Talking about hormone health is much more complicated than you may expect. Scientists have identified more than 50 hormones in the human body, and these chemical messengers are essential to managing hundreds of different bodily processes, including:
Metabolism.
Regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar, water and electrolyte balance, and body temperature.
Growth and development.
Sexual function.
Reproduction.
Sleep-wake cycle.
Mood.
A hormonal imbalance happens when you have too much or too little of one or more hormones.....and even slight changes in hormonal levels can result in a variety of symptoms and changes in your body that may impact your quality of life and/or require treatment. According to Cleveland Clinic, the primary main causes of hormonal imbalances are:
Tumor, adenomas or other growths.
Damage or injury to an endocrine gland.
Autoimmune conditions.
Hereditary gene mutations (changes) that cause problems with the structure and/or function of an endocrine gland.
Some of the most common hormone related conditions:
Diabetes
Thyroid Disease
Irregular Periods
Infertility (male and female)
Obesity
Primary care providers can test for hormonal imbalances, and may recommend seeing a specialist (an endocrinologist). I always caution clients in trying to self-diagnose. You are the expert of your own body, and you know what your "normal" feels like. When something feels off, seek advice from a medical provider you trust and carefully consider all of the options that are available to help you restore balance. Consider medical options of course, yet also consider more holistic or complementary options as well as lifestyle changes you can make to optimize your own health and wellness.
~Nicole Hutchison, PT, CSCS, Holistic Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach
Resources:
Hormone Health Course, Institute for Integrative Nutrition
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