Many people become interested in how to balance hormones after learning about the important role that the endocrine system plays in regulating the body’s systems and organs. The endocrine system is responsible for producing and releasing natural hormones that influence metabolism, reproduction, energy levels, growth and development, mood, sleep-wake cycle, and response to injuries and stressors.
The body’s vast endocrine system consists of glands and organs that include the thyroid, pancreas, pineal gland, adrenal glands, hypothalamus, adipose tissue (fat), ovaries, and testicles. While not technically part of the endocrine system, the heart, liver, kidneys, and digestive tract also release hormones. In this article, we’ll discuss the important roles that the hormones circulated by the endocrine system play in health and well-being. For many people, getting hormones in balance is the key to alleviating long-standing symptoms, feeling more vibrant, and enjoying protective benefits for long-term health and illness prevention.
Functions of Hormones
Hormones are chemicals that are produced naturally by the body in order to coordinate different bodily functions. Hormone production and release can vary based on age, time of day, and our physical state of wellness. As they move through skin, organs, muscles, blood, and tissue, hormones carry signals that instruct the body on “what” and “when” to trigger specific functions.
While we don’t tend to notice our hormones working like clockwork in the background when everything is working as intended, imbalances can have crushing consequences for our physical and mental health. In fact, hormonal imbalances account for a significant number of the hundreds of potential endocrine diseases and issues that a person can develop. Imbalances occur when there is either too much or not enough of a specific hormone or cocktail of hormones.
Hormonal Imbalances and Health Issues
Approximately 13 million people in the United States suffer from undiagnosed endocrine disorders. For many people, the buildup to a diagnosis includes many years of mysterious symptoms that include weight gain, fatigue, poor mood regulation, and chronic illness. Here’s a look at the most common hormonal imbalances responsible for health issues among Americans.
Cortisol
Also known as the “stress” hormone, cortisol is released by the body in response to stress or danger. When released in a surge in response to stimuli, cortisol’s purpose is to get a person through a challenging situation in the short term. For people who are under chronic stress, constant cortisol release can lead to a myriad of serious health issues. However, cortisol isn’t always bad. The body’s naturally measured release of cortisol plays important roles in suppressing inflammation, regulating high blood pressure, regulating blood sugar, and maintaining a leveled stress response. Symptoms of unregulated cortisol include:
- Weight gain.
- Muscle weakness in your upper arms and thighs.
- High blood sugar elevates risks for type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Excessive hair growth.
- Weakened bones.
When the body is unable to maintain homeostasis with cortisol levels, higher levels of cortisol are linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular events that include heart attack and stroke. Excessive levels of cortisol in the body can also lead to a chronic condition called Cushing disease.
Thyroid Deficiency
Also known as an underactive thyroid, a thyroid deficiency happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs. Due to the fact that the thyroid controls the way the body utilizes energy, many of the body’s functions become sluggish when there are insufficient thyroid levels. Signs of thyroid deficiency include:
- Fatigue.
- Pale, dry skin.
- Thinning hair or hair loss.
- Constantly feeling cold.
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Weight gain that is not caused by dietary changes.
- Joint or muscle pain.
- Depression.
- Hoarseness when speaking.
- Unexplained high LDL cholesterol.
Five out of every 100 Americans above the age of 12 will suffer from hypothyroidism. All forms of thyroid disease are much more frequently observed in women compared to men. While rare, low thyroid function can slow the body’s functions to the point that a person enters a life-threatening myxedema coma.
Low Levels of Testosterone
Global prevalence of testosterone deficiency (TD) ranges somewhere between 10% and 40%. The most common repercussions of low testosterone are erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. Research also shows increased cardiovascular risks for men with low T.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Deficiency
Adults still need adequate and regulated levels of HGH long after they are done growing in childhood. Essential for maintaining healthy muscle mass and energy levels, HGH is released into the blood after it is produced in the pituitary gland. Someone suffering from low or insufficient HGH levels may experience:
- Fatigue.
- Higher body fat.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Reduced sexual drive and function.
- Muscle loss.
- Reduced strength and stamina.
- Changes in blood cholesterol.
HGH is a prescription-only medicine that can often help people to improve their health. With HGH only being available from a licensed pharmacy, it’s important to discover how to get legal HGH online by going through a reputable source. In order to start HGH therapy, a deficiency must be confirmed through a blood test.
The Role of a Healthy Lifestyle to Support Proper Hormone Function
Hormone imbalances are sometimes out of our control due to genetics, environment, stress levels, illness, and other underlying issues. However, there is a lot that the average person can do to support proper hormone function. In fact, nearly every habit that’s good for overall health is also good for hormone function.
It’s known that poor sleep can disrupt hormonal balance. Sleep disturbances, sleep deprivation, and sleep patterns that go against the natural circadian rhythm are all linked with increased risks for hormone-linked illnesses. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet that is accompanied by daily physical activity can help to naturally support hormone health.
Final Thoughts on Hormone Health
In many ways, our hormones dictate our quality of life. That’s why understanding the link between hormone balance and health is so important. If you suspect that tiredness, weight gain, fatigue, or other unexplained symptoms may be tied to hormonal disruption, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified provider to discover options for lifestyle changes or hormonal supplements. Fill out the form below today to learn more!
