For many of us, the majority of our day is spent sitting still which is why it is increasingly important to get up, stretch, and move your body. Here’s a statistic for you: According to HHS.gov, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week.
But wait. I thought that this was Gershon Preventative Medicine and we were supposed to be discussing hormones? Well, we actually are.
If you are a runner or you know someone who is, you may be familiar with the euphoric feeling that can occur while exercising due to an increase in dopamine levels. Runners refer to this euphoria as a “runners high.” It is created by the release of a hormone known as dopamine that is known to decrease stress and depression, as well as improve blood flow and act as a blood pressure support. Pretty great sounding benefits, huh? And all you have to do is run.
Additionally, just like dopamine, serotonin levels can also be increased with regular exercise. Serotonin mood stabilizing and feel-good hormone. This hormone has also been reported as aiding in insomnia and sleep apnea. Here’s another statistic: About 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia each year (Science Daily). Isn’t it probable that the same 25% of the population may be a part of the percentage of people that don’t regularly exercise? A whopping 95%!
It’s starting to come together…
Aside from the obvious effects such as building muscle and burning fat that comes with physical activity, there are other effects that the body experiences due to testosterone and estrogen.
Both men and women experience a decrease in testosterone and estrogen as they age. For men, muscle mass can be impacted, as well as sex drive and sperm count. Fortunately, exercise can help with boosting those low levels of testosterone, too! Not a bad reason to get in a quick jog, right?
An imbalance of estrogen and menopausal symptoms affect women which can be very difficult on the body. But guess what? Physical activity can also help the ladies to bounce back! As long as you are physically capable to perform the exercises safely and you receive the go-ahead from your doctor, there is no reason why you can’t get a few workouts in during your week. And if motivation is something that you struggle with, try getting a workout buddy or joining a motivational group that can encourage and push you to go the limit.
So, don’t wait! Let’s get up, get moving, and get those hormone levels back up! And if you would like some help or guidance beyond diet, exercise, and proper sleep, we are more than happy to help. Just reach out and speak to a hormone expert today!
How To Get Started
When considering HRT, it is important to locate a provider who prescribes bioidentical hormones. You will want someone who specializes in the treatment and not someone who just dabbles. HRT can produce long-lasting benefits but must be carefully planned and monitored which is why you should only invest in a provider who is equally (if not more so) invested in you.
Here at Revitalize, we’re here to help. Our mission is to help you Live Your Best Life through our evidence based, custom tailored Bio-identical Hormone Optimization Therapy. Contact us today to speak to an expert about how hormones could radically improve your quality of life.
