How to use Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that have profound effects on your mental, physical, and emotional health. They play a major role in controlling your appetite, weight, and mood. Your body typically produces the precise amount of each hormone needed for various processes to keep you healthy. However, sedentary lifestyles and Western dietary patterns may affect your hormonal environment. Here are some ways to use hormones effectively:

1. Eat enough protein at every meal

Consuming adequate amounts of protein is extremely important. Protein provides essential amino acids that your body can’t make on its own. Your body also needs it to produce protein-derived hormones — also known as peptide hormones. Your endocrine glands make these hormones from amino acids. Peptide hormones play a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes, such as growth, energy metabolism, appetite, stress, and reproduction.

2. Engage in regular exercise

Physical activity strongly influences hormonal health. Aside from improving blood flow to your muscles, exercise increases hormone receptor sensitivity¹. A major benefit of exercise is its ability to reduce insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

3. Understand the function of different hormones

There are 50 different types of hormones affecting your body’s systems. For example, your pituitary gland makes hormones that tell the other glands what hormones they should make². Understanding the function of different hormones can help you manage them better.

4. Seek medical advice when needed

If you have symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, it's important to seek medical advice. For instance, estrogen can be delivered through oral medication, patches, gel, cream, or spray to help with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Remember, maintaining a balanced hormonal environment is key to your overall health and well-being¹. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your lifestyle or diet.