Hormones are chemicals that affect and coordinate hundreds of different processes in the body, from metabolism and mood to reproductive health. These substances, produced by glands in the endocrine system, travel through the bloodstream to target tissues and organs, orchestrating vital processes to maintain homeostasis. Scroll down to explore how hormones affect the body in more detail. We’ll also dig into symptoms that indicate your hormones may be out of balance.
How Hormones Affect the Body and Its Systems
More than 50 hormones are present in the body and influence a wide array of physiological and psychological functions.
Metabolism and Energy Production
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) control metabolic rate, i.e., the speed at which the body converts food into energy. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels, ensuring cells receive energy from glucose.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence sexual development, reproductive cycles, and libido. These hormones also play critical roles in pregnancy and menopause.
Stress Response
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is produced by our adrenal glands during medical, physiological, or psychological stress. Cortisol helps regulate blood pressure, sleep-wake cycles, blood sugar, and how the body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Maintaining Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the balance needed for the body to survive and function properly. In homeostasis, levels of acid, blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, energy, oxygen, proteins, temperature, and hormones continuously adjust, responding to internal and external changes to stay in balance. Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, helping to regulate critical bodily processes like blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, and body temperature.
What Happens When Hormones Are Imbalanced?
A hormonal imbalance means you have too much or too little of one or more hormones. Having even a little too much or too little of some hormones can cause significant changes to your health.
Hormonal imbalances can be temporary or chronic and can arise from natural life stages (such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and aging) or underlying medical conditions. Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by stress, steroid use, and certain medications.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances
Our bodies produce more than 50 hormones, all of which contribute to critical physiological and psychological processes. How hormones affect the body, then, depends on the hormone in question. If you’re looking for signs or symptoms that you may be experiencing a hormonal imbalance, keep in mind that other underlying medical conditions could also cause symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Talk with your healthcare provider if you notice a change in your health or start experiencing new and persistent symptoms.
Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone Imbalances
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are our bodies’ three main reproductive hormones. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing an imbalance in one or more of these hormones.
Symptoms of Low Estrogen
- Infrequent, irregular periods (or no period at all)
- Migraines before the start of a period
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal atrophy
- Mood swings
- Dry skin
Symptoms of Low Progesterone
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Irregular or missed periods
- Difficulty conceiving
- Spotting or abdominal pain during pregnancy
- Frequent miscarriages
Progesterone levels that are too low can also trigger your body to produce excess estrogen, which can result in symptoms like weight gain, low libido, and gallbladder problems.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
- Decrease in libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease or loss of body hair
- Less energy
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
- Decreased muscle and bone strength
- Increased belly fat
Other hormonal imbalances may cause a wide range of other symptoms, including depression, anxiety, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, gastrointestinal changes, dry or coarse hair and skin, difficulty tolerating cold or warm temperatures, slow or rapid heartbeat, high cholesterol, irregular fat distribution, and more.
Fortunately, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can improve and relieve many symptoms caused by certain hormonal imbalances.
At C.O.R.A.MED, we look at what is optimal, not just normal/abnormal, for both men and women. With our bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, we optimize hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, as well as thyroid hormones and key vitamins. If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities offered by bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, our experts can help. Our team is committed to providing personalized, accessible, and integrated care, focusing on the root causes of health issues and employing advanced medical technology. To learn more, please give us a call at 417-207-2441 or send us a message online.
