Hormones play a huge role in regulating several body systems. If even one of your hormones is lacking, it can throw your body, mind, or emotions out of balance.
The Role Hormones Play
We’ve all heard about PMS, and the role hormones play in a woman’s cycle that can create a hardship for her and her family. But what else are they responsible for?
Hair Growth
Hormones cause hair growth, and not always in the desired spot. An imbalance can give you a mustache, or even a beard. Hormone-related hair growth can be due to an overproduction of androgens (the male sex hormones), including testosterone, which both men and women produce.
Hair Loss
On the flipside, hormonal changes can cause hair loss. Post-pregnancy, in particular, women notice hair falling out in handfuls in the shower.
Sweating
Another effect of hormones that is less than desirable is sweating. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause can turn your body into a hot, sweaty machine.
Food Cravings
Fluctuating hormones are also responsible for intense cravings, especially during pregnancy and PMS. These fluctuations can mess with our insulin levels, which makes us crave sugar. Additionally, when serotonin levels are low at times, such as PMS, we crave carbs because our body uses carbs to make serotonin.
Emotions
Hormones can cause crying at the drop of a hat or blowing up in anger. When levels fluctuate drastically, women can experience anxiety, irritability, and yes, even anger. Estrogen influences the parts of the brain that control emotion.
Headaches
Headaches can be caused by, that’s right—hormones. Just before having your period, estrogen levels fall, which can lead to headaches and especially migraines. Women can experience headaches during perimenopause and menopause due to the lack of estrogen levels.
Acne
Hormonal shifts can do a number on your skin. The increase in levels of progesterone that happens during pregnancy, post-pregnancy, and pre-period stimulates the production of sebum, which leads to sebum buildup, which leads to acne.
The role hormones play in a woman’s health is significant. There is help for those whose quality of life is greatly diminished by hormonal imbalance. If you are suffering, there are treatments that can help. Call us at Creekside Center for Women for an evaluation to get you started on hormone replacement therapy.
Share your story with us. What are some issues that you’ve had related to hormones?
