid section of the body), muscle weakness, high blood pressure, irritability, fatigue, and slowed healing from injury or illness. Overproduction of cortisol or long term elevated exposure is also linked to Cushing's disease, characterized by fatty deposits in the mid section and in the upper back between the shoulders (hump like), purplish stretch marks, and bruising easily. (Here is a link for more information on Cushing's disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351310 )

Insulin

Secreted by the pancreas, insulin promotes glucose uptake (distributing sugars in the blood to cells and organs to be used for energy), protein synthesis, and promotion of cellular division. If insulin levels are too low or too high, serious health problems can develop.

Consistently high blood glucose (sugar) levels can lead to insulin resistance, causing the cells in the body to be less receptive to insulin. Over time, the pancreas' ability to keep up with insulin production decreases, and cannot effectively keep blood sugar levels low enough; creating the development of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin imbalance can cause a wide range of symptoms including dizziness, excessive sweating, frequent infections, extreme thirst or hunger, anxiety or constant tiredness.

Thyroid hormones

These vital hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are in charge of regulating the body's metabolic rate. Thyroid hormone circulation in the blood steam plays a part in controlling heart rate, brain development, muscle and bone maintenance, and digestive function. Thyroid imbalance leads to a host of problems such as fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weight gain, muscle aches and joint pain, and directly affects mood (now a known underlying cause of depression). Hypothyroidism is characterized by too few hormones being produced, while hyperthyroidism is the thyroid's overproduction of hormones.

Melatonin

Produced by the the pituitary gland, reinforces the body's circadian rhythm, promoting healthy sleep. Imbalanced melatonin levels can lead to poor stress response, causing inflammation in the body. Melatonin deficiency results in restlessness and insomnia, and can be linked to more serious health complications including macular degeneration or cataracts, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, hair loss, and even Alzheimer's disease.

Adrenaline, progesterone, oxytocin, and DHEA (among others) are all hormones within our bodies that contribute to our overall well-being. Each hormone serves a role in keeping us healthy and feeling our best. When one or more become imbalanced, either over or under produced, it can show up as many different symptoms, some of which I shared above.

What we eat and put on our skin, toxins in our environment, lack of physical activity, and stress are the most common causes of endocrine disruption and hormonal imbalance.

Part 3 of "Hormone Health" will be a guide to these common disruptors, insight on how to best avoid them, and some natural remedies to reverse hormonal imbalance to relieve many of the above symptoms.

*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/