Hormones are essential to life and health. They are chemical messengers that constantly inform the systems of the body how to act. Hormones themselves (and their producing glands and receptors) form the Endocrine system—one of the twelve systems of the human body. So, if you see the word Endocrine, you can be sure it’s all about hormones. So far, Science has identified fifty hormones in the human body. These range from male and female sex hormones to pituitary hormones, stress hormones from the Hypothalamus, parathyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, insulin—heck! Even vitamin D is a hormone! Other body tissues besides endocrine glands release hormones including fat tissue (adipose), kidneys, liver, gut/ gastrointestinal tract, and even the placenta when pregnancy occurs.
Hormones control many of the body’s processes like metabolism, homeostasis, blood pressure, blood sugar, fluid retention, electrolyte balance, body temperature, growth and development, sexual function, circadian rhythm, and mood. It doesn’t take a lot for hormones to work powerfully. For example, the human body produces only a teaspoon of thyroxine (thyroid hormone) in a year! Because of this, even small variations in your hormone production and distribution can create massive health challenges and powerful symptoms.
Did you know that our first nervous system in the womb before we had a brain and a spine was in the form of energy wheels that we call chakras? These wheels or rings of energy eventually solidified into endocrine (hormonal) glands—the pituitary gland, the pineal gland, the thyroid gland, the pancreas, ovaries, testes, and the thymus. Your hypothalamus makes corticotrophin-releasing hormone, dopamine, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, oxytocin, somatostatin, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Your anterior pituitary gland releases ACTH (corticotropin), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), GH (growth hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), prolactin, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). The posterior pituitary releases antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) and oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Your pineal gland releases melatonin which controls your circadian rhythm or sleep/wake cycle.
So, if you are having trouble losing weight, it could be related to your hormonal balance! Having trouble sleeping? Could be hormones. Trouble bonding with your partner? God, in his infinite wisdom created the body to release oxytocin during moments of intimacy to make sure that the bond stays strong! That same hormone is secreted while breastfeeding, ensuring that mama and baby will bond firmly. Problems with a weak immune response? The Thymus can be damaged by oxidative stress from processed foods, harmful chemicals, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and systemic inflammation. Hormones are all players in this amazing symphony that we call life! When they play nice together, you feel good, look good, and live large. When hormones are disrupted, stunted, altered, or damaged, your life looks very different, and you may struggle with many health issues.
Some of the conditions caused by hormonal imbalance include PCOS, infertility, acne, insulin resistance, diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism), estrogen dominance (in both men and women), weight fluctuations, anxiety, depression, tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate), fatigue, constipation, dry, coarse skin and hair, skin tags, extreme thirst, frequent urination, hair loss, diminished libido, vaginal atrophy and dryness, loss of body hair, erectile dysfunction, and loss of muscle mass. It’s not a well-known fact, but some autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus happen when the body is deficient in vitamin D—a steroid hormone produced from cholesterol when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It plays a crucial role in absorbing calcium and phosphate in the body, and is recognized as a prohormone, meaning it is crucial for hormonal balance throughout the body. Few of us consider hormones when experiencing these symptoms, but hormone imbalance can cause all of these symptoms and more!
Stress hormones are some of the most important hormones in the body, but they can also be some of the most dangerous hormones as well. Stress hormones include cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucagon, epinephrine, and growth hormone. These hormones are released by the nervous system to prepare the body for the “fight or flight” response. If you are being chased by a tiger, or need to flip a car off a baby, these hormones are your best friends! But long-term exposure to stress hormones can destroy the body at the cellular level. When the body is flooded with stress hormones from infection, toxic load, nutrient deficiencies, or an overly demanding life, the body shuts down what it considers “non-essential functions” like digestion, reproduction, and immunity. The endocrine system is highly reactive to stress, so if you are struggling with hormonal issues, stress is the culprit! Until you resolve the stress response, you won’t have healthy and happy hormones.
How can you help yourself achieve balance and strength? We have some power tools to help your body resolve from its current stress state and nourish your endocrine system to create true and vibrant wellness from within. Stress MAXX helps balance cortisol with a unique blend of adaptogenic herbs that build resilience at the cellular level. Our Men’s and Women’s Daily provide nutrient sufficiency to sustain you in times of stress overload and beyond! Hormone Support helps you reclaim your body’s equilibrium. Our Thyroid formula supports energy production and helps with normal thyroid hormone production. And finally, Our Energy supplement supports sustained energy release, enhances mental clarity, and improves overall physiological and psychological well-being. When your hormones are happy and healthy, your life will be at its best!