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In order to understand how to reset your hormones, it is important to know what hormones are, and why they are important to the body. Hormones are chemicals within the body whose job is “carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues” [1]. Hormones are part of the endocrine system, which makes and releases these hormones.
So far, “scientists have identified over 50 hormones in the human body, and they control different processes in the body such as [1]:
1. Metabolism.
2. Homeostasis (constant internal balance).
3. Growth and development.
4. Sexual function.
5. Reproduction.
6. Sleep-wake cycle.
7. Mood
Hormone imbalances, which can be short-term or long-term, can cause the body to develop serious diseases and complications. Some of these include “irregular menstruation, infertility, acne, diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, etc.” [1].
Stress can also contribute to a hormone imbalance, as it usually “tends to disturb the equilibrium between a living organism and its environment” [2]. This means that having high levels of stress can lead to hormone imbalances, which can in turn, lead to physical complications within the body or worsen these complications.
If you experience fatigue, dry skin/hair, constipation, slow or rapid heartbeat, numbness in your hands or fingers, hair loss, heavy periods, erectile dysfunction, etc., you could be experiencing a hormone imbalance. Unfortunately, different hormone imbalances lead to different symptoms, so there are a lot to look out for. It is important to know and research the warning signs.
So, how do you reset your hormones? Most people who have a hormone imbalance should seek medical treatment. This is mostly true for diabetes, as well as thyroid disease. A doctor may also recommend that you follow certain lifestyle changes, including but not limited to “managing your stress levels and getting routine exercises” [1].
If you have not had a hormone imbalance, you can work on prevention. This can include the following [1]:
1. Maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Eating a balanced, healthy diet.
3. Exercising regularly.
4. Managing your stress.
5. Getting enough quality sleep.
6. Managing your chronic health conditions well (if applicable).
7. Quitting smoking or using tobacco products if you smoke.
In other words, maintaining a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle choices can contribute to a healthier endocrine system. However, if there is anything unusual that you are experiencing, including any of the symptoms above, it is important to seek professional help from a doctor or a healthcare provider.
References:
1. “Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 4 Apr. 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance.
2. Ranabir S, Reetu K. Stress and hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jan;15(1):18-22. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.77573. PMID: 21584161; PMCID: PMC3079864.
Contributors:
Author: Kayjah Taylor
Editor: Liam Lynch
Health scientist: Naiya Upadhyay