Hormonal Systems Can Malfunction

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Hormones regulate crucial bodily processes such as growth, development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and mood. Chemical messengers originate in specific glands.

It's important to note that hormones solely target receptor cells that initiate the intended response. Produced by various glands, once they are released into the bloodstream, hormones regulate and influence your organs and tissues to modify both bodily functions and your emotions.

The endocrine system consists of ductless glands that release chemical messengers into your bloodstream to regulate various body functions. However, sometimes these hormonal systems can malfunction leading to an imbalance and your body's response. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, located in the brain, act as a link between your nervous system and the endocrine system to maintain balance in the body through a process known as homeostasis.

Key Hormones Are Responsible for Balance

Ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants supports hormone production and facilitates weight loss. Listed below key hormones, including:

Estrogen: When there's too little or too much estrogen, weight gain often follows. Overweight women and those in early pregnancy usually have high levels of estrogen, which can lead to insulin resistance and subsequent weight gain. When their bodies produce less estrogen, it can also lead to unwanted weight gain.

Progesterone: Progesterone is a steroid hormone that the female body secretes through a temporary gland called the corpus luteum. This gland forms after ovulation in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Balanced levels make it easier to maintain a healthy weight and increases energy levels.

Testosterone: Low testosterone in men can lead to a decrease in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, and breast tissue swelling. On the other hand, excessive testosterone in men can cause irritability, aggression, and outbreaks of acne.

Insulin: Insulin is released by the pancreas and helps convert the glucose in the foods you consume into energy for your body. Understanding the effects of insulin is beneficial. Your liver is primarily affected by two opposing hormones, insulin and glucagon, that regulate your blood sugar.

Cortisol: Cortisol is essential for your body's natural alert system. Although it can be helpful in times of immediate danger, high levels of cortisol over the long-term can lead to anxiety, weight gain, migraines, irritability, brain fog, and sleep disturbances.

Thyroid Hormone: If you are tired, unmotivated, and struggling with weight gain, your thyroid hormones may be to blame. Thyroxin, a hormone produced in the thyroid gland, plays a crucial role in your body's development, metabolism, and energy levels.

Excess estrogen can throw other hormones off balance, worsening symptoms. Not surprisingly, the results of a recent study estimated women with PMS eat 275% more refined sugar than those without PMS. So, it’s important to limit processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats to maintain hormone health.

If hormonal weight gain is left untreated, it can lead to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, infertility, mood disturbances, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, asthma, cancer, and even obesity. Any of these can shorten your lifespan. Visit MRC to learn more about our plans for healthy living.