Hormones! We’ve all got ‘em, but what are they? Fairy dust? Magic? And what do they do?
Part of the endocrine system of the human body, hormones are chemical messengers, controlling various parts of the body. Produced by glands, we have several different kinds of hormonal systems, governing such varied things as:
- Body temperature
- Bodily maturation
- Mood
- Hunger
- Satiation
- Heart rate
- Growth
- Energy levels
- Ovulation
- Digestion
- Pregnancy/fertility
- Sex hormones
- Metabolism
- Stress
- Libido
- Sleep
- Skin
- Fat storage (haha, this part always seems to be working)
Here are a few different hormone-producing glands; see if any of these ring a bell: hypothalamus, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal, pineal, and the reproductive organs (ovaries and testes). Okay, ladies, I know you don’t have testes. Think “broad overview” here.
So the glands secrete the hormones into the bloodstream. Our cells have hormone receptors on them, which allow the hormone to bind to the cell. But only certain hormones fit into targeted sites (tissues and organs). Think of a key fitting into a lock. Once this fit is accomplished, the hormone gives a message to the targeted site to take action:
- “Tell Julie she’s full and doesn’t need to eat any more chocolate.”
- “Tell Julie her childbearing years are over.”
- “Tell Julie she’s tired and needs to get off social media and go to bed.”
Hormones are bosses and control the function of whole organs and impact how the body uses and stores energy. When it comes down to it, hormones dictate what you feel like doing. That’s some kind of power, baby!
When hormones are in balance, a person feels a general sense of well-being. Since hormones don’t act independently but as an interactive suite, an imbalance can cause a cascade of issues. Problems with hormonal imbalance are no joke. Issues like growth, sexual development, and metabolism happen. Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, osteoporosis, chronic headaches, depression and anxiety – to name a few – are all potentially linked with hormonal imbalance.
When hormones are working well, it’s like a symphony where all the instruments are performing their role beautifully. But the minute that rogue horn starts honking out of time or control, the whole symphonic experience goes downhill.
So what are some factors that can influence hormones? There are more than a few:
- A diet too high in carbs
- Excessive alcohol
- Excessive caffeine
- Dehydration
- Prescription medications
- Medications for anxiety and depression
- Exercise (too little or too much)
- Weight (too little or too much)
- Unmitigated stress
- Pregnancy
- Toxins in our food supply
- Hormones in our food supply
- Environmental toxins (air, water, plastics, household chemicals)
- Makeup and/or other skin care
- Travel that upsets circadian rhythms and body clock
- Poor sleep quality
- Genetics
- Sickness
- Emotional trauma
- Aging
This is either good news or bad news, depending on your perspective. I’m choosing to look at it as good news, because there is a lot that is within our control.
With the exception of genetics, so much is in our control. And even with genetics, just because we have a genetic propensity does not necessarily mean that the gene will be expressed. Genes load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.
As a kid, I always heard horror stories about woman-y things: periods! PMS! menopause! Like you’ll grow a third breast or a second head or something. Or you’ll scream at everyone and then cry and eat ice cream and you’ll sweat your way through your 40s. I’ve heard of 66% of these things happening.
But I’m here to say there’s another way. In my own health journey and through my training as a holistic health coach, I learned a ton about how to bring my body into a good balance. I’ve come up with a systematic, holistic approach to wellness that’s helping me and several of my women friends.
Let me know if you want to have a conversation about how I might be able to help you, too…
…because I don’t want you to grow a third breast or a second head.
