Education

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is either too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream.

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

Simply put it is when there are fluctuations or disruptions of specific hormones in your body.

The imbalance can stem from malfunctioning of the gland cells due to diseases, infection, genetics, or tumors affecting hormone production.

Miscommunication between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland due to dysfunction can also disrupt hormone production.

Hormone imbalances affecting insulin or its actions, can significantly increase your risk of developing Type Two Diabetes.

The reverse is also true, if you have diabetes it can disrupt hormone production and function creating a complex interplay

In women, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) it is estimated that 1 in 10 women of child bearing age has PCOS - a condition linked to hormonal imbalance.

How does Hormonal Imbalance affect our body?

Metabolic Issues

Hormones like insulin and glucagon work together to regulate blood sugar levels. Imbalances can disrupt this delicate dance, that leads to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Energy

Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) control metabolism i.e. burning calories. In the case of an underactive thyroid, it can slow metabolism, and cause fatigue, weight gain, and the sense of feeling cold. An overactive thyroid fastens metabolism and causes weight loss, heat intolerance, and fatigue.

Reproductive Problems

An imbalance in hormones can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular periods or difficulty conceiving. Estrogen dominance, for example, can cause heavy or prolonged periods, while low testosterone in men can contribute to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

Immunity

Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol can influence the immune system’s response. Imbalances can make you more susceptible to infections or allergies.

Sleep Disruption

Melatonin which is produced by the pineal gland, regulates sleep-wake cycles. An imbalance can affect cortical, and disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia or excessive sleepiness

Muscle

Growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, plays a crucial role in muscle growth and repair. Imbalances can lead to decreased muscle mass and strength.

Here’s how to regulate your hormones

Protein Intake

Protein is the building block for many hormones. Protein provides the amino acids your body. Hormones like insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone are al made of protein precursors.

Having the right amount of protein ensures your body can synthesize these vital hormones properly. Aim to include a source of lean protein like chicken, fish, beans or lentils with every meal.

Improve Gut Health

Your gut with trillions of good bacteria, form a complex ecosystem called microbiome. It plays a vital role in regulating hormones! When the gut microbiome is imbalanced it can disrupt homre regulation potentially leading to hormonal imbalances.

Aim to have gut friendy foods like prebiotic fibers found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, this helps in maintaining a balanced microbiome for optimal hormonal regulation.

Fiber Intake

Fiber is more than just roughage for your digestive system, it plays a key role in regulating hormones related to blood sugar and appetite. Soluble fibers slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

This helps prevent blood sugar spikes, which can trigger the release of insulin and other hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

As a bonus, it keeps you fuller for longer!

This helps prevent blood sugar spikes, which can trigger the release of insulin and other hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

As a bonus, it keeps you fuller for longer!