The Role of Hormones in Health
Hormones are chemical messengers that play a pivotal role in regulating nearly every aspect of health, from metabolism and energy balance to mood and reproduction.
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Insulin, for example, regulates blood sugar levels and ensures cells receive the energy they need; its dysfunction is a hallmark of conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
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Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," influences the body's response to stress but, when chronically elevated, can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, immune suppression, and even cardiovascular disease.
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Reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are essential for sexual health, but imbalances can lead to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, or mood disorders.
These hormones are interconnected with other systems, influencing or being influenced by gut health, sleep quality, and even mental health. Understanding and managing hormone balance is therefore critical in addressing a wide range of health conditions, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and integrative approach.
Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can present in a variety of ways, often depending on which hormone is affected.
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Insulin: Signs of imbalance include persistent thirst, fatigue, sugar cravings, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), or darkened skin patches. Insulin resistance may also make weight loss difficult despite healthy habits.
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Cortisol: High cortisol (linked to chronic stress) can cause weight gain, especially in the face and midsection, anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Low cortisol may lead to extreme fatigue, dizziness, salt cravings, and mood changes.
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Reproductive: For women, estrogen or progesterone imbalances may result in irregular periods, PMS symptoms, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness. Testosterone imbalances can cause symptoms like acne, excess facial or body hair, or low libido in both men and women.
If you notice symptoms like these that disrupt your daily life, functional tests (such as urine or saliva tests) can help identify and address the root causes.
