Hormonal balance
You can say that the hormones should either stimulate or slow down various processes - based on the needs of the cell. Your hormone production is affected by what you eat and how much you exercise, but it is also affected by your mental health.
12 important hormones in your body
Adrenaline
Adrenaline is a stress hormone – one of the body's most powerful. It kicks in when the body senses danger and helps you flee or fight back. Adrenaline and norepinephrine together increase the breakdown of fat, and this is what the cells then use for rapid energy production when required.
When adrenaline hits, your airways widen at the same time as your blood pressure rises and you become less sensitive to pain.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is important to your nervous system and muscles and that makes you feel happy. In addition to happiness, this hormone also regulates motor skills, alertness, attention and motivation, among other things. This hormone is strongly linked to your reward system and if you have normal levels of dopamine you should feel calm, happy and motivated. Low levels, on the other hand, can make you feel the opposite.
Endorphin
You've probably heard that you can get an endorphin rush. Often in connection with training or other physical activity. Endorphin levels are also increased by sex and love. When you have high endorphin levels, you often have a feeling of high energy, physical well-being and happiness. High endorphin levels reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, lower blood pressure and counteract depression.
Insulin
Insulin is blood sugar regulator and ensures that the sugar that ends up in your blood when you have eaten is released into the cells and can thus be used in energy production and fat storage. You probably know that people with type 1 diabetes have almost no insulin production, while people with type 2 diabetes have reduced production. This is why people with diabetes must inject insulin when they eat.
Cortisol
The hormone cortisol is the body's rescue when energy levels in the body are low. As in case of starvation, low blood sugar or prolonged physical exertion. Temporary stress, fight, flight, poor sleep and low blood pressure are other factors that cause the body to secrete cortisol.
Cortisol releases energy by catalyzing the conversion of fat and protein into glucose, this means you get higher blood sugar and thus quick energy. Worth knowing, however, is that long-term chronic stress where you have constantly elevated cortisol levels is not healthy. It can lead to impaired memory, poorer ability to concentrate, reduced immune system, excess weight around the waist and reduced sex drive, among other things.
Melatonin
Melatonin is often called the sleep hormone because it regulates sleep. You have higher melatonin levels at night which then signals to your body that it is time to rest. Did you know that daylight affects your melatonin production? Being outside in daylight during the day can therefore make you sleep better at night.
Oxytocin
This is a calming hormone that is released when touched. The hormone gives you a sense of community, nurturing and maternal feelings. It can also increase sex drive, reduce aggression, reduce anxiety and probably also reduce stress.
Progesterone
Progesterone is needed for a woman's uterus to receive a fertilized egg, and for the fetus to remain in the uterus during pregnancy. The hormone also acts as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone.
Serotonin
Serotonin is, just like dopamine, a "feel-good hormone". Serotonin makes you calm and feels joy and meaning. About 90% of your body's serotonin is made in the gastrointestinal tract. It is known that a lack of serotonin can contribute to depression.
Testosterone
The classic male hormone. But did you know that women also have testosterone? This hormone is important for both men and women in terms of sex drive, muscle function and skeleton, but it is more dominant in men.
TSH
This abbreviation stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone and is important for the functions of the thyroid gland. TSH stimulates the production of the two thyroid hormones T4 and T3 and is heavily involved in your body's metabolism.
Estrogen
The classic female hormone. But men also have estrogen, albeit in significantly lower levels. It is this hormone that ensures that the woman's menstrual cycle works normally. It also plays a significant role for the skeleton and for the central nervous system.
The importance of hormone balance
Because hormones are involved in so many of the body's functions, hormone balance is important for you to maintain good health. When your hormones are in the right balance, your body can handle stress, regulate metabolism, support your immune system and other things it needs to function and keep you feeling well.
Hormones out of balance can be a major detriment to your health and result in symptoms such as weight gain, sleep disorders, skin problems and mood swings.
Maintain your hormone balance
To maintain your hormonal balance, it is good to eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, stress less and get enough sleep. There are also aids in the form of dietary supplements that you can take to help maintain your hormonal balance.
Hormonal imbalance can affect us in different ways. There are various symptoms and signs that may indicate that the hormones are not in balance. Some symptoms are the same for both men and women, while others differ.
Some symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men:
- Decreased libido and sexual function can be due to low levels of testosterone.
- Decreased muscle mass and strength can also be due to low levels of testosterone.
Some symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women:
- Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign of hormonal imbalance.
- Hot flashes and night sweats are common during menopause when estrogen levels decrease. But can also be signs of hormonal imbalance in women who are not in menopause.
Some symptoms of hormonal imbalance in both men and women:
- Fatigue and lack of energy may be due to low hormone levels.
- Weight gain (often around the stomach) can be due to hormonal imbalance that affects the metabolism.
- Mood swings and irritability can be due to hormonal imbalance.
- Sleep problems can have their basis in hormonal imbalance.
Remember that symptoms can be caused by other things, such as various medical conditions and always talk to your doctor first to get a proper diagnosis.
How to go about restoring your hormone balance varies depending on what is causing your hormones to be out of balance. It is important to understand that hormonal imbalance can be complex and that you may need to talk to a doctor.
Here are three things to consider:
1. Talk to a doctor . If you suspect that your hormone balance is not as it should be, you should talk to a doctor who can run tests to clarify your condition.
2. Review your lifestyle . Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising regularly can have a positive impact on your hormone balance. Also avoid stress which can have a negative impact on your hormones.
3. Dietary supplements and vitamins. There are supplements and vitamins that can help you support hormone balance. For example, zinc can play a significant role in testosterone production.
Hormonal imbalance can have various causes and can also be the result of a combination of factors. Hormones are complex and an imbalance can affect different hormones in the body.
For example, hormone levels in the body change as we age. In men, the production of testosterone gradually decreases with age, and for women menopause can mean significant hormonal changes.
Even stress, weight gain and lack of sleep can disrupt your hormonal functions. Just like poor diet, lack of exercise and unhealthy habits. Some hormonal imbalances are hereditary and some have thyroid problems and get imbalanced because of this.
For hormonal balance, it is good to eat a balanced and nutritious diet. For example, healthy fats, protein, fiber and antioxidants. Also make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals.
Avoid large amounts of alcohol and caffeine, make sure to drink as much water as you need and keep your diet varied.
