
Hormone Imbalances Need Attention
Updated: Nov 25, 2019
Hormone Imbalances Create Health Concerns that Need Attention
Hormone imbalances can be caused by multiple factors. Most commonly we see
these arise from nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammation, stress, illness, child
bearing, ineffective digestion, medications, processed foods and your genetic
background.
Hormone imbalance is often the cause of illness and has a lot to do with WHAT
you eat and HOW you reset from the stress of everyday life. When hormones including
insulin, thyroid, cortisol and sex hormones such as estrogen are too high or too low we
will see disruption of our metabolism. Primary hormones that cause weight gain, mood
changes and low energy, when out of balance include insulin, thyroid, cortisol and sex
hormones.
Insulin is the hormone that is utilized to open the cell to allow glucose to move in
for energy. It rises very quickly and stays high in our body when we eat too much food in
a meal and too many sweets with refined simple sugars. Insulin spikes when we drink
liquid calories found in pop, juices and cocktails. Often this process produces increased
fat storage in the body cells, increased accumulation of waist fat and spikes and valleys
in blood sugar levels that cause more food cravings. This can become a dangerous
pattern that leads to hyper insulin states, obesity and diabetes.
Thyroid hormone function plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy weight, mood
and energy. Low thyroid is a major player in weight-loss resistance. Among my patients,
I have found it essential to complete a full panel of thyroid function test to insure
complete understanding of thyroid function. TSH and free T3 and T4, as well as thyroid
antibodies including thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are
important to asses. Some people may need to dig deeper and get a special test called
reverse T3 levels measured. Reverse T3 is the brake that stops your thyroid hormone
from working at the right times. Unfortunately, toxins and inflammation increase levels of
reverse T3. Even if regular thyroid tests appear normal, high levels of reverse T3 mean
your thyroid is not working properly.
Cortisol hormone levels need to follow a rise in the morning and a gentle curve
down during the day in preparation for restful sleep at night. Persistent stressors
through the day that keep cortisol high will increase blood pressure, irritable mood,
hunger, headaches and muscle tension. Remember, stress is a response to something
that makes you feel threatened and not always provoked by real circumstances. Stress
is any real or imagined threat to your body or ego. While that might mean someone
putting a gun to your head, it could also mean you have thoughts that you are not
measuring up in your life or you are overwhelmed with your life situation.
You can’t eliminate stress completely, but you can reduce the adverse effects of it
on your wellbeing with daily activities that offer relaxation and shut off the alarm
system.To decrease your stress, become mindful of your worry patterns. We often get
into habits of thinking, beliefs and ideas that keep us stressed. With practice you can
consider possible dangers ahead but refocus thoughts on your strengths. You have
control over how you respond to situations of life and can use the tools you have to
meet these challenges. If you need more help reach out to someone you trust or
community resources for help in crisis.
Try to practice active relaxation.Often people will find quiet time away from
technology, practice deep breathing, prayer, calming exercise such as a walk outside or
gentle stretching will deepen relaxation and rejuvenation of your mind and body. These
activities activate pathways that promote weight loss and health.
Know your priorities and learn to say NO. There are only so many hours in a day
and stretching our days too long will cause increased stress and feelings of frustration
that erode at our self esteem and growth. Take the time you need to complete a job well
and you will have gained self respect and nurture self care. Living with compassion
toward yourself is just as important as giving kindness and respect to others.
Sex hormone imbalances, such as estrogen and testosterone, can also cause
persistent weight, mood and energy problems. Symptoms of excess estrogen in women
include breast tenderness, fluid retention, menstrual problems and central abdominal
weight gain. Having too much estrogen causes weight gain whether you’re a man or a
woman. For both genders, too much sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol
adisregulates hormone balances that then lead to changes in sleep patterns, energy
and mood. Ongoing weight gain creates further cardiovascular disease, sexual
disfunction and elevations in blood glucose which all lead to chronic health issues.
To decrease elevated excess hormones in your body eliminate daily. Bulk up on
fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Constipation affects for your hormone
levels. You may take magnesium citrate, vitamin C, probiotics and ground flax seeds
daily to help maintain regularity.
Routine bowel movements support proper release of excess or unneeded products of
metabolism. Your gut cultivates many hormones necessary for your health. Too little
fiber or over clearing bacteria from unnecessary use of antibiotics damage the gut, and
diminishes its ability to detoxify or excrete waste. Clearing our body of environmental
chemicals, medications, artificial food products and waste depends on excellent gut
function and digestion. Get moving your body routinely. Exercise helps promote regular
bowel movements, detoxification through sweat, decreases fat and estrogen storage in
cells.
If you suspect hormonal imbalances, you’ll want to visit with a trusted provider
who understands your concerns and needs. Pay attention to your diet, limit or remove
alcohol. Excess alcohol can compromise liver and kidney function, which also inhibit
detoxification and create hormonal imbalances, high triglycerides and fatty liver.
While there are multiple factors that contribute to weight gain and resistance to weight
loss I have found that identifying individual needs for hormonal balance help people to
feel more energy, loose weight and enjoy life again. Information and support can inspire
you to enhance your self care, rebalance your body to enhance your health and
wellbeing!
