Hormones
Let’s Talk… Hormones!
To control your hormones is to control your life. Hormones are the way our body regulates itself chemically. Hormone imbalances, and declining levels of certain hormones, are one of the hallmarks of aging!
Did you know your sex hormones and stress hormones are linked? They balance each other out, so if you’re stressed, you’re not looking to have sex!
I have been passionate about studying hormones for years, and have made keeping your hormones in balance the foundation of my coaching program. They key is to get your hormones working for you, not against you.
So what are hormones? They are special chemical messengers, usually made out of fats (like testosterone and estrogen) and proteins, that are created in your endocrine glands. These messengers control most major bodily functions, from hunger to reproduction, as well as your emotions and moods.
The main hormone producing glands are:
Hypothalmus – Hunger, mood, sex, sleep
Pancreas – insulin and digestion
Thyroid – metabolism
Adrenal – stress response
Pituitary – hormones to signal the other glands
Pineal – sleep
Ovaries & Testes – sex hormones
Causes for hormonal imbalance include poor gut health, inflammation, stress, genetic susceptibility, and toxic buildups (e.g. mercury).
Signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances include: gut issues, trouble building muscle, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, unexplained weight gain/loss, mood disorders, fatigue, insomnia, low libido, changes in appetite, hair loss, and more!
The best way to keep your hormone levels in check is to eat an anti-inflammatory diet, consume enough omega-3 fats (fish oil), getting enough sleep, exercising, and managing your stress.