Hormone Imbalances 101: A New Series
By now, I’m sure you’ve heard the term “hormone imbalance” all over social media, from friends and family members, and functional medicine practitioners…
but should you be concerned with it?
Considering 4 out of 5 women in the United States are suffering from hormonal imbalances, I would say… you probably should.
This new series we will be releasing weekly is going to teach you about the most common hormone imbalances and how to identify associated symptoms so you can make the first step towards feeling alive again.
Now more than ever, it seems like women are suffering from symptoms like:
Unexplained weight gain
Hair loss & acne
Irregular or incredibly painful periods
Low sex drive
Hot flashes
and getting diagnosed with:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism
Infertility
Early onset of Menopause
The list goes on and on and on… and well, traditional western medicine doesn’t seem to care.
Here’s the sequence of events I hear far too often from clients who come into our practice —
Years and years spent going to doctors, getting all of the right referrals… only to hear something along the lines of
“Here’s a birth control pill”
“You should cut out carbs and eat lower calorie, your weight gain is the source of your problems”
“You need to exercise more”
and the worst one I’ve personally heard … “these are normal to experience as a woman” despite having an undiagnosed autoimmune disease that accounted for so. many. of my symptoms.
Don’t get me wrong, doctors can be such a great resource in times of crisis and even managing some chronic conditions. But their focus far too often misses the mark on genuinely caring about improving women’s quality of life. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves on our bodies, whether that be through our own research or working with an experienced, educated coach to navigate these symptoms.
So let’s dive in to the world of hormones — what are they & how do they affect us?
Keeping things simple, hormones are chemicals produced by the endocrine system and are transported through the bloodstream to different parts of the body, where they act as messengers. These include stress hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, among others, each conveying specific messages essential for the body's proper functioning.
A well-regulated hormonal system is crucial, as imbalances can lead to symptoms like we discussed above.
What are the functions of hormones?
Imagine you're at a table full of food, tempted to eat everything, but knowing you shouldn't. What stops you from overeating? The answer is hormones. For example, ghrelin is a digestive hormone that regulates appetite.
Hormones manage numerous bodily functions. The endocrine system, which includes various organs and glands, is responsible for hormone production and secretion. These hormones travel through the bloodstream to different organs and tissues, controlling processes like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, sleep, inflammation, metabolism, and growth. Hormones are produced in several places, including the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas, and ovaries.
Women experience hormonal cycles that influence not only menstruation, but also related functions like sex drive and reproduction. Hormonal levels in one system can impact others, which we’ll explore later in this series when discussing signs of specific hormonal imbalances.
What are common signs of a hormone imbalance?
For optimal function, hormones need to be precisely balanced. An imbalance in one hormone can affect the entire system.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include:
Acne and/or oily skin
Changes in sex drive
Changes in appetite
Fatigue
Headaches, including migraines
Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
Infertility
Inflammation
Menstrual changes
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
Pain or swelling in joints
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Stress
Weight loss or gain
Persistent, even cyclical, occurrences of any of these symptoms suggest a need for a deeper look into what’s going on.
The bottom line
Hormones produced by the endocrine system are integral to overall health, influencing stress, mood, reproduction, digestion, bone health, and general well-being. Maintaining balanced hormonal levels is crucial, primarily achievable through healthy lifestyle and dietary choices. Natural supplements may also aid in hormonal health, under the guidance of a functional nutrition practitioner or healthcare provider.
So remember, these symptoms that you are experiencing are NOT normal and it doesn’t make you rude or pushy to advocate for yourself. Coach Maddie talked about how you can advocate for yourself here. Think of it this way, the second a man walks into his doctor’s office and complains he can’t get it up… he’s getting tested & treated ASAP. Women deserve the same attention and it’s time for us to demand better.
Feel free to follow us over on Instagram where we like to share not just educational information, but success stories of women who have worked with our practice & are able to live their lives in a way that feels GOOD again.
See ya next week, we’re diving straight into the world of Estrogen Dominance and how that can wreak havoc on our bodies as women.
xx,
Ashley Trawick | Owner & Head Coach
Let’s Connect on Instagram - click here
Interested in working with one of our coaches? Apply here!
