Hormones are molecules produced by the body’s endocrine glands for communication and regulation between tissues, organs, and systems. Hormones are small, but powerful – even the tiniest amount can set off a series of events throughout the entire body. They are the body’s chemical messengers that tell your organs what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
In humans, hormones influence various activities in the body such as growth and development, metabolism, sexual development, every organ’s functioning, behavior, psychological changes, and so much more. The effect of hormones in the body can be subtle, yet powerful. When an imbalance of hormones occurs, the body responds, manifesting in physical, behavioral, and emotional changes.
Things You Can Blame on Hormones
Hormones have a way of making an impact on almost every area of our lives. Whether it’s having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, finding yourself getting angry more easily than usual, or simply having a hard time concentrating, these occurrences can often be attributed to an imbalance of hormones. Here are six things you can blame on hormones:
- Mood Changes
Hormonal imbalances occur throughout our lifetime – from the start of puberty up until menopause – and one of the most common signs of this imbalance is changes in mood. During puberty, hormones such as testosterone can affect a person’s mood, often resulting in an increase in aggressive behavior. Hormones can also affect pregnant women, causing mood swings and sudden outbursts of emotion. During menopause, changes in estrogen can bring about fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.
- Weight Gain
Hormonal imbalances can also result in either unexplainable weight gain or drastic weight loss. Are you working out and dieting, but not seeing results? It may be due to an underlying hormonal issue, such as hypothyroidism. Hormone imbalances can interfere with the body’s ability to break down food, store energy, and burn fat efficiently.
- Brain Fog and Memory Loss
Hormones can also cause cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and even poor memory. This is because hormones are essential to the proper functioning of the brain. When there is an imbalance of hormones, it can lead to confusion, anxiety, irritability, and even depression.
- Acne
Hormonal imbalances are one of the main causes of acne. A sudden increase in the male sex hormone known as androgen triggers an increase in the production of sebum, which is the oily substance on our skin that can block pores. This leads to a bacterial infection, resulting in acne.
- Sleep Issues
Changes in hormones can also cause sleep issues. Hormones that are responsible for sleep, such as melatonin and cortisol, can become unbalanced, resulting in difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Digestive Issues
Hormone imbalances can also lead to digestive issues such as heartburn, indigestion, and constipation. This is because hormones are necessary for the proper functioning of our digestive system.
How to Balance Your Hormones
If you have any of the above symptoms and believe you have a hormone imbalance, consider taking some of the following steps to bring balance to your hormones:
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet – Avoid processed and sugary foods. Replace them with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Get regular exercise – Exercise helps the body and mind de-stress, so try to fit in 20-30 minutes of physical activity 3-4 times a week.
• Practice mindful meditation and yoga – These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and allow the body to relax.
• Get enough sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night.
• Optimize your vitamin D levels – Vitamin D can help balance hormones, so aim to get plenty of natural sunlight during the day and supplement if necessary.
• Avoid caffeine – Caffeine can aggravate hormone imbalances and lead to adrenal fatigue.
• Manage stress – Stress can affect your hormones, so try to find ways to manage your stress levels, such as deep breathing, journaling, or spending time in nature.
Hormones are a powerful yet delicate balance in our bodies. It is important to be aware of the signs of a possible hormonal imbalance and take steps to prevent it or correct it if it does occur. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep are all great ways to keep your hormones in balance. With the right lifestyle choices, you can help ensure hormones don’t become the blame for any unnecessary issues.