Your Hormones, Your Health
Feeling bloated, irritable, or just not your best? Changes in your hormones may be responsible. Hormones are chemical "messengers" that affect the way your cells and organs work. It is normal for your levels to change at different times in your life, such as before your period and during pregnancy, or during menopause. But some medications and health problems can also cause your levels to go up or down.
Appetite and Weight Gain
You may gain weight during hormonal changes, such as menopause. But hormonal changes do not directly affect your weight. Instead, it is likely due to other factors, such as age or lifestyle. For example, when you are feeling blue or irritable, as your estrogen levels may drop, you may want to eat more. It can also affect your body's leptin levels, a hormone that restores appetite.
Sudden Weight Loss
Your thyroid gland helps control how fast your body converts food into fuel, as well as your heart rate and temperature. When it makes too many hormones - or not enough - you can lose weight. Tell your doctor if you weigh 10 pounds or more but are not exercising or eating differently.
Most women have their period every 21 to 35 days. If you don't arrive at the same time each month, or you skip a few months, it could mean that some hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are too high or too low. This may be due to perimenopause - the time before menopause - if you are in your 40's or early 50's. But irregular periods can also be a sign of health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Talk to your doctor.
If you are not getting enough blindness, or if you are not getting enough sleep, your hormones may work. Progesterone, a hormone released by your ovaries, helps you catch ZZZ. When the level falls during your period, for example, you may have difficulty falling asleep. Low levels of estrogen can trigger hot flashes and night sweats, both of which can make it difficult for you to get the rest you need.
Chronic Acne
Breakouts are normal before or during your period. But acne that does not clear up can be a sign of hormonal problems. Excess androgens ("male" hormones that are both male and female) can cause your oil glands to overwork. Androgens also affect the skin cells in and around your hair follicles. Both of these things can block your pores and cause acne.
Dry Skin
Hormonal changes can leave your skin dry. This can happen during menopause when your skin naturally becomes thinner and cannot retain as much moisture as it used to. Thyroid problems can also be responsible. A dermatologist can help improve the shape of your skin, but if you have other symptoms, you may also want to see your primary care provider.
0 Comments
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box.