Are You Experiencing Mood Swings?

---

Hormones are key to your body’s control center and become the messengers for increased or decreased production and release. From regulating your bodily functions to influencing your emotions, hormones are the key to how you feel and function.

With over 50 hormones identified in humans, hormones are one of the most critical entities that shape your lives. Your pituitary gland triggers your thyroid to release hormones that affect your body, including weight gain.

Hormones play a crucial role in human existence, and maintaining the balance of hormones is vital for good health. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into your bloodstream and minor changes in levels can have significant effects. Some glands also have non-endocrine regions with other functions, such as the pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes as well as hormones. Overall, your endocrine system is a fascinating and essential part of your existence.

Common Culprits for Hormone Imbalances

Managing your weight is crucial to living a healthier life. Hormones levels can be identified using simple in-home test kits. Discussed below are common culprits for imbalances, such as:

Estrogen: In some cases, estrogen hormone therapy may help by increasing a woman’s resting metabolic rate and slowing unwanted weight gain. Balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management are all key for supporting healthy living.

Progesterone: Testosterone hormone is most often associated with male sexual functions and progesterone, which is primary produced in the ovaries, is recognized for its vital role in female reproduction. However, both are present in men and women but play very different roles.

Testosterone: Proper nutrition and exercise, in combination with testosterone balance, play a vital role in men's health and can impact the risk of developing chronic medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Insulin: Prediabetes and insulin resistance often precede Type 2 diabetes, characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels due to reduced sensitivity to insulin. Weight gain is a common concern for those taking insulin.

Cortisol: Cortisol increases appetite, insulin resistance, and fat storage to cope with stress, resulting in a saggy abdomen known as adrenal belly. Left unattended, the accumulation of fat in the abdomen can contribute to obesity and lead to unwanted health issues.

Thyroid Hormone: Weight gain and obesity are common in individuals with hypothyroidism, even in mild cases. Many people with this condition report a puffy face and excess weight around the stomach or other areas. Although medication can normalize hormones, it won't reverse weight gain.

Sugar is closely linked to estrogen, a hormone that has many important functions in the body. Too much intake can lead to increased estrogen levels, which is not beneficial. It also leads to changes in adipocytes, which are the fat-storing cells. Adipocytes release more leptin when exposed to catecholamines, that are increased by physical activity.

While we like to believe we're in complete control of our bodies and minds, it's important to remember that hormones play a significant role in our well-being. Understanding hormones like testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, human growth hormone, serotonin, and melatonin is essential for taking care of our physical and emotional health.