Imbalances Effect Men and Women

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As women and men age, hormone levels change, leading to low mood, poor sleep, and other health issues. This can result in weight gain around the abdomen, which is commonly known as a hormonal belly.

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, and proper function often involves interactions between the hypothalamus and your pituitary gland. Changes in even small amounts of hormones can have significant effects.

Protein hormones quickly react with cell surface receptors, triggering events. Steroid hormones react with receptors inside the cell, leading to a slower response. In women, imbalances can cause irregular periods, low sex drive, unexplained weight gain, and mood swings. There are also more serious conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Hormone Test Can Help Identify Imbalances

A hormone test can measures factors related to weight loss and control. It can help identify imbalances in thyroid, reproductive, and stress hormones, thus impacting weight control. Discussed below are common culprits, such as:

Testosterone: Testosterone is a sex hormone that affects various aspects of healthy living. Having a better understanding of its role can significantly improve a man or woman’s well-being and quality of life through achieving hormonal balance.

Progesterone: Low levels of progesterone can cause heavy and irregular menstrual periods as well as fertility problems for women who are trying to get pregnant. It's a powerful hormone that also deserves attention for those who are trying manage their weight.

Estrogen: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. Estrogen levels can affect how the body utilizes starches and blood glucose during energy consumption. Imbalances can accelerate fat storage leading to long-term weight loss challenges.

Insulin: Insulin is necessary for cells to utilize glucose in the bloodstream. With diabetes, insulin is either insufficient or not efficiently used by the body. Healthy living is associated with maintaining proper levels to improve metabolism and avoid weight gain over time.

Cortisol: In addition to better stress management, you can regulate cortisol hormone through dietary changes and supplements. Including plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins B, C, and D in your diet can help reduce cortisol and promote overall health and wellness.

Thyroid Hormone: If lab results suggest you are suffering with low levels of thyroid hormone, you may need medication to help restore hormonal balance. However, it's important to note that thyroid medication alone will not cause instant weight loss.

Your choice of nutrients plays a role in hormone regulation and healthy weight control. Ensuring an adequate intake of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants will support hormone production and release. In addition, limiting processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats is smart choice for restoring hormone balance.

Women with PMS consume 275% more refined sugar than those without, so a diet high in sugar can disrupt reproductive hormones and potentially explain the connection between conditions like PCOS. If you are experience unexpected weight gain or other worsening symptoms, contact MRC for a quick and easy Hormone Test Kit.