Did you know that hormones are incredibly powerful, and only require the tiniest concentration in the bloodstream to perform their functions?
Did you know that you could liken the functioning of hormones and the entire endocrine system to baking a pie – too much of one ingredient or too little of another can affect the whole dish? Our bodies rely on our hormones for all daily functioning.
When we think of hormones we tend to have a negative view of them – if someone is moody or irrational, it’s the hormones that get blamed. And while that may be the reason for those emotions, hormones are more than just emotional indicators. Hormones are vital to the health and functioning of the human body. Problems arise when a person experiences an imbalance of hormones – either too little or too much of that hormone. This imbalance can be due to various reasons such as chronic disease, disorders, or external factors such as stress.
What is a hormone?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a hormone as the “product of living cells that circulate in body fluids (such as blood) or sap and produces a specific often stimulatory effect on the activity of cells usually remote from its point of origin.”
Medically speaking, a hormone is a “chemical substance that is produced in the body that controls & regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.”
Hormones are vital for the functioning of the human body and necessary for every activity of life – digestion, growth, development, reproduction, sexual function, metabolism, mood control, and sleep/wake cycles. Hormones are released by various & specific glands within the body, called endocrine glands. They act as chemical messengers to tissues and organs. If not used in the organ that produces them (an example is the thyroid gland which produces its thyroid hormone), hormones are then transported in the bloodstream to be used by their designated organ or to be used as neurotransmitters by the brain. There are numerous endocrine glands in the body, and these include:
- Thyroid
- Pineal gland
- Pituitary gland
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Adrenal glands
- Sexual reproduction glands – testes in men & ovaries in women
Certain hormones can be used in more than one bodily process, while some hormones rely on other hormones to act as precursors for them. Hormones act slowly over time, and are extremely powerful – only a small concentration is needed to cause significant changes or functions in the body. This is why a hormone imbalance can become a note-worthy problem – with ‘side-effects’ of the imbalance causing minor, to moderate to even life-threatening problems in the body.
Signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance
Based on the fact that many glands produce many different hormones for many different functions, a hormone imbalance will produce a collection of signs and symptoms based on which gland or hormone is under or overproducing. Remember, that any sign or symptom seen on its own does not necessarily mean a hormone imbalance. A group of signs is usually noticed together, indicating to your provider that the imbalance is likely related to a particular hormone. There are many effects seen in the body by hormone imbalances, however, some of the most common and telltale signs of a hormone imbalance include:
- Weight loss or weight gain (usually sudden &/unexplained)
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches, weakness, stiffness
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Changes in heart rate
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Changes in sleep habits
- Frequent urination
- Changes in bowel movements
- Decreased sex drive or infertility
- Sweating
- Depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Thinning hair
- Puffy or rounded face
- Blurred vision
Causes of a hormone imbalance
There are various causes of hormone imbalances in the body. These can include injury, stress, eating disorders, tumors to the endocrine glands, cancer treatments, medications, hormone therapy as well as certain medical conditions. There are also medical conditions such as diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome, that if untreated will cause further hormone imbalances in the body. In women specifically, hormone imbalances can occur as a result of menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or through the use of hormone drugs such as birth control pills. In men, steroid medications can cause hormone imbalances.
If a hormone imbalance is suspected, your provider will ask you various questions to gain an understanding of the symptoms, and usually perform a blood test to confirm the imbalance. Treatment will then be recommended based on the exact hormone that is imbalanced.
Treatment options
There are numerous synthetic hormone treatments available, and while they do work, they do come with side effects. One treatment that is gaining popularity is pellet therapy. Pellet therapy is a natural form of hormone treatment utilizing bioidentical hormones derived from plants. It has many benefits and can be used by both men and women.
Pellet therapy
Pellet therapy is a natural alternative to the synthetic types of hormones used commonly today. It is drug-free and may help reduce conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory loss. Derived from plant materials, they are used in the exact form that the human body produces them, called bioidentical hormones. By having the same chemical or molecular structure, these hormones are able to function at their ideal level. Pellets are inserted under the skin and are metabolized by the body as needed.
Some of the advantages of Pellet therapy include:
- Increased Muscle Strength
- Improved Bone Density
- Better sleep and Increased Energy
- Migraine and Headache Relief
- Improved Sex Drive & Performance
- Increased Ability to Lose Weight
- Relief of Depression, Irritability, and Anxiety
- Reduction of Menopausal Symptoms in Women
Balanced hormones are vital for good health as well as disease prevention, particularly as we age.
At Natural Bio Health, we offer pellet therapy for both men and women. We offer customized programs that are specific to your needs and diagnosis. Schedule your first complimentary consultation with us today!
Contact Natural Bio Health Today
Learn more about taking control of your well-being with Natural Bio Health. Join the wellness journey to achieve optimal health, fight disease and boost immune health to combat viruses.
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