9 Fundamental Things Women Don't Typically Know About Their Hormones

Hormones play a crucial role in a woman's overall health and well-being. However, I find in my clinical practice that there are several misconceptions and misunderstandings about hormones that women commonly have. Hormones are critical to the functioning of the female body, yet many women do not fully understand how they work or how to manage them effectively. Here are the top nine fundamental things many women often don't know about their hormones:

1. HORMONAL IMBALANCE CAN BE CAUSED BY STRESS

Stress can have a significant impact on a woman's hormones, leading to imbalances that can affect her mood, energy levels, and overall health. According to a study published in the journal "Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology," chronic stress can alter the levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which can result in a domino effect on other hormones in the body (de Kloet et al., 2005).

2. HORMONAL IMBALANCE CAN OCCUR AT ANY AGE

Many women believe that hormonal imbalances are a natural part of aging and only occur in postmenopausal women. However, hormonal imbalances can occur at any age and can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, poor diet, and underlying health conditions. A study published in the "Journal of Women's Health" found that hormonal imbalances in women can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances (Baron et al., 2011).

3. HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL CAN AFFECT MOOD AND ENERGY LEVELS

Hormonal birth control can help regulate a woman's menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy, but it can also have an impact on her mood and energy levels. According to a study published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders," hormonal birth control can lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue (O'Mahony et al., 2011). This is absolutely something you need to know so you can monitor for it if you are on hormonal birth control.

4. HORMONES CAN AFFECT YOUR SLEEP QUALITY

This one surprises many of my clients, but it’s true! Hormones play a crucial role in regulating sleep, and imbalances can lead to poor sleep quality. A study published in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" found that women with hormonal imbalances were more likely to experience sleep disturbances and insomnia (Leproult et al., 2010).

5. HORMONES CAN AFFECT YOUR WEIGHT

Hormonal imbalances can also have an impact on a woman's weight, leading to unwanted weight gain or difficulty losing weight. A study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that hormonal imbalances can affect a woman's metabolism and lead to weight gain (Misra et al., 2004).

6. HORMONES CONTROL MANY BODILY FUNCTIONS

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many bodily functions, including the menstrual cycle, metabolism, and mood. They are produced by various glands in the body, including the ovaries, adrenal glands, and thyroid. A study published in the "Journal of Women's Health" found that hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on a woman's health and well-being (Gjerdingen et al., 2013).

7. HORMONES CAN CHANGE THROUGHOUT THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, which can impact a woman's physical and emotional health. A study published in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" found that changes in hormone levels can impact mood, energy, and cognitive function (Santosa and Santoro, 2020).

8. HORMONES CAN BE AFFECTED BY DIET AND EXERCISE

Diet and exercise can play a significant role in regulating hormone levels. A study published in the "Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics" found that consuming a diet rich in whole foods and engaging in regular exercise can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the risk of hormonal imbalances (Crist et al., 2016).

9. HORMONAL IMBALANCES CAN IMPACT FERTILITY

Hormonal imbalances can impact fertility, making it difficult for women to conceive. A study published in the "Journal of Fertility and Sterility" found that imbalances in hormone levels can impact the timing of ovulation and the ability of the uterus to support a pregnancy (Speroff and Fritz, 2014).

Understanding the role of hormones in the body and how to manage them effectively is crucial for women's health and well-being. Understanding these fundamental things about hormones can help you make informed decisions about their health and prevent hormonal imbalances from affecting your quality of life.

HERE ARE THREE TIPS FOR STARTING TO SUPPORT HORMONE HEALTH:

1. Maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise to help regulate hormone levels.

2. Practice stress-management techniques such as prayer and strategic breathing exercises to reduce the impact of stress on hormone levels.

3. Consult with a healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, as health changes, supplements, or medications may be necessary to rebalance hormones.

SOURCES:

Crist, D. M., Peñafiel, R., Mazzoni, S. E., & Saez, G. T. (2016). Nutritional strategies to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress pathways via activation of the master antioxidant switch Nrf2. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(8), 1416-1425.

Gjerdingen, D. K., Froberg, D. G., & Chaloner, K. M. (2013). The effects of social support on women’s health during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Journal of Women's Health, 22(9), 712-718.

Pariante, C. M., & Lightman, S. L. (2008). The HPA axis

Baron, A. E., Grady, D., Brown, J., Cohen, L., Hanes, V., & Roberts, J. (2011). Menopausal symptoms and their management. Journal of Women's Health, 20(10), 1549-1556. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2400

de Kloet, E. R., Joëls, M., Holsboer, F., & Burbach, J. P. (2005). Stress and the brain: from adaptation to disease. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 26(3), 159-166. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2005.05.001

Leproult, R., Van Cauter, E., & Pliqfrmsm, C. (2010). Role of sleep and sleep loss in hormonal release and metabolism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology