Endocrine System Helps to Control Hormone Balance
Part 1 of a two part series on Hormonal Imbalance and Weight Loss
Your endocrine system consists of organs, glands and tissues that produce hormones that originate in one location and are released into the blood to be used by other target organs and systems. Your endocrine system helps control processes and systems such as growth and development, metabolism, homeostasis, response to stress and reproduction. Target receptors must be able to respond appropriately to effectively produce the hormones your body needs. The effect a hormonal signal has on an organ or system sends feedback to the original source to control additional release of hormones.
Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone
When your hormones are out of balance, it becomes difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Oestrogen (or estrogen) is the major female sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female body and reproductive system. Men also produce estrogen but at much lower levels than women. The testes and adrenal glands secrete estrogen in the male body. Overweight men are more commonly affected because of adipose tissue that can set off an overproduction of estrogen. Don't live frustrated over failed attempts to lose weight and keep it off. MRC hormone testing can uncover imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels that are sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
Low testosterone levels can lead to estrogen dominance
Hormones, especially those affecting growth and behavior, are significant to both men and women, and the levels of hormones change daily, as estrogen and testosterone are secreted in short bursts. As testosterone levels decrease, men and women can gain weight but weight gain is easier in women due to high estrogen levels. Lower levels of testosterone can cause sex hormones to fluctuate resulting in estrogen dominance. Testosterone imbalances can lead to a vicious cycle where obesity impairs the production of testosterone hormone, and lower testosterone levels make it easier for your body to store fat deposits. Continued imbalance can lead to metabolic syndrome.
DHEA supports different metabolic functions
DHEA supports many different metabolic functions and helps your body's cells use glucose for energy while preventing fat stores. This is especially true for managing dangerous visceral fat (organ and belly fat). A woman's body relies on adequate levels of DHEA to balance other key hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Produced in the adrenal glands, DHEA levels begin to decline with age. Considered to be one of the most rapidly decreasing hormones in your body, scientists speculate that supplementing your body's falling levels of DHEA might help slow the aging process. This could be especially true for those with negligible amounts in their system.
MRC saliva test for undetected hormone disparity
Testing hormones in saliva can help to reveal undetected hormone imbalances that may be making it easy to gain weight and difficult to lose weight and keep it off. Lower testosterone, estrogen dominance and DHEAs can contribute to reduced thyroid hormone production and a slower metabolism.
