5 hormones that women need to keep in balance

What is it? Estrogen refers to a collective group of hormones (estrone, estradiol, estriol) that work together and are the primary hormones responsible for your sexual and reproductive development. Produced in the ovaries, fat cells, and in a lower quantity by the adrenal glands found above the kidneys, they provide you with the classic secondary female sex characteristics (breasts, menstruation, pubic hair, endometrium).

Why must we keep it in balance?

Estrogen contributes greatly to reproductive health and general physical health. Estrogen works with calcium, vitamin D, and other hormones to build bones and keep them strong. Estrogen also helps with promoting a healthy weight and muscle and body fat distribution, as well as supports skin health. Estrogen is particularly important when it comes to mental well- being, as it increases serotonin (which in turn promotes mood balance), supports in the effect endorphins have on the body (the brain’s “feel good” chemicals), and can aid in the delay of memory loss. The initial signs of estrogen depletion usually indicates menopause, which is a tough period for many women. Some of the symptoms of diminishing estrogen include hot flashes, low libido, dry vagina, mood swings, depression, and weight gain.

What is it? Produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta during pregnancy, progesterone helps regulate your menstrual cycle. Progesterone also lines the membrane of your uterus in preparation for potential pregnancy.

Why must we keep it in balance?

Progesterone is fundamental for the survival and development of the embryo and fetus, reducing swelling and inflammation, supporting the immune system, regulating blood clots, and turning fat into energy. It is also key for overall mental health, as it helps with brain function, memory, and thought process. Progesterone levels can drop significantly during menopause, though imbalance can occur at any age. Low levels can lead to breast pain, loss of bone density, hair loss, disturbed sleep and anxiety, and an increase in the risk of developing an autoimmune disease.

What is it? Regarded as the male dominant sex hormone, the female body also produce testosterone through the ovaries and adrenal glands — although production is much lower in women about 10% of what men can make. Testosterone has many effects on women both physically and emotionally.

Why must we keep it in balance?

Testosterone plays a role in keeping women fit. It boosts sex drive, increases libido, aids in muscle growth, increases bone density, increases the chances of fertility, and much more. Testosterone also plays a role in female cognitive functions — an adequate amount helps with stress management and mood and general sense of well-being. An increase in testosterone can lead to acne, excessive body hair, high libido, and aggressiveness, while a decrease (usually prevalent at menopause but can occur at any age) can cause low libido, depression, weight gain, fatigue, and thinning and drying of the hair.

What is it? DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced by the adrenal glands and the brain. DHEA is a steroid hormone that is responsible for the production of androgen and estrogen (the male and female sex hormones).

Why must we keep it in balance?

Known as the “granddaddy” of all hormones, DHEA aids in many bodily functions and protects your organs. DHEA strengthens bones and aids in both growth — and so helps in the prevention of osteoporosis. It also increases muscle mass and muscle tone. It prevents blood clots, lowers the bad (LDL) cholesterol, and removes fatty deposits. It is anti-inflammatory and it has a great impact on the nervous system by contributing to nerve growth, and it strengthens your overall immune system. For brain health DHEA aids with memory, improves sleep, and helps with overall mental clarity. DHEA peaks at the age of 20 and starts to decline by the age of 40. Symptoms of shrinking DHEA levels include loss of energy and fatigue, depression, mood swings, loss of libido, difficulty in losing weight, and a general decline in health.

What it is? The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that sits in front of your windpipe and works with the pituitary gland to stimulate TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). TSH controls the production of the various thyroid hormones of the body (thyroxine — T4) and (triiodothyronine — T3), and these are essential to maintaining our metabolic rate, heart health, digestive function, bone health, and brain health. T4 is a prohormone, T3 is the active thyroid hormone.

Why must we keep it in balance?

Thyroid balance is crucial for your optimal health, and an under- or overactive thyroid can significantly affect your life and daily routine. When the thyroid gland is underactive, it’s classified as hypothyroidism, with symptoms including cold hands and feet, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, irregular menstruation, low energy and stamina, low libido, muscle weakness, thinning hair, and depression. Overactive thyroid is referred to as hyperthyroidism, with symptoms including weight loss, increased appetite, anxiety, frequent bowel movement, fatigue, sweating, and irritability.

If you believe you are premenopausal or suffering a deficiency of any of these hormones be sure to follow up to a doctor knowledgeable in Bio-identical Hormones and have your hormonal levels measured.

Founder, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Eternity Medicine

Dr Graham Simpson, is one of the world’s leading experts on diabesity, reversing ‘insulin resistance’. And anti-aging. He has made it his life’s mission to reverse the global epidemic of lifestyle-caused chronic disease. A passionate doctor, futurist, educator, scientist and international best-selling author and founder of Eternity Medicine. Dr Simpson has written ‘The 4 Week Diabesity Cure’, ‘The Metabolic Miracle’, ‘WellMan’ (Live Longer by Controlling Inflammation) and ‘The Top 10 cardio-metabolic diseases that stop you living to 100 and how to combat them today.

“The solution to type 2 diabetes and obesity is known, and it is based on lifestyle factors. My goal is to put you back in the driving seat of your health”. Dr Graham Simpson

The 4 Week Diabesity Cure, written by Dr Graham Simpson can be purchased online on Amazon here

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