Hormone Support: Expert Answers to Twitter Questions
Summary
In this article, we summarise the key points from a Twitter Q&A with Dr. Amy Sha, MD, a specialist in women’s health, on Hormone Support. Dr. Sha explains the role of hormones in regulating bodily functions, the effects of different hormones on sleep, emotions, and digestion, and how to maintain hormonal balance for optimal health.
Table of Contents
- The Role of Hormones in the Body
- Hormones and Sleep
- Hormones and Emotions
- Hormones and Digestion
- Maintaining Hormonal Balance
The Role of Hormones in the Body
Dr. Sha explains that hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions like mood, growth, sexual activity, and disease risk. The endocrine system uses liquid chemicals to send messages, while the nervous system uses electrical impulses. Hormones like insulin, GLP-1, insulin-like growth factor, leptin, and ghrelin interact with the digestive system to regulate hunger, fullness, and food intake.
Hormones and Sleep
Melatonin is the hormone responsible for sleep, and its secretion is influenced by blue light, stress, and caffeine. Taking too much melatonin can suppress natural release, so it’s best to stick to 0.5-3 milligrams. Late night cravings are often caused by high stress levels, and fixing sleep schedules can help.
Hormones and Emotions
Birth control pills provide a steady state of estrogen and progesterone, which can create emotional changes in some women. Low testosterone can cause fatigue, depression, and weight gain, and it can be tested with a simple blood test. Adrenaline makes memories stronger for that moment, but complex decision-making abilities are impaired. Chronic stress can suppress the immune system as resources are sent to immediate processes that help escape danger. Estrogen replacement can help with sex drive during perimenopause and menopause. Coffee can improve cardiovascular health and raise cortisol levels, but cortisol is not always bad as it wakes you up in the morning.
Hormones and Digestion
Insulin is essential for glucose to enter cells and provide fuel for the body and brain. Insulin resistance occurs when there is a lot of glucose in the bloodstream, making insulin less effective over time. Cortisol releases glucose from cells, causing insulin to let glucose into cells and potentially leading to increased body fat levels.
Maintaining Hormonal Balance
Dr. Sha recommends maintaining hormonal balance through a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. She also advises seeking medical attention if experiencing persistent symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or low sex drive.
Conclusion
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating bodily functions, and maintaining hormonal balance is essential for optimal health. By understanding the effects of different hormones on sleep, emotions, and digestion, and following a healthy lifestyle, we can support our hormonal health and overall well-being.
