You know when you sit down to watch an episode of your fave Netflix show… and it turns into a binge-watching session of the whole season?
That’s kind of what I’m feeling. A few weeks ago, I sat down to write a blog about hormones (read “Could It Be Hormones” here). But I didn’t quite feel like I’d covered all I wanted, so the next week I wrote another blog (read “Hormones: What Are They And What Do They Do?” here). But this whole topic of hormones is so fascinating, that I could (and maybe will) go on and on.
This week I want to put at center stage a few specific hormones that play into a woman’s overall health… women’s hormonal superstars.
- Estrogen. This is a group of sex hormones that are responsible for turning girls into women, playing an essential role in the development of breasts, armpit and pubic hair, and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen helps produce a healthy environment for fertilization and growing a baby. It even plays a role in the structural differences in men and women… think “curves,” girlfriend! It helps make a woman juicy, lubricated, and with a healthy libido! Woo hoo! Estrogen also impacts the brain, skin, bones, liver, and heart.
- Thyroid. This hormone affects your metabolism, body temperature, weight, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood, and bone health. Cold hands and feet (and you’re the only one)? Check your thyroid.
- Cortisol. This is the main stress hormone and is great if you are being chased by a saber-toothed tiger. It’s also helpful if you have to lift a Volkswagen off someone, in order to save their life. It affects blood sugar, blood pressure, immune function, inflammation, and memory.
- Progesterone. Progesterone counterbalances estrogen and regulates uterine lining to support pregnancy. It helps regulate emotions and sleep, and gives a sense of calm. It also builds strong bones and hair. And who among us doesn’t love a luscious mane?
- Testosterone. Yeah, it’s not just for guys! This is the hormone that gives us vitality and self-confidence. It also plays a role in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass.
- Insulin. This hormone helps stabilize blood sugar. It enables the the body to process glucose in the blood. The glucose can be used immediately for energy, or stored as fat for later use (you know, for when the famine comes…).
Of course, this is not an exhaustive treatment of these hormones, nor does it even begin to scratch the surface of our suite of hormones. Like a Netflix series, I could go on and on to other episodes. But for now, this is just a quick primer of some of our star players.
Fascinating stuff, I think. Our bodies are complex and wonderfully designed. We are oh-so-quick to talk trash about our bodies, but why not take a moment right now to appreciate all it does for you.
What about you?
When have you felt most hormonally healthy?
