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As this generation suffers from stress, depression and unhealthy diet leads to Hormonal imbalance. The first question that pops up in mind is “what are hormones? why are they so important?"
Hormones are the chemical molecules that act as messengers. They are responsible for maintaining the homeostasis condition (normal body functioning) of the body. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to reach the particular organ and help them function. They work slowly, overtime and affect different processes like growth and development and metabolism. hormones are secreted and released through the endocrine system. to know more about hormones check our Endocrine system.
Why are hormones important for the body?
Hormones are vital since they regulate the body processes like hunger, sexual desires, maintaining blood-glucose level and for growth. They are essential for reproduction. In short, hormones are very important and most essential for each system in the body. Without hormones our body may not last more than a minute.
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Functions of Hormones:
Body temperature
Heart rate
Metabolism and appetite
General growth and development
Reproductive cycles and sexual function
Sleep cycles
Mood and stress levels
What is hormonal imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance is a condition where the hormones are not properly functioning or are not being secreted in the essential amount which leads to several health complications in the short and long term.
You may suffer from various symptoms, it is totally dependent on a particular hormone. For example, if you have thyroid disorder then the thyroid hormone isn't functioning properly.
Symptoms:
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You may experience symptoms like:
Irregular periods , heavy painful periods, PCOD, PCOS : Fluctuations in estrogen can lead to abdominal pain, low back pain, frequent urination, constipation, painful sex, and heavy bleeding during periods. [1]
Mood swings: Due to estrogen fluctuations the serotonin ( which is responsible for good mood, happiness) gets affected which causes severe mood swings, depression etc.
low sex drive - A decrease in estrogen and testosterone levels at the beginning, during and after menopause can result in decreased libido, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings and sweating.
Infertility: High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), menopause, and PCOS can make it difficult for a woman to conceive. [1]
Insomnia: Both estrogen and progesterone regulate sleep cycles, so falling levels of these hormones can cause low-quality sleep, and hence fatigue, lack of energy, and mood swings.
Bone weakness: Falling ranges of estrogen and testosterone at some stage in perimenopause or menopause can cause bone loss main to brittle or porous bones (osteoporosis). [1]
Weight gain/loss: Due to PCOD and PCOS abnormal sudden weight gain/ loss may happen.
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Sweating
Constipation
Increased and decreased in heart rate
Frequent urination
Increases thirst and hunger
Dry skin, stretch marks, acne
Vaginal dryness
Headache
Hair fall
Causes:
Types of hormonal imbalances:
Cortisol hormone imbalance: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood sugar, metabolism, inflammation and memory formation. Cortisol, most commonly called the "stress hormone," is released during times of stress and crisis, temporarily shutting down the digestive and reproductive systems. [2]
Estrogen imbalance: Estrogen is one of the most important sex hormones for women. Men also have estrogen, but they excrete less and they do not have the same experience as women. In women, estrogen is the cause of physical changes that occur during puberty, regulating the menstrual cycle, and supporting the bones, heart, and mood during pregnancy. In both men and women, estrogen helps regulate cholesterol levels and bone health. [2]
Insulin imbalance: Insulin is The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas and allows muscles, fats and the liver to absorb glucose, also known as blood sugar, and break down fats and proteins and regulate metabolism. [2] The unbalancing leads to high blood-glucose levels, hyperkalemia.
Progesterone imbalance: The hormone progesterone is often thought to be found only in women, but men also have progesterone. For women, progesterone is important during menstruation and supports the early stages of pregnancy. For men, progesterone helps support fertility and balances the effects of estrogen on the body.[2]
Treatment:
Medications: There are several methods by which you can treat imbalance of hormones. If you have any above symptoms frequently please visit your physician and get proper prescribed medicines.
Supplements: There are many supplements available in the market to increase the hormone levels in the body. Please consult with your physician before taking any.
Natural ways / remedies: There are several ways through which you can control, maintain and balance your hormones. It includes yoga practices, regular exercise, healthy diet plan and lifestyle changes
Maintaining a moderate body weight
Eating a nutritious and balanced diet
Exercising regularly
Practicing good personal hygiene, focusing on washing areas with a lot of natural oils, such as the face, neck, back, and chest
Using OTC acne washes, rinses, and medicated creams or gels for minor to moderate acne
Avoiding triggers that cause hot flashes, such as warm weather and spicy, rich, or hot foods and drinks
Reducing and managing stress
Practicing yoga, meditation, or guided visualization
Limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates
Avoiding packaged foods
Replacing older non-stick pans with ceramic pans
Using glass containers to store and heat foods and drinks
Restricting the use of cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals, such as bleach
Buying fruits and vegetables free from pesticides or ripening chemicals
Avoiding microwaving foods and drinks in plastic containers [4]
Avoid overeating [3]
Drink green tea [3]
Include fatty fish in the diet [3]
Get consistency, high quality sleep
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