Ways to manage hormonal imbalance


Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, produced in the endocrine glands. These powerful chemicals move around the bloodstream instructing tissues and organs what to do. They help control many of the body’s major processes, like metabolism and reproduction. An imbalance in the hormone means, too much or too little of a certain hormone. But, even a slightest change in the hormone level can lead to serious health complication.

Functions of hormones

Hormones are important for regulating many major bodily processes, including-

·         Metabolism and appetite

·         Heart rate

·         Sleep cycles

·         Reproductive cycles and sexual function

·         General growth and development

·         Mood and stress levels

·         Body temperature

Causes of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance occurs when the endocrine glands doesn’t function properly. In this article 3MEDS, the best online pharmacy store in India, discusses some of the common causes of this condition include,

·         Chronic or extreme stress

·         Type 1 and type 2 diabetes

·         Over- or underproduction of the parathyroid hormone

·         Poor diet and nutrition

·         Overweight

·         Hormonal replacement or birth control medications

·         Abuse of anabolic steroid medications

·         Hyperglycemia, overproduction of glucagon

·         Hypoglycemia, more insulin produced than there is glucose in the blood

·         Underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism

·         Overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism

·         Solitary thyroid nodules

·         Pituitary tumors

·         Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, low levels of cortisol

·         Endocrine gland injury

·         Severe allergic reactions or infections

·         Cancers that involve endocrine glands

·         Cushing’s syndrome, high levels of the hormone cortisol

·         Addison’s disease, low levels of cortisol and aldosterone

·         Anorexia

·         Phytoestrogens, naturally-occurring plant estrogens found in soy products

·         Being exposured to toxins, pollutants, and endocrine disrupting chemicals, including pesticides and herbicides

·         Benign tumors and cysts that affect the endocrine glands

·         Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

·         Iodine deficiency or goiters

·         Hereditary pancreatitis

·         Turner syndrome (females with only one functioning X chromosome)

·         Prader-Willi syndrome

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance


Common hormonal conditions that can affect both men and women, may lead to showcasing the following symptoms,

·         Weight gain

·         Fatigue

·         Highly sensitive to cold or heat

·         Constipation or more frequent bowel movements

·         Dry skin

·         Puffy face

·         Increased thirst

·         Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness

·         Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints

·         Fatty hump between the shoulders

·         Rounded face

·         Purple or pink stretch marks

·         Thinning hair or fine, brittle hair

·         Increased hunger

·         Depression

·         Unexplained weight loss

·         Increased or decreased heart rate

·         Muscle weakness

·         Frequent urination

·         Decreased sex drive

·         Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability

·         Blurred vision

·         Sweating

·         Infertility

Treating hormonal imbalance

Medical help

Some of the treatment options are,

·         Estrogen theraoy

·         Vaginal estrogen

·         Hormonal birth control

·         Anti- androgen medications, can be bought at any online chemist shop

·         Metformin

·         Testosterone therapy

·         Thyroid hormone therapy

·         Medicines like, Fibanserin, Bremelanotide and Eflornithine

Natural methods

Proteins- Consuming adequate protein triggers the production of hormones that suppress appetite and help you feel full. Try to take minimum of 20–30 grams of protein per meal.

Exercise- Performing strength training, aerobics, walking or other forms of physical activity can modify hormone levels in a way that reduces the risk of disease and protects muscle mass during the aging process.

Say no to Sugar and Refined Carbs- Diets high in sugar and refined carbs have been shown to drive insulin resistance. Avoiding these foods and reducing overall carb intake may decrease insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

Stress management- Engaging in stress-reduction behaviors like meditation, yoga, massage and listening to soothing music can help normalize your levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Healthy fats- Including healthy natural fats in your diet and avoiding unhealthy trans fats can help reduce insulin resistance and stimulate the production of hormones that help control appetite.

Don’t overeat or under eat- Consuming too many or too few calories can lead to hormonal imbalances. Aim to eat at least 1,200 calories per day for optimal health.

Green tea- Drinking green tea has been linked to increased insulin sensitivity and lower insulin levels for people who are overweight, obese or have diabetes.

Fatty fish- Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may help lower cortisol and epinephrine, increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin levels in obese and insulin-resistant individuals.

Sleep- Inadequate or poor-quality sleep has been shown to decrease fullness hormones, increase hunger and stress hormones, reduce growth hormone and increase insulin resistance.

Keep sugary beverages away- High intake of sugary beverages has consistently been linked to higher insulin levels and insulin resistance in overweight and obese adults and children.

High-fiber diet- Its intake has been linked to improvements in insulin sensitivity and the hormones that control hunger, fullness and food intake.

Eggs- They are extremely nutritious and may help reduce insulin resistance, suppress your appetite and make you feel full.

Ending note

Hormones play an important role in may body’s major processes. Even a small change in the levels of any hormone can lead to imbalance mechanism of various organs and metabolism. So, seek treatment for the same as soon as possible. 

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