Women’s Health Month: Hormones You Should Know About

May is Women’s Health Care Month! This holiday is an annual observance pioneered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The goal of the holiday is to empower women in such a way that they can make health a priority. It also equips women with the knowledge to help other women on their journeys to improve their health. With the efforts of individuals and healthcare workers, every woman can live a healthy and happy life.

In honor of Women’s Health Care Month, we’re going over five hormones women should know about when it comes to their everyday health and the signs to look out for a hormone imbalance. Hormones regulate a variety of activities including growth, development, reproduction, energy use, storage, and electrolyte balance. Hormones are vital for our body’s function, which is why it is essential that they are kept balanced. Below, read about five hormones we believe are vital to every women’s health!

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It has many functions, but its main responsibility is converting glucose (sugar) in the things we eat into a form the body can use for energy. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar.

When the body cannot produce or process insulin correctly, it can result in insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million people in the US have diabetes. 

Signs your Insulin is off: Too much or too little insulin messes with your body's ability to manage blood glucose. At first, this could result in extreme thirst, frequent urination, or skin patches. Later, it can develop into type-1 or type-2 diabetes. A blood glucose test (A1C) can identify insulin issues. 

Cortisol 

Cortisol is a type of hormone known as a steroid hormone and is produced by the adrenal glands. It has many responsibilities that keep you healthy and energetic. Cortisol is responsible for helping regulate metabolism, regulating blood pressure, acting as an anti-inflammatory, and even forming memories.

Cortisol is sometimes called a stress hormone because the body secretes higher levels of cortisol as a reaction to stress. Having too much cortisol for extended periods can cause hypertension, anxiety, sleep loss, and autoimmune problems. Too little cortisol is associated with low blood pressure, weakness, and fatigue.

Signs your Cortisol is off: A flushed, red face, hair loss, fine hair covering your face, osteoporosis, and menstrual cycle irregularities are all signs your cortisol levels may be off. A blood test can identify if your levels are unusual. 

Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones are produced in the thyroid gland. They perform a variety of crucial tasks in the body. One of the thyroid hormone’s biggest responsibilities is regulating metabolism. An imbalance of thyroid hormones can be linked to a serious condition like Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s disease, which can cause problems with weight management and energy levels.

Signs your Thyroid Hormones are off: If your thyroid produces too much of this hormone, you may overeat, feel nervous or agitated, suffer bone loss or heart palpitations, or feel hot all the time. Produce too little, and you may experience brain fog and low energy levels, and your menstrual cycle may be longer and heavier. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test can help assess your levels. 

Testosterone 

Although we typically think of testosterone as a male hormone, it is naturally found in women’s bodies. Testosterone plays an important part in muscle growth, the repair of a woman’s reproductive tissues, and circulation. This hormone also contributes to your libido, fat distribution, muscle strength, bone mass, and red blood cell production in both men and women.

Signs your Testosterone Levels are off: Women who have too much testosterone may have thinning hair on their heads, excess body hair, facial hair, acne, more body fat, and low libido. Having high testosterone can also cause irregular periods and contribute to fertility problems. 

Estrogen 

Estrogen regulates reproduction, bone elongation, and cognitive processes such as our attention and our memory. It is produced in the fat tissue and is responsible for the distribution of fat around our bodies. It helps us retain water around our joints and keeps collagen synthesis high. The most effective way to keep estrogen levels in balance is to monitor our body mass. Overall, keeping fit and active has many benefits such as improving cardiovascular fitness, estrogen metabolism and protecting against breast cancer, a disease associated with high estrogen levels, among other factors. 

Signs your Estrogen Levels are off: Having too much estrogen can increase the risk of certain cancers and is linked to symptoms like depression, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, headaches, low sex drive, anxiety, and menstrual problems. Having too little estrogen can cause weakened bones (osteoporosis), menstrual problems, fertility issues, and mood disorders. While estrogen levels naturally decrease with age until menopause, some conditions may cause low estrogen in women who are not yet perimenopausal. 

We recommend all women get a hormone test done annually to know what’s going on in their bodies! If you think you’re experiencing a hormonal off-balance, it’s a good idea to schedule a hormone test. To schedule a consultation with MD Speaking, fill out the form here.