Hormones Are Your Body’s Messenger System

Hormones are chemicals that send messages throughout the body via a network of glands called the endocrine system. The hormones and glands manage specific organ or cellular functions. There are over 50 types of hormones in the body including blood glucose levels, fertility, growth, and metabolism. Everyone generally has the same types of hormones. However, the amount and organ interactions differ based on gender, age, health, and function. These factors can cause imbalances that can have minor or major health implications.

Do I have a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones can be quite delicate, needing precise amounts to work effectively. That’s why hormonal imbalances are so common. Some factors, including nutritional deficiencies, can cause hormonal levels to fluctuate. Imbalances can show up in many ways and many Americans are unaware of an existing imbalance. Some signs provide a signal that hormones can be out of sync.

1. Look for rapid changes in weight

Since multiple hormones work together to control metabolism, rapid weight gain or weight loss is a typical symptom of hormonal imbalance. Those with hormone imbalances have difficulties losing weight even with diet and exercise. Women often experience unexplained weight gain due to changes in estrogen and progesterone during menopause, or conditions such as PCOS. Spikes in cortisol can also create weight gain.

2. Can’t fall asleep?

An inability to fall asleep happens from time to time. While innocent on the one-off occasion, signs of insomnia could be hormone-related. The body depends on hormones like melatonin to wind down for a good night’s sleep. A melatonin deficiency could impact sleep quality. Imbalances in testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, and growth hormone can all contribute to insomnia. Long-term effects of hormonal-based insomnia include mood swings, depression, anxiety, and adrenal fatigue.

3. Trust your skin

Changes in the skin are often a good indication that something is wrong with the body. Hormonal imbalances can also cost men and women more at the cosmetic counter. Imbalances in hormones, mainly estrogen and testosterone, can cause dry skin, itchy skin, rashes, and acne. Even dark under-eye circles, dry skin, skin tags, and pale skin can be due to hormone fluctuations. Women are especially susceptible to skin conditions since estrogen plays a part in collagen production and skin health.

4. Low libido and fertility problems

Changes in estrogen and testosterone can cause a loss of sex drive and infertility. Estrogen fluctuations cause disruptions in ovulation and irregular menstruation. These changes can make pregnancy difficult. In men, testosterone imbalances can lead to erectile dysfunction and poor sperm production. Look for these signs and reach out to a doctor to confirm if the symptoms are hormone-related.

Supplements are here to help.

A healthy, balanced diet is often enough to manage almost anyone’s hormones. With today’s diets, the right mix of nutrients is hard to come by. That’s why adding a supplement could be vital for hormone production. Supplements to consider include:

• Magnesium helps with testosterone, estrogen, and DHEA production.
• B vitamins are involved with everything including metabolism, mood, and much more.
• Vitamin D3 deficiencies may cause estrogen imbalance.
•  Omega-3 fatty acids help produce hormones that cause blood clotting, inflammation, and reproduction.
•  Iodine, which helps the thyroid with hormone production.
•  Probiotics can also help. Gut health is vital for balanced hormones.

Supplements, in general, can improve hormone production but should be used under the recommendation of a nutritionist or doctor.

Don’t be out of balance

Hormones have a saw in almost every function, organ, and process in the body. When there is an imbalance, symptoms like weight changes, insomnia, skin problems, and infertility occur. Hormonal production relies heavily on nutritional intake, so taking supplements is an excellent way to ensure that the endocrine system is getting enough from the diet. Take action on these symptoms with a visit and full diagnostic from a doctor.