Have you heard more and more about hormones recently? That’s because hormone replacement is becoming a popular treatment for hormone imbalances. Hormones play an integral part in our bodies. When they aren’t in balance, you may notice signs of change in your health or appearance. An imbalance may lead to serious health complications, depending on its severity.
The five primary hormones are testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, insulin, and cortisol. What you need to know about each of these is included below:
Testosterone
Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a vital role in the testicles and the prostate. It also supports increased muscle and bone mass. Testosterone is most known in women and men for its role in sex drive.
High testosterone levels can result in acne, enlarged breasts, and an elevated risk of prostate cancer. Low testosterone levels can cause erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, and muscle and bone mass loss.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the female ovaries and the male testes. Many people associate estrogen with women. But estrogen is vital to both men and women.
An estrogen imbalance in the body can cause symptoms like irregular periods, mood changes, weight gain, and hot flashes.
The hormone is vital for a woman’s reproductive health. Estrogen controls her menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the rest of her reproductive health. Excessive estrogen in women can cause endometriosis, fibroids, and an increased risk of breast cancer. Decreased estrogen in women can cause various symptoms, such as mood changes, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, and diminished libido.
An estrogen imbalance can cause diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility in men.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which control body temperature, energy levels, and metabolism. The two main thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Both men and women may experience symptoms when their thyroid is out of balance, such as hair loss, weakened muscles, and trouble focusing.
Weight loss, an elevated heart rate, and anxiety can all be symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) in males. Conversely, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in weight gain, fatigue, and depression in men.
An underactive thyroid can cause heavy periods and infertility in women, whereas an overactive thyroid can affect fertility and bring about irregular periods.
Insulin
Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that controls blood sugar levels by helping the body use and store glucose (sugar) in food. An insulin imbalance can lead to many health issues in men and women.
An insulin imbalance in males can result in lower testosterone levels. These levels result in decreased muscular mass, lower libido, and erectile dysfunction.
An insulin imbalance in women can cause polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which causes irregular menstrual periods and acne.
Both men and women with an insulin imbalance are at increased risk of developing obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes. Many people with this imbalance are unaware that they have prediabetes. It is usually a matter of time before they develop full-blown diabetes.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland responsible for the body’s stress response. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and the immune response. A cortisol imbalance can cause various symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and depression. High cortisol levels can also contribute to diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
A cortisol imbalance in men can result in diminished libido, muscle weakness, and decreased bone density. A woman’s cortisol imbalance can result in irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and trouble losing weight.
Although stress-induced cortisol can be beneficial to our fight-or-flight response and the need for sudden critical thinking, chronic stress wreaks havoc on our bodies by producing too much cortisol.
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No need to allow a hormone imbalance to rule your life any longer. Make an appointment with Revitalize Health Solutions now and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Our skilled team of professionals will develop a customized treatment plan to meet your needs. Call today to schedule a consultation and regain control of your health.
