Effects of Hormones On Your Body

You can’t concentrate, you’re tired and at the end of the day you’re too exhausted to socialize. You may feel like you’re losing your mind, on a never ending emotional rollercoaster, and that your own body is betraying you. You’re not alone.

If you want to feel like your vibrant self again, with a clear mind and with more energy, you’re not alone. You may be suffering from a hormone deficiency.

Anyone who says, “It’s just hormones,” minimizes the importance hormones play in maintaining physical, emotional and psychological health and it’s the bastion of the uninformed. Men and women both produce estrogen, testosterone and progesterone to varying degrees. When an imbalance exists, it can have serious ramifications. Women may feel the effects of a hormonal imbalance more acutely.

Estrogen – Emotions & Mind

The effects of an estrogen deficiency are very real, can occur at any age, and mimic the symptoms of menopause. The first symptoms you notice may include:

• Decreased cognitive abilities
• Memory problems
• Impaired verbal skills
• Emotional instability
• Irritability
• Crying more easily
• Feelings of despair
• Depression

You may feel like you’re in an ongoing mental fog interspersed with periods of lucidity. The symptoms can be so severe, you may fear you’re losing your mind or have early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Estrogen’s – Physical Effects

Symptoms of an estrogen deficiency are further complicated by physical symptoms that exacerbate the emotional and mental effects that you feel, including:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Hot flashes
• Sweats
• Headaches
• Low libido

You may be unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep disturbances further fuels the emotional and psychological component of an estrogen deficiency. Lack of restful sleep impairs your productivity and ability to function at peak efficiency at home and work.

You may be among the women who experience rapid heartbeat or incontinence. A hormone deficiency can create conditions in which your body is more susceptible to urinary infections. An untreated hormone deficit can endanger your health by increasing your risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis.

An imbalance can be the result of a genetic condition or thyroid disorder, and radiation or chemotherapy can disrupt your normal estrogen production. If you exercise excessively or have an eating disorder at any age, you may have an estrogen deficit that can delay development and stop menstruation.

Xenoestrogens – Exacerbate Imbalances

Estrogen imbalances aren’t necessarily caused by an inherent physical malfunction within your body. You’re exposed to a variety of xenoestrogens in everyday products that make modern life more convenient. Xenoestrogens are chemical and natural compounds that mimic estrogen and they’re found in products ranging from plastics and building supplies to cosmetics.

Xenoestrogens alter the normal functioning of your existing hormones and have the ability to elevate estrogen levels in an unwanted manner that affects your body’s immune and neurological systems. While some are compounds introduced artificially into the environment, others are found naturally within plants you eat. Your body normally corrects against fluctuations in hormones, but other elements may be present that inhibits the process.

Progesterone – Headaches & Hair Loss

If you have low progesterone levels, you’re at increased risk of developing physical effects that affect your emotional and psychological health, self-image and confidence. They include:

• Thinning hair
• Brittle nails
• Acne
• Cracked skin on the hands and feet
• Fluid retention
• Unexplained weight gain

Fibroids, thyroid dysfunction, bone loss, and headaches may be a problem. If you have low progesterone, you may also experience sleep disturbances, lower body temperatures, and feel cold even when those around you are perfectly comfortable.

Progesterone – Libido & Fertility

Progesterone production is especially critical during your childbearing years, governing menstruation, fertility, breastfeeding and the ability to carry a pregnancy to full term. Cramps, PMS and painful periods may result when your progesterone levels dip. Decreased sex drive may complicate fertility issues, fueling feelings of negative self-worth.

If you deal with high or projected levels of stress on a regular basis, you may be on the pathway to a progesterone deficiency. Mood swings and feelings of confusion are common complaints and your interpersonal relationships may suffer.

You may find yourself over-reacting to small inconveniences and situations that you would normally shrug off. You could become anxious, nervous and experience varying degrees of depression that correlate with the level of progesterone depletion.

Testosterone – Muscle Tone & Wrinkled Skin

Part of a hormone group known as androgens, testosterone is responsible for such disparate functions as building lean muscle mass, the ability to lose weight, maintain energy levels and preserve youthful looking skin. Testosterone is critical for strength, a sense of well-being and plays a crucial role in your sex drive. Testosterone levels peak in your 20s and begins a slow decline thereafter.

The physical effects of a testosterone deficit can include thinning skin, the growth of facial hair, and wrinkles that are out of proportion to the natural aging process. The observable sign makes you feel older than your chronological age and impacts the way you feel about yourself.

Further complicating a testosterone imbalance are depleted energy levels, fatigue and exhaustion that seriously impacts your productivity, the ability to socialize and overall quality of life. Insufficient testosterone levels can impair your ability to concentrate, control moods, and manage pain responses.

Testosterone is an essential element for health and an untreated deficit can cause ongoing problems ranging from annoying to a significant risk that includes:

• Decreased bone health
• Heart disease
• Joint pain
• Symptoms associated with arthritis
• Weight gain
• Decreased body temperature

Deficiencies in testosterone have been associated with decreased cognitive health and mood swings. A deficit in the hormone can result in a lack of motivation, decreased confidence levels, and depression.

Enjoy life to the fullest

Deficits in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone have serious consequences if you want to enjoy all life has to offer. The good news is that you don’t have to endure the effects of hormone deficits or imbalances and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy offers a custom hormone creation solution.

Men and women produce all three hormones and a balance is essential for maintaining your physical, emotional and mental health. When your hormone levels are in balance, you’re more productive, have more energy, and are able to build the lean muscle mass essential for participating in sports and athletic activities.

Correcting a hormone imbalance aids in protecting your physical health, reducing mental fog and improving concentration, allowing you to live the life you crave and be more socially active. You’ll feel better, look better and have the confidence to meet the challenges of each day with vigor.