Hormones are the chemical messengers in our bodies. They are responsible for making sure everything within you in running smoothly and in sync.
Medically speaking, hormones are produced by the endocrine glands - adrenals, thyroid, pancreas and ovaries or testes. Your hormones relay messages and warnings throughout your body.
Many things can interrupt the endocrine system. The longer the endocrine system is out of harmony, the more havoc it can wreak on your body.
Recognizing signs of hormone imbalance and taking steps to correct it will not only help you maintain lifelong health but also prevent disease.
5 Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
1. Chronic Fatigue - It's normal to wear out after a long or busy day. The difference between being tired and having chronic fatigue comes from recovery. Even after a strenuous day, you should be able to recover with proper rest, hydration and a healthy diet. If you're taking time to recover and not "bouncing back" the way you should, it may be time to get a comprehensive evaluation of your hormone levels with an expert. Adrenal fatigue and hyperthyroidism are more common than you may think.
2. Difficulty Sleeping - There are many factors to look at in sleep. Stress, busy schedules and life can all get in the way of a restful night's sleep. When difficulty sleeping becomes persistent, it's time to check your hormones. Melatonin, a hormone released by the pineal gland in the brain, is known for its sleep-inducing qualities. Our hormones are all intimately related and affected by the other hormones in our bodies. When one hormone level moves, all hormone levels react. Lack of sleep is a sign of an imbalance in your endocrine system. Talk to an expert and get back to optimal health!
3. Anxiety or Depression - The quality of your mood is a good indicator of how balanced or imbalanced your hormones are. The health of your adrenal glands is an important foundation for the health of your hormones. The truth is, long-term stress and the overproduction of cortisol isn't just a problem for belly fat, it can also have a profound effect on serotonin levels. Serotonin is the mood-boosting chemical in your brain. Be aware of how many stimulants such as coffee, chocolate, and soda you consume as too much can cause higher levels of anxiety.
4. Skin and Hair Changes - The quality of your skin and hair is directly related to your hormones. Symptoms such as dry scalp, brittle or breaking nails, and hair loss or thinning point to thyroid abnormalities. If you're noticing these symptoms but your doctor is telling you everything is fine, it may be time to see an expert. Vitality specializes in thyroid optimization. We aren't satisfied with simply being within normal range, we're dedicated to optimal health and treating the body as a whole!
5. Low Sex Drive -Both genders can experience sexual dysfunction or issues with libido when hormone levels are less than optimal. While both men and women are subject to irregularities related to their sex hormones, women frequently find their monthly cycle gives them a more obvious gauge. When a woman notices her cycle has become irregular (too long, too short, heavy bleeding, cramping or PMS, etc.) she's likely to more quickly see the link to her sex hormones. Because our hormones are intimately connected, when we discover one is out of balance, we're likely to discover the entire endocrine system needs care.
3 ways to optimize your hormones
1. Add Healthy Fats to Your Diet - Your body uses healthy fats to create hormones, boost your metabolism and keep inflammation at bay. Try swapping the refined carbohydrates in your diet with anti-inflammatory healthy fats such as coconut oil, avocados, and ghee.
2. Supplement to Fill Nutritional Gaps - Even with a healthy diet, it’s often necessary to fill nutritional gaps that may contribute to a hormone imbalance. The best way to discover where you're lacking in nutrition is to check the numbers. Look at your blood work with your provider at Vitality Natural Wellness. Nutritional gaps can be filled with IV Nutritional Therapy, Supplements and diet tweaks.
3. Consider Bio-Identical Hormones - Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets are derived naturally from plants and are structurally the same as the hormones our bodies produce. At Vitality, our hormones are derived from yams. These natural hormones are delivered to you, the patient, in the form of pellets. Pellets are placed under the skin in a quick outpatient procedure at our office and begin releasing a steady flow of hormones. Pellets last anywhere between 3-5 months in women and 5-6 months in men.
Studies have shown improvements in menopause, depression, anxiety, low sex drive, osteoporosis, heart disease, PMS and many other conditions.
Are you ready to live optimally? Schedule your Hormone Consultation today and discover the difference at Vitality!