Women and hormones
Hormones play tricks on the women body and can affect them both mentally and physically. There are different types of female hormone affecting the way their bodies respond to stimulate.
1) Estrogen
Estrogen is one of the key women sex hormones. In women, estrogen is produced in the ovaries and is responsible for functions like breast functioning, ovulation, menstruation, and increasing bone and cartilage density.
Increase estrogen level in women can increase the risk of certain cancers and can be linked to symptoms like depression, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, headaches, low sex drive, anxiety, and menstrual problems.
Decrease of estrogen leads to weakened bones (osteoporosis), menstrual problems, fertility issues, and mood disorders. While estrogen levels naturally decrease with age until menopause, some conditions may cause low estrogen in women who are not yet perimenopausal.
2) Progesterone
The hormone associated with the female reproductive system is progesterone. Progesterone plays a key part in the menstrual cycle. It helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and is an important factor in the early stages of pregnancy. Decrease in progesterone levels can cause heavy and irregular menstrual periods and fertility problems. If progesterone levels drop during pregnancy, it can cause premature labor or miscarriage. Having too much progesterone may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
3) Testosterone
It is the principal androgens present in the body. Women produce testosterone and other androgens in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. This hormone contributes to sex drive, fat distribution, muscle strength, bone mass and red blood cell production in both men and women.
Women who have too much testosterone may have thinning hair on their heads, excess body hair, facial hair, acne, more body fat, low libido, and smaller breasts. Having high testosterone can also cause irregular periods and contribute to fertility problems.
4) Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It has many functions, but its main responsibility is converting glucose (sugar) in the things we eat into a form the body can use for energy. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar and the body cannot produce or process insulin correctly, it can result in insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes.
5) Cortisol
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. It has many responsibilities that keep you healthy and energetic. Cortisol is responsible for regulating metabolism, regulating blood pressure.
Cortisol is sometimes called a stress hormone because the body secretes higher levels of cortisol as a reaction to stress. Having too much cortisol for extended periods can cause hypertension, anxiety, sleep loss, and autoimmune problems. Too little cortisol is associated with low blood pressure, weakness, and fatigue.
6) Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a type of hormone produced by the pituitary gland. As the name implies, HGH is mostly associated with growth and development. It stimulates cell growth, cell regeneration, and cell reproduction in children. It also helps boost metabolism.
7) Adrenaline
Adrenaline produced in the adrenal glands and within some cells of the central nervous system. Adrenaline’s major function is to prepare the body for its “fight or flight” response and allows for quick decision making in dangerous or stressful situations. Having too much adrenaline for extended periods can lead to high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, heart palpitations, irritability, and dizziness.
8) Thyroid Hormones
These hormones are produced in the thyroid gland. They perform a variety of crucial tasks in the body. One of the thyroid hormones biggest responsibilities is regulating metabolism. An imbalance of thyroid hormones can be linked to a serious health conditions.
How to regulate Hormone naturally?
- Eat adequate protein at every meal
- Regular exercise
- Maintain decent weight
- Take care of your gut health
- Check on the sugar intake
- Stress reduction techniques
- Consumption of healthy fats
- Get 7-8 hours of adequate sleep
- Intake of high fiber diet
- Following a Mediterranean diet regulates estrogen hormone