Did you know there’s over 50 hormones in your body? That’s a lot.
But were you aware that 80% of women suffer from a hormonal imbalance of some sort? That’s even higher.
The truth is, hormones are chemical messengers that cause your body to undergo a range of functions. Some of the major processes they control are metabolism and reproduction. They also regulate mood, energy levels, growth, and overall health.
Just like that statistic earlier, many people suffer from hormone deficiencies, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and even severe health problems like osteoporosis and heart disease. Even tiny changes can have profound effects on your health.
Imbalances can easily disrupt daily life and leave you feeling out of sync. Learn about the importance of hormones and how to identify the signs of imbalance below.
Overview of male and female hormones
Your endocrine glands secrete hormones, including your thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Both males and females rely on various hormones to maintain health and well-being.
To break it down, here’s the most important male and female hormones;
Testosterone
For men, around 95% of testosterone is produced in their testicles and the remaining 5% in the adrenal glands. Women produce testosterone but much less in their ovaries. Testosterone plays an important role in the development of male physical characteristics, muscle mass, and sex drive. In women, it also plays a role in bone strength and sexual desire.
Estrogen
Estrogen is predominantly a female hormone typically produced in the ovaries and, in smaller amounts, in a male’s testes. For women, estrogen plays a role in breast development, menstrual cycle regulation, fertility, and bone health. For men, it helps with modulating libido, bone strength, and cognitive functions.
Progesterone
Another crucial hormone for women is progesterone. It is produced in the ovaries after ovulation and during pregnancy. It regulates the menstrual cycle and maintains the early stages of pregnancy. Men also produce small amounts of progesterone in their adrenal glands, which helps them sustain muscle mass and bone density.
What are the most common hormone deficiencies?
There are a lot of hormone deficiencies out there which can greatly impact your health. While it would take us a few posts to cover them all, here are the most common ones:
Hormone deficiencies can significantly impact your health. It can lead to many symptoms.
Testosterone Deficiency (Men)
Low testosterone levels cause fatigue, reduced muscle mass, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes. Long-term testosterone deficiency is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that men with low testosterone levels are likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome.
Estrogen Deficiency (Women)
Women with low estrogen levels may experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irregular menstrual cycles. Estrogen deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures. It can also cause urogenital atrophy, which affects sexual function and urinary health. Research indicates that estrogen plays a protective role in heart health, and its deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Progesterone Deficiency (Women)
Low progesterone levels can cause menstrual irregularities, heavy periods, and difficulty maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone deficiency is a common cause of infertility and recurrent miscarriages. A published study highlights the role of progesterone in supporting pregnancy and preventing early miscarriage.
Growth hormone deficiency
This imbalance is a condition where an insufficient amount of growth hormone is produced by your pituitary gland. Often, this deficiency can cause stunted growth in children, change an adult’s body composition, and decrease muscle mass and fat. It can cause problems such as frequent infections and tumours.
Adrenal insufficiency
This disbalance happens when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and a another hormone called aldosterone. Typical symptoms are stomach upset, fatigue, dehydration and skin changes. Often this is caused by autoimmune disease, tumors and infections.
What are the symptoms of hormone deficiencies?
While symptoms of hormonal deficiencies can vary based on the imbalance, there generally tend to be shared ones, too. Here are five common signs that may indicate a hormonal imbalance:
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy despite getting enough rest can be a significant sign of a hormone deficiency. This fatigue can make everyday tasks exhausting and reduce overall quality of life.
Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the midsection, can be a symptom of hormone imbalances. Hormones like insulin and cortisol are crucial for regulating metabolism, and their imbalance can lead to increased body fat.
Acne
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, and menopause, can cause acne breakouts. Imbalances in androgens, such as testosterone, can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores.
Hair Loss
Thinning of hair or significant hair loss can be linked to hormonal deficiencies, especially thyroid hormones and androgens. Both men and women can experience hair thinning due to hormonal imbalances.
Mood Swings and Depression
Sudden mood changes, irritability, and feelings of depression can be associated with low levels of hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. These hormones play an important role in brain function and emotional regulation.
How to maintain healthy hormone balance
If you want to maintain a healthy hormone balance, then you’ll need to make several changes to your lifestyle. Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you keep your hormones in check:
Undergo a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports hormone production and regulation. Foods like fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds provide essential nutrients for hormone health.
Avoid Processed foods: Processed foods contain unhealthy fats, sugars and additives that can disrupt hormone balance.
Incorporate phytoestrogens: Foods like flaxseeds, soy, and legumes balance estrogen levels, especially in women.
Stay Active: Physical activity regulates hormone levels in our body. Daily exercise promotes the release of endorphins, which help maintain a healthy weight.
Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is important for hormone regulation. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to allow your body to rest and recover properly.
Hormones regulate many vital processes in our bodies, and imbalances can lead to significant health issues. Taking steps to maintain a balanced hormone level helps prevent the adverse effects of hormone imbalances and promotes a healthier, happier life. Remember, a balanced hormone system is key to overall health and well-being.
Try supplements
If you’re experiencing a hormonal imbalance then supplements may be able to help you ease your side effects and make life a little bit more comfortable. At Focus Supplements, we offer a range of supplements from:
- Boron: A trace mineral which helps support cognitive function, longevity, bone health, brain health and metabolic system.
- DIM: DIM is founded in Broccoli helps with female health and energy levels.
- Potassium Citrate: This essential mineral is mainly found fruits and vegetables it helps support heart function, urinary tract and muscle contraction.
- Inositol, Folate & Chromium: A compound, vitamin nand trace mineral which helps promote female health.
- Saw Palmetto 20:1: This supplement supports male health and often referred to as a “male tonic:.
- Prostate Complex: Contains a bunch of natural ingredients which help support male health.
- Tribulus Terrestris: This supplement contains roots and leaves from a small plant native to Africa and Asia, it helps support testosterone levels, reduce cholestorl leels and help improve overall health.
- Prostate Complex: A supplement containing six active ingredients supporting male health.
Final thoughts
Overall our hormones are chemical messengers we should not ignore. At some point in our lives either you or someone you know may suffer from a hormone imbalance. If you feel you are showing signs, book an appointment with your local doctor to see if you are.
There are also certain lifestyle factors you can implement to help you maintain a healthy hormone balance. Some are having a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods, staying active and getting enough sleep.
Want to know more about vitamins? Check out our ultimate guide.
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