Feed Back Mechanisms Interact with Target Cells

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Hormones regulate various bodily functions and are controlled through interactions between your hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. They travel through your body and interact only with target cells that have compatible receptors.

Hormone production and release may naturally decrease with age, while some actually increase. Since hormones are potent messengers, even small amounts can have significant effects.

Your endocrine system plays a major role in regulating all of your body's processes and is made up of hormones and the glands that produce and release them. These hormones are pretty powerful and control everything from mood to weight gain. Your body is a complex system of hormones, glands, and feedback mechanisms. Understanding how they work together can help you take control of your health and make informed choices for better weight control.

Imbalance Can Trigger an Abnormal Metabolism

Hormone tests can indicate if weight gain or difficulty losing weight is due abnormal metabolism and the accumulation of body fat due to imbalances in hormones like those discussed below:

Estrogen: Women who are overweight often have high levels of estrogen similar to a woman during early stages of pregnancy. When estrogen production declines, it can lead to insulin resistance and higher blood glucose levels often lead to fat gain.

Progesterone: Progesterone is a key hormone involved in the female reproductive system. Although the hormone is not as well-known as estrogen, it plays a key role in a woman’s menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy.

Testosterone: Good nutritional choices and the subsequent hormonal changes both play significant roles in men's health. It impacts the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease. Similar to women, men can routinely experience hormonal shifts.

Insulin: Insulin hormone is released to help regulate your glucose levels in your bloodstream. In addition, it is the hormone that signals your liver to store glucose in fat cells for later use as fuel. These actions signal your body to decrease insulin release.

Cortisol: Right out of the gate, cortisol hormone stimulates your fat metabolism to create a surge of energy throughout your body. Yes, it kicks your fight or flight mechanism into high gear. Great for outrunning a predator but bad for trying to lose weight.

Thyroid Hormone: One of the key symptoms of hypothyroidism is having to go up a few pant sizes. When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the metabolism slows down, reducing the calories needed by the body and leading to weight gain. Even mild cases of hypothyroidism can increase the risk of weight gain, which is often accompanied by a puffiness.

Hormones can play a significant role in how your body signals hunger and uses the energy you consume. Imbalances often lead to weight gain, particularly in the form of fat storage around the waist, hips and thighs. Prioritize your goals for health living by maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Balancing your hormones can be key to shedding those extra pounds. Plus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and proper sleep can help to melt weight away. Visit Metabolic Research Center online to learn more about our personalized approach to healthy living.