Imbalances Can Change Your Body Temp

---

As women and men age, hormone levels fluctuate, 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 major role in hunger signals and energy usage.

Hormonal changes alone are not always the sole cause. The hormone-receptor system controls specific processes in your cells, tissues, and organs. They control the development of your brain and nervous system, the growth and function of your reproductive system, your metabolism and blood sugar levels.

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 that can be caused by hormonal imbalances.

Testosterone Hormone Impacts Men and Women

Hormonal imbalances can result from a lack of testosterone in men or an estrogen imbalance in women, which can contribute to abnormal metabolism and the accumulation of body fat. Discussed below are common culprits, including:

Testosterone: Maintaining levels of testosterone is vital for having a healthy body and better sex drive. Low testosterone in men can lead to a low libido, reduced sperm count, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, and breast tissue swelling.

Progesterone: Testosterone is often referred to as the male hormone, and progesterone is often referred to as the female hormone. Nonetheless, each play important roles in both men and women.

Estrogen: Having too little estrogen hormone production and release can also cause problems. In women, it can lead to weakened bones, menstrual issues, fertility problems, and mood disorders. Women often experience hot flashes, sleep problems, and a decreased sex drive.

Insulin: Insulin allows organs, the liver, and fat to absorb glucose. But, it is important to remember that different hormones can influence each other. The release of cortisol (stress hormone) triggers the release of insulin (fat-storage hormone), highlighting the importance of maintaining good hormonal balance.

Cortisol: Cortisol is your body's natural alert system but having too much cortisol for extended periods can cause hypertension, anxiety, sleep loss, and autoimmune problems. Conversely, too little cortisol is associated with low blood pressure, weakness, and fatigue.

Thyroid Hormone: Thyroid imbalance can wreak havoc on weight control and leave you feeling fatigued. It can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to regain control of your body and support your thyroid health. A better diet, exercising more, and other healthy lifestyle changes can help.

Elevated estrogen can throw a broad range of hormones out of balance, worsening symptoms of hormonal weight gain. While there's no evidence that specific foods can directly boost leptin, the hormone that regulates appetite, having a poor diet or carrying excess weight can make leptin less effective, which can lead to leptin resistance.

Exercise can increase leptin levels (the hormone that boost satiety) by boosting sympathetic nerve activity and improving insulin sensitivity and releases more leptin when exposed to catecholamines that are also released during physical activity. It can be empowering to know that you have control over your body and mind by eliminating excessive sugar intake. Visit MRC online for more about our easy-to-use Hormone Test Kit.