Hormones Can Play a Major Role in the Bedroom

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Hormones play a vital role in coordinating different functions within your body. Acting as chemical messengers, they transmit messages through the bloodstream to various organs, skin, muscles, and tissues, dictating what actions should be taken.

Understanding the mechanics of hormonal production and release can be important to making healthy lifestyle changes as your body ages. It operates through a negative feedback system.

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. Chemically, hormones can be classified as proteins or steroids. Most hormones in the human body, excluding sex hormones and those from the adrenal cortex, are proteins or protein derivatives.

Chemical Messengers Only Impact Receptor Cells

During your mid-twenties, hormonal decline gradually starts to affect your body and typically becomes a natural part of aging. So anytime you’re feeling off your game, it may be time to do simple hormone testing. Discussed below are common culprits, such as:

Estrogen: Estrogen affects where fat is distributed in a woman’s body, with the typical pattern being in the breasts, buttocks, and thighs. During reproductive years, extra fat is stored in these areas to fuel future lactation.

Progesterone: Progesterone hormone is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation in your body and brain. In turn, it supports the release of the satiety hormone leptin making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

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: Uncontrolled glucose levels in the blood can be damaging to cells. Insulin released by the pancreas helps decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by either insufficient insulin production or cell resistance.

Cortisol: Hormone balance is essential. Having too much cortisol for extended periods can cause hypertension, anxiety, sleep issues, and autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, low levels can lead to low blood pressure, weakness, and fatigue.

Thyroid Hormone: By ensuring your thyroid has what it needs and adopting healthy lifestyle choices, you can regain control of your body. Taking the appropriate thyroid medication can also help, but it's important to note that it won't automatically reverse weight gain. It may take time.

Your hormones have a huge impact on how you feel both mentally and physically. Certain hormones play a key role in your body functions and can affect our health in various ways. At MRC, we understand that balanced hormones are essential for overall health and wellness. So living healthy begins with restoring crucial balance your body needs.

Increasing your physical activity, getting adequate sleep, managing stress levels more effectively, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are also ways to decrease and prevent hormonal weight gain. Plus, all support healthy living through improved health and wellness. Visit MRC to learn more about our hormone test kit.