Hormone health is an important part of overall health and wellness. The hormones can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To ensure your hormones stay balanced, talk to Dr. Alejandra Suzuki Irvine to understand how to keep your hormones healthy.
The endocrine system produces hormones that act as chemical messengers throughout the body. They regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, reproduction, stress levels, and mood. Hormones also play an important role in the growth and development of children.
Before you are diagnosed with hormonal problems, your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. Various tests, such as blood or urine tests or imaging scans, may be used to measure hormone levels.
How do you know your hormones are healthy?
A healthy hormone balance results in regular menstrual cycles for women and normal sexual development and function for both men and women. Other signs of a healthy hormone balance may include:
- Healthy energy levels
- Normal sleep patterns
- Balanced emotional state
- Proper muscle growth and strength
Causes of hormone health problems
These are some of the causes:
- Age: When you age, your body’s production of certain hormones may slow down.
- Stress: Stress can cause hormone imbalances, leading to feelings of fatigue, depression, and more.
- Diet: Eating too much or too little of certain foods can affect how hormones are produced in the body. Eating a balanced diet is important for maintaining optimal hormone health.
- Thyroid problems: An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause various symptoms, including anxiety and weight gain.
- Medications: Certain medications can interfere with the body’s production of hormones. Talk to your doctor about your drugs and their effects on your hormone health.
There are various hormone problems that you should know about, including:
- Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and anxiety.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, infertility, excess hair growth, and other symptoms.
- Adrenal fatigue is when the adrenal glands become overworked and unable to produce enough hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, low blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating.
- Growth hormone deficiency: This is a condition where the body does not produce enough growth hormone. Symptoms include stunted growth in children, stunted sexual development in adults, and fatigue.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss.
If your hormones are imbalanced, certain treatments can help, including:
Diet and lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help improve hormone health. You need to be mindful of stress levels and get enough sleep. Some foods in your diet, like leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts, help balance hormones.
Hormone therapy: Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy or other medications to help balance hormones.
Natural supplements: Some natural supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, can help improve hormone health. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Herbal remedies: Herbs such as ashwagandha and chaste berries may help balance hormones. Speak to your doctor or health care provider before taking any herbal supplements.
If you suspect your hormones may be out of balance, reach out to your doctor at the Americas TMS Center.
