The human body is an amazing machine, and the way it works is even more amazing. Our bodies are constantly working to keep us healthy and active, and one of the ways they do this is by producing hormones. Hormones are chemicals that send signals from one part of our body to another. They help us regulate vital functions like metabolism, temperature and digestion. But what exactly do hormones do? How can knowing about them help you understand your health better? Keep reading to find out!
How Hormones Work
Your endocrine system is a group of glands that release hormones (which essentially are chemical messengers) to communicate with your body. In fact, it’s the endocrine system that regulates many of the functions in your body and helps keep it healthy. Some of the functions that hormone regulate include:
- Metabolism
- Temperature regulation
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Energy
- Fertility
- Mood
The endocrine system is responsible for producing most of these important chemical messengers. Some of the most relevant hormones (testosterone, estrogen, insulin) are produced by organs and tissues such as the ovaries, testicles, pancreas and fat cells. Some others such as T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones) are produced by the thyroid. All these processes are regulated and directed by your brain.
The Stress Hormone, Cortisol
Cortisol is a natural stress hormone that can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease when it’s consistently present in the body at high levels.
Cortisol is important in that it helps you deal with situations that the body considers “dangerous” (which could be anything from being chased by a tiger, to a job interview). But when you’re constantly stressed out, your body pumps out excessive amounts of cortisol, narrowing your arteries and increasing blood pressure constantly. This can lead to serious health problems down the road. Managing your stress through meditation, yoga, or even petting your dog (if you have one) can be of great help to your overall hormonal health.
An Imbalanced Thyroid Can Wreak Havoc On Your Health
The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the endocrine system. Thyroid hormones, which mostly regulate your metabolism, temperature and energy, can create problems for people who have too much or too little of them.
If you have low levels of these hormones, it can cause:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Intolerance to cold temperature
This condition is called hypothyroidism. If, on the other hand, you have high levels of circulating thyroid hormones, you may be experiencing hyperthyroidism, which may cause:
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Protrusion of the eyes
- Intolerance to heat
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can develop into more serious conditions if left untreated. But do not fret! They are usually easily treated with medication. Make sure to get proper testing and guidance on treatment options.
Estrogen and Testosterone
Testosterone and estrogen are the two main sex hormones in men and women, respectively. Testosterone is essential for male health—it plays an important role in:
- Sex drive
- Fertility
- Bone health
- Energy
- Mood
- Muscle mass
- Behavior
Estrogen also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy female reproductive organs, as well as regulating menstrual cycles, mood and energy.
Both testosterone and estrogen start to decline as we age, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. Low testosterone in men can lead to erectile dysfunction and loss of muscle mass, while low estrogen in women causes hot flashes (a classical symptom of menopause) and fatigue, to mention a few.
Diet, Exercise And Sleep: Key Factors in Hormone Balance
When you’re looking at hormone health, nutrition and exercise are two important factors. Sleep hygiene is also a vital factor to take into account. You can use these tips to help optimize your hormone levels:
- Establish a healthy diet. Healthy foods include lean proteins (such as chicken or fish), fresh fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens), whole grains, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats (like olive oil). Choose organic whenever possible when eating meat, dairy products and produce.
- Exercise regularly to support optimal hormone function. Aim for 3 to 4 workouts per week to get started! When you’re more comfortable, add an additional day or two to your weekly workouts for optimal results.
- Sleep for at least 7 hours every night, but aim to get to 8 or 9 hours if possible. Most hormones are produced during the night.
- Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and eating processed foods regularly.
Hormone Testing Is Key In Your Overall Health
All in all, hormones can tell you a lot about yourself and your health. It’s important that you know how they interact with your body so that if anything is off, you can take action and get on the right track. The first step is to get your blood tested to understand your hormone levels. You can find hormone testing panels without a doctor’s appointment at Private MD Labs. Once you get your results, discuss them with your doctor. If your levels are out of the norm, your doctor will guide you through treatment options, which often include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle changes. Do not self-medicate, every individual is different and has varying needs. HRT and other treatments to stabilize hormone levels can result in serious side effects and must always be done under the surveillance of a professional along with regular blood testing.
Conclusion
In short, hormones are important messengers in your body that can tell you a lot about yourself and your health. Some of the most notorious hormones that can affect your overall health are estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, insulin and cortisol. It’s important to keep an eye on them so you can make sure they’re in balance, and if they are not, get appropriate and early treatment. Hormone testing at a trusted lab like Private MD Labs is the first step to get more insight into your hormone levels.
7 key takeaways
- Hormones are chemical messengers that help your body communicate between its organs and tissues.
- Hormones are responsible for regulating functions like metabolism, heart beat, digestion, fertility and growth.
- Testosterone, estrogen, thyroid hormones, insulin and cortisol are some of the hormones you should keep an eye on to improve your overall health.
- Leading a healthy lifestyle can help you optimize your hormones and prevent imbalances.
- Hormone testing is an important step in understanding your hormone health and getting treatment if needed.
- Hormone imbalances can develop into serious conditions if left untreated.
- HRT and other treatments for hormone imbalances should be done under the instruction of a professional and should be closely monitored.
