The role hormones play in the human body spans well beyond a person’s pubescent years.
Here’s what to know.
What does “hormone imbalance” really mean?
The term hormone imbalance is pretty broad, so let’s break it down further.
This isn’t the only example of clinically relevant hormone imbalances.
How can I tell if my hormones are imbalanced?
It is normal for levels of some hormones to fluctuate over time.
However, there are times when hormonal fluxes can lead to problems in the body.
For example, periods of high stress can cause the overproduction of the hormone cortisol.
Over time,excess cortisol is known to contribute to weight gain4, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
There are more than50 types of hormones5in the human body, so diagnosing an imbalance can be difficult.
For example, certain plants and seeds (e.g., flax, soy, berries, etc.)
are rich in estrogen-like compounds called phytoestrogens, which some studies suggest can influence hormone levels in females.
RELATED READ:Do Hormone-Balancing Diets Work?
For example, let’s say you feel tired.
After doing some research, you may discover that low iron levels can cause feelings of tiredness.
So, you decide totake an iron supplementto help you feel more awake.
“Nutrients and nutrient deficiencies impact our entire body, including many hormone fluctuations,” Brown tells mindbodygreen.
Overall, however, a healthy workout routine can have a highly positive impact on your hormones.
As far as which exercises are best for hormone regulation, Brownridge tells mindbodygreen it depends on the individual.
“This can result in menstrual changes and nutritional deficiencies, which can even affect the bones.
One such chemical group is called phthalates, which are used in plastic bottles and personal care products.
The solution, Blake says, is to choose phthalate-free and fragrance-free options whenever possible.
Through stress management
What runs the world?
When it does, it comes downhardon your hormones.
According to Michalczyk, consistently dealing withstressorscan lead to elevated levels of the stress hormonecortisolover time.
External stressors can alsoimpact your immune systemand lead to suboptimal immune defenses.
FAQ
How can I balance my hormones fast?
What are the signs of suboptimal hormone levels?
Is hormone imbalance real?
you’re able to’t expect to correct hormone imbalances overnight.
Optimizing your hormone levels could take months, years, or longer if you have a clinical imbalance.
However, achieving “hormone balance” isn’t as cut and dried as you might think.
