Understanding Your Hormones

Through my journey, I have discovered many things that have aided me in my weight loss. Through my certifications, I have learned a lot about the human body and anatomy, and through researched studied, come to my conclusions. I want to begin by saying I am not a doctor. I cannot diagnose nor treat you, and you shouldn’t either. This post reflects the research that I have done on the Endocrine system, which controls hormones and glands.

Through research, I have realized that many people, women, and men are not considering their hormones when trying to make lifestyle changes. The human body is fascinating, and its primary purpose for us to survive. It will adapt and metamorphosis based on the stress and changes that we put on it to serve us at its best when we create a kink in the chain or a disruptor in the system that is where we find disease.

I feel like understanding your hormones will inform you so that you can go to your doctor with information to advocate for your wellness. I am just a woman who was doing some research almost two years ago and stumbled upon a book that was like a light bulb for me. Hormones matter!

A basic understanding of the hormones would begin with the endocrine system- which is a series of

What is the Endocrine system?

Endocrine System The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for many functions. These control many different bodily functions, including:

Respiration
Metabolism
Reproduction
Sensory perception
Movement
Sexual development
Growth

What is the glands’ role in the endocrine system?

According to YourHormones.info, A gland is an organ that produces and releases substances that perform a specific function in the body.

When talking about glands, there are two types: endocrine glands, which release chemicals that produce hormones into the bloodstream. They are ductless and internal. Then there are glands exocrine glands, which are sweat glands and lymph nodes. They do not produce hormones, and they are released through ducts in our bodies to help regulate. These glands produce sweat, salivary, mammary, ceruminous, lacrimal, sebaceous, prostate, and mucous. For my post, I won’t go into detail, but I recommend researching these glands to see how your body operates effectively.

Why do glands matter?

There are eight major endocrine glands, but I will focus on five glands in my workshop that play a crucial role in producing and developing your hormones.

Pituitary gland
Thyroid
Thymus,
Adrenal glands
Pancreas

And the common link of these five glands is they play a crucial role in developing your hormones.

What are hormones?

Hormones are defined by Medlineplus.gov as chemicals that deliver messages throughout your entire body via the bloodstream.

They send messages to different bodily functions. These messages are delivered to your tissues and organs. Hormones are specific to the physical process they are responsible for regulating. Only the cells that correspond with the particular hormone will respond and become activated when receiving your hormones’ signal. They’re like the command center for our body, and each hormone and gland has a specific role they play.

Hormones are very influential and highly reactive to the body. A minimal amount can create a significant response in the body. Hormones cannot be stored in the body and are continually being produced and released at the time of need, maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body. You must continuously maintain your endocrine system.

Your body is always undergoing hormone regulation.

For example, if your one hormones increase too much, the body may release hormones that are not needed to balance the increased hormones. Hormone balancing is reliant on your body’s physical and mental function, so you need to be mindful of both. Hormones and their responses work together.

What is a hormone imbalance?

So your hormones are your body’s checks and balance. Think of a domino effect. If you push on one, they all fall out of order. When your body fails to keep your hormones at a regulated level or surpasses limits, then your hormones become imbalanced.

Hormone imbalance can happen, no matter what age. For example, pediatric obesity is causing an increase in imbalanced reproductive hormones in our youth. That’s because disruptions in the endocrine system are causing our children’s hormones to react.

Because there are so many hormones that work together and are dependent on each other, it can cause various symptoms.

Examples of the effects of hormone imbalances

For example, a woman with an estrogen and progesterone imbalance may experience hot flashes, weight gain, decreased bone density, and unwarranted fatigue. Or men whose testosterone levels are imbalanced notice a decrease in sex drive or increase infertility.

A more common imbalance in people is insulin imbalance, which will cause diabetes, frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, and muscle weakness.

I remember I had a friend who was Type 1 diabetic and very thin. She had a hard time strength training due to muscle weakness when her insulin levels were off. After my research and discovering the effects of insulin imbalance is muscle weakness, it made sense why my friend felt extreme weakness when her insulin levels were off. I have to be honest; I thought it was an excuse to get out of strength training, but it was a genuine manifestation of her imbalanced insulin hormones.

Thyroid disease is becoming more prevalent in American culture. Many people are experiencing either underactive thyroid, which can cause hormonal imbalance. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may gain weight that is hard to lose. If you have an overactive thyroid, you could result in weight loss and hair loss. The symptoms can and will vary based on how your thyroid reacts to hormonal imbalances.

What should you do if your hormones are imbalanced?

If you believe you have a hormone imbalance, set up an appointment and speak with your doctor. You can also seek the assistance of a local Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner in your area. There is a directory at www.bonesandhormones.com that may help you find one if you are unsure.

Make some changes to help your hormones.

You may need to consider your skincare or your household cleaning products. The food that you eat can all be endocrine disruptors that cause hormonal imbalances in the human body.

The most natural way to combat imbalance is by eating a healthy diet and moving your body through exercise. Lowering your stress and getting adequate rest can be very useful in regulating and balancing hormones and any recommendations from a doctor.

Changing your diet to regulate your hormones

Nourish your body with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean proteins. Some people have found help in eating an all plant-based diet.
Reduce or eliminate processed foods such as chips, candy, cookies, white flour, and white sugar.
Commit to an exercise program, and find someone to keep you accountable.
Try to remove phthalates and synthetic chemicals from your hygiene and cleaning products.
Making lifestyle changes that reduce stress
Getting enough rest and reducing chronic stress

Honoring your temple and treating your body inside and out can help to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

Check out my Understanding Your Hormones Workshop

I am a NASM CPT and FNS, and I am not a doctor. I cannot diagnose nor treat you, and you shouldn’t either. This workshop will inform you to go to your doctor with information to advocate for your wellness. I hope that you can join me!