For most humans, the body is on autopilot. As we work, sleep, binge-watch shows, hit the beach, shop for groceries, and complete other day-to-day tasks, our brain keeps internal processes in check. We don’t have to think about each breath, heartbeat or twitch — they just happen. The same is true when it comes to hormones. They can independently impact numerous areas of the body, from weight and energy levels to menstrual cycles and sex drive. Sometimes, we don’t even think of them until they start “acting up” and cause medical issues. My patients are often surprised to learn that hormones are the underlying cause of a condition that they have been struggling with. The following are a few anatomical problems that can be caused or impacted by hormones. If any of them are bothering you, consider coming into my Torrance clinic and talking to me about treatment options.
Depression
If you suffer from depression, you know that it is both serious and debilitating. While many outside factors can cause chronic sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, lowered self-esteem, fatigue, and other symptoms, depression can also be triggered by hormonal changes. In fact, researchers are now studying biomarkers, including levels of stress hormones in the blood, linked to suicidal individuals. A thyroid imbalance is the most known hormonal cause of depression, but the condition can also be caused by off-balance estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone.
Weight Gain
Have extra pounds crept onto your waistline lately? Struggles with weight can occur at any point in life, but things get particularly rough once you hit 35. If your hormones are off, weight gain can be an ongoing challenge even if you maintain a great diet and an adequate exercise routine. The situation is particularly alarming when you factor in health issues that come with obesity, like heart disease and joint issues. When it comes to hormonal weight gain, insulin, cortisol, and thyroid levels are likely culprits. Additionally, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can play a part.
Insomnia
Sleep is essential to well-being. It keeps us alert and refreshed, and it combats daytime fatigue. Are you having trouble falling or staying asleep? It might be more than just caffeine, stress, and light standing between you and a good night’s rest. Many of my patients dealing with sleep issues have hormonal imbalances. There are several hormones that can impact your quality of sleep, and, ironically, lack of sleep can cause further imbalances, creating a vicious cycle. You’re likely familiar with melatonin, a hormone that makes your mind feel tired. As we age, melatonin production decreases by about half. Fluctuations of thyroid testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, melatonin, and growth hormone can also lead to disrupted sleep.
So what’s the solution? It varies from patient to patient, but getting your hormones back on track is a great start. It might be as simple as introducing some prescription Bioidentical Hormones to your system. Whether you’re male or female, 17 or 75, I’ll work with you to help get your body back on track so you can get back to enjoying your routine.
