Hormone (Dis)harmony

In the United States, we are often taught to GO GO GO and with hustle-culture mindsets comes a constant state of never resting, never stopping... We often link our fatigue, stress, medical issues, under/overeating, low libido, etc., to societal factors, but rarely do we consider that the problem is also within: our hormones.

What Are Hormones?

Well, let’s begin with a story...

In your body’s bustling city of hormones, each resident hormone has a specific job to keep the body running smoothly. Hormones, chemical messengers secreted by glands, travel through the bloodstream, delivering instructions to various organs. They’re categorized into types based on their roles.

In one corner of the city, insulin lives, managing blood sugar levels. It works tirelessly to help cells absorb glucose, ensuring energy is distributed efficiently. Nearby, thyroid hormones like thyroxine regulate metabolism, ensuring that the body's energy use and temperature are just right.

In another district, the stress team led by cortisol helps the body respond to emergencies, ensuring survival. However, cortisol often partners with adrenaline, creating a burst of energy in crisis moments. Meanwhile, sex hormones—testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone—manage reproduction, mood, and even bone health.

The brain's special messenger, serotonin, plays dual roles as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, promoting happiness and regulating sleep through melatonin. Lastly, the quiet yet vital growth hormone works behind the scenes to ensure development and repair, particularly in children and athletes.

Every now and then, a disruption in the city's balance occurs. Diets high in processed sugars overwhelm insulin, leading to fatigue and erratic energy levels. Poor sleep and chronic stress elevate cortisol, leaving hormone residents of the body anxious and exhausted. Meanwhile, thyroid hormones struggle with a lack of iodine, slowing metabolism and causing weight gain.

So in a hormonal city run amok, what is the solution? A diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins restores harmony. Foods like bananas and turkey boost serotonin levels naturally. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed soothe inflammation, reducing cortisol. A sprinkle of iodine from seaweed revives the thyroid's efficiency, while magnesium-rich foods like spinach relax muscles and improve sleep.

By embracing balanced meals and avoiding excess sugar, the city of hormones always regains equilibrium. The body thrives, reminding everyone that food isn’t just fuel—it’s health.

Understanding Hormone Imbalances

If it wasn’t already clear from our story, hormones are vital chemical messengers that regulate a number of functions, from metabolism and immune function to mood and reproductive health. But, there are so many factors that cause them to fall out of balance leading to many not-so-ideal symptoms. But, this isn’t a dead-end case. There are plenty of natural ways to restore hormonal harmony.

What people don’t know is that hormone imbalances are more often because of various factors working in conjunction– and guess what? Over time, they compound...

Stress:

In response to stress, our bodies release cortisol, the “stress hormone.” For those who don’t know, cortisol increases heart rate, blood pressure, suppresses the immune system, and affects your circadian rhythm (Yup. Your body’s “clock”) among many other things. Persistent stress keeps cortisol elevated, which can affect levels of other hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), leading to an imbalance.

Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies:

If you’re eating a lot of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, this can also contribute to hormonal dysregulation. In that case, you’re also most likely to be deficient in certain nutrients, especially in essential vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals.

Lack of Sleep:

We’re all guilty of this. But, sleep deprivation disrupts the balance of cortisol and ghrelin (a hunger-regulating hormone), which can trigger weight gain and other issues.

Aging and Life Stages:

As we age, natural hormone production changes. For example, women experience a natural decline in estrogen during menopause, while men’s testosterone levels gradually decrease over time.

Medical Conditions:

Even conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and diabetes can significantly impact hormone levels.

‍

If you experience 3 or more of these symptoms regularly, you might have a hormonal imbalance:

High StressAnxiety

DepressionLack of Appetite

Constant Appetite

Low Energy

Lack of Sleep

Low LibidoWeakness

‍

This may be a lot to take in— don’t get stressed! We wouldn’t want your ________ [16] levels to rise and disrupt your sleep, now would we? For now though, you can start here: tell your symptoms to F off and welcome a better “F word” instead: FOOD.

‍

‍