Thyroid Health Part 1: Hormone Imbalance & Signs to Look Out For
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces hormones that regulate many of the body’s functions, including metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are responsible for controlling how the body uses energy, and they are essential for proper growth and development in children and adolescents.
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body and help to regulate many bodily functions. They are produced by various glands in the body, including the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and ovaries or testes. Some of the key functions of hormones in the body include:
Metabolism: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, which is the process by which the body converts food into energy. When thyroid hormone levels are low, metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain and fatigue.
Growth and development: Hormones are also essential for proper growth and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, helps to stimulate growth and development of bones and muscles.
Reproduction: Hormones play a critical role in reproduction, with estrogen and progesterone being key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics.
Mood and behavior: Hormones can also impact mood and behavior, with imbalances resulting in mood swings, anxiety, or depression. For example, serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, is influenced by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Stress response: Hormones are also involved in the body’s stress response, with cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, playing a key role. Cortisol helps the body to respond to stress by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing the immune system.
Blood sugar regulation: Hormones such as insulin, produced by the pancreas, help to regulate blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
Calcium regulation: Hormones such as parathyroid hormone and calcitonin help to regulate calcium levels in the body, which is important for bone health and muscle function.
Fluid balance: Hormones such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), produced by the pituitary gland, help to regulate fluid balance in the body by controlling how much water is excreted by the kidneys.
Body temperature: Hormones such as thyroid hormone and adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands, help to regulate body temperature by increasing or decreasing metabolic rate and blood flow to the skin.
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When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of these hormones, it can result in a variety of symptoms and health problems. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and irritability. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and constipation. Read more about primary and central hypothyroidism and some natural remedies for hypothyroidism in our previous articles.
In addition to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, other hormone imbalances can occur in the body. For example, estrogen dominance can occur when the body produces too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. This can result in symptoms such as heavy periods, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Androgens are male hormones that women also produce, but when there is an excess of these hormones, it can lead to symptoms such as acne and facial hair growth.
It’s important to note that hormone imbalances can occur at any age, but they are more common during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. In addition, certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also cause hormone imbalances.
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So, what are the signs to look out for when it comes to hormone imbalances? The symptoms will depend on the specific hormones that are affected, but some common signs to watch out for include:
Changes in weight: Unexplained weight loss or gain can be a sign of a hormone imbalance. For example, hyperthyroidism can lead to weight loss, while hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain.
Mood swings: Hormones play a significant role in our mood, and imbalances can result in mood swings, anxiety, or depression. For example, estrogen dominance can cause mood swings, while low testosterone levels can lead to depression.
Fatigue: If you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. For example, hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, as can low levels of cortisol, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Changes in libido: Hormones play a crucial role in our sex drive, and imbalances can result in changes in libido or sexual dysfunction. For example, low levels of testosterone can lead to a decrease in sex drive, while high levels of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Skin changes: Hormones can also impact our skin, with imbalances resulting in acne, dry skin, or excess hair growth. For example, high levels of androgens can lead to acne and excess hair growth, while low levels of estrogen can cause dry skin.
Changes in menstrual cycle: Hormone imbalances can also affect the menstrual cycle, with irregular periods or heavy bleeding being common symptoms. For example, estrogen dominance can cause heavy periods, while low levels of progesterone can result in irregular periods.
Insomnia: Hormones can also impact our sleep, with imbalances resulting in insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. For example, low levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Now that we have taken a peek at how our hormones work and how imbalances affect our bodies, we hope you’ve gained a new level of appreciation for these tiny particles that swim in your body!
If you are experiencing any of the signs shown above or just curious to find out the natural supplements to keep your hormones in a healthy balanced state, stay tuned for our next blog! We’ll list down the best natural supplements and give you an in-depth discussion on how they can keep your thyroid healthy.
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