Understanding Women’s Hormone Optimization
Hormone optimization plays a significant role in women’s health today. Research shows that most people have long misunderstood how hormone optimization works until lately when there have been detailed conversations among women on the topic. Additionally, most practitioners have also helped women understand the consequences that hormone deficiency brings and the importance of hormone therapy and optimization.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical substances produced in glands within the human body whose main role is to coordinate various body functions by relaying messages through the blood to muscles, organs, skin, and other essential tissues. Over time, hormonal changes are bound to take place, especially in women, due to menopause, excessive stress levels, unhealthy diet, diabetes, etc. When women age, they tend to see many changes in their hormones. This isn’t because they’re less important but because their bodies aren’t in a position to produce more. Research shows that most hormones in women begin declining after 30 years. This decline in hormones affects how they work in terms of regulating physiology and behavior. Hormonal changes in women can also result in dry skin, ovarian cysts, reduced libido, chronic fatigue, severe acne, loss of muscle mass, excessive weight gain, poor memory, and concentration difficulty.
Which are the main female hormones?
a. Estrogen
This is among the most important hormones in women whose main role is to increase metabolism, regulate body temperature, improve memory, improve insulin resistance, regulate sleep, maintain bone density, enhance energy and sexual drive and reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
b. Progesterone
Progesterone hormone in women is mainly produced by the ovaries. Its main roles include promoting wellness of women’s reproductive health, supporting cardiovascular health, improving bone density, promoting healthy liver and kidney functions, calming the brain, and preventing anxiety symptoms.
c. Testosterone
Testosterone in women is usually produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries in pretty smaller amounts. According to research, testosterone hormones play many significant roles in women, which include producing neurotransmitters, increasing libido and sex drive, maintaining bone density, pain tolerance, reducing body fat, memory retention, and emotional well-being.
Tips to help balance women’s hormones
Women need to balance their hormones for their physical, mental, and emotional health. Due to the most sedentary lifestyles that people live today, it has become difficult to maintain their hormone levels. However, certain hormones in women decline with age. Below are some top tips to balance women’s hormones:
1. Take protein-rich foods
It’s essential for women to take foods that are extremely rich in protein. Such foods contain essential amino acids which the body can’t make. Women’s bodies need these essential amino acids to produce peptides (protein derived hormones). These hormones are made by the endocrine glands. The main role of peptide hormones is to regulate physiological processes like energy metabolism, growth, stress, reproduction, and appetite.
2. Maintain a normal weight
Excessive weight gain is a common problem that leads to hormonal imbalances in women. Sometimes, it results in reproductive health and insulin sensitivity problems. Research shows that obesity leads to insulin resistance and hypogonadism, which is linked to the lack of hormonal secretion in the ovaries. Obesity can also cause a lack of ovulation in women. Maintaining a healthy weight will help balance your hormones. You can manage your weight through regular exercise and taking a well-balanced diet.
3. Regular exercise
Physical exercise plays a significant role in women’s hormonal health. It helps increase sensitivity in hormone receptors, enhances hormone signals, improves blood flow in muscles, and improves nutrient delivery. Regular exercise also increases insulin resistance. Generally, regular exercise will boost all hormones in women, thus reducing anti aging. Women can engage in various forms of physical activity, such as cardio, strength training, and high-intensity interval training.
4. Lower sugar intake
It’s essential for women to lower their sugar intake in order to optimize their hormone function and prevent the risk of diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. Long-term intake of sugar sweetened beverages, including energy drinks, soft drinks, and juice, promotes insulin resistance.
In conclusion, these are some top tips to help women balance their hormones. Studies show that there are also supplements that can assist with this. However, it’s advisable to consult a physician before taking any supplement.