What are Hormones?
Hormones — such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, leptin, insulin, and cortisol — are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall health. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are essential for life and your health. So when your hormones are out of balance, your life is out of balance!
Understanding the Endocrine System
Your endocrine system is responsible for the production of the various hormones necessary for essential functions; regulating metabolism, maintaining healthy tissues, sex drive, reproduction, sleep cycles, and mood. The endocrine system pairs specific hormone functions to each organ, determining which chemicals need to be released, at what time, and for which purpose. The glands that are part of your endocrine system work together to control the level of hormones that circulate throughout your body at any given time.
When just one of these glands is not functioning well, it creates imbalances and can lead to a variety of health issues ranging from chronic fatigue to low metabolism to reduced libido.
Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin are created by endocrine glands and work as chemical messengers throughout your body to accomplish a wide range of important physical and chemical functions – from controlling your reproductive system to managing your emotional state.
Signs & Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances
Symptoms of hormone imbalances can manifest in many ways, including:
Painful or irregular periods or PMS
Digestive issues, skin issues, or vision issues
Unexplained weight gain/loss and change in appetite
Depression, anxiety, or brain fog
Fatigue or low energy
Insomnia or lack of deep sleep
Hirsutism (excess body hair).
Hot flashes
Low libido
Hair loss and thinning hair
Potential Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are created by a combination of factors. Some of the major causes of hormonal imbalances include:
Food allergies & gut imbalances: your gut plays a crucial role in regulating hormones and inflammation, which is at the root of many chronic illnesses. If you have IBS, SIBO, leaky gut syndrome, or a lack of healthy intestinal bacteria, you’re more susceptible to hormonal imbalances
Weight gain or obesity
High levels of inflammation caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle along with chronic stress
Genetic predisposition
High levels of toxin exposure including exposure to pesticides, harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, cigarette smoke (even second-hand), excessive alcohol, and other harmful chemicals or compounds like lead and formaldehyde
High amounts of stress and regular release of stress hormones like cortisol, paired with a lack of rest and deep sleep
Balancing hormones naturally can effectively treat various issues and often brings additional benefits such as increased energy, weight loss, improved sleep, and healthier skin. Don't wait to address hormonal imbalances—book an appointment with Dr. Doris Fregoso today and start your journey to better health!