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More about hormone health & our hormone nutritionists

What are hormones?

We’ve all heard of hormones, but how many of us actually understand what they do? These chemical messengers are produced by various glands in the body and are responsible to regulate and coordinate various bodily functions and processes, including growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. 

Your hormones are released into your bloodstream and travel to specific target cells or organs, exerting their effects by binding to specific receptors.

These elements are crucial in maintaining the body’s overall balance and homeostasis (basically, your body’s ability to maintain stability and help you survive). They work together with each hormone playing a specific role and function. 

Imbalances or disruptions in hormone levels can lead to various health issues and conditions. Hormones are essential for proper body functioning, and their delicate balance is crucial for optimal health and well-being.

What causes hormone issues?

Hormonal imbalances can occur for several reasons, disrupting the normal functioning of the endocrine system. Several factors can contribute to hormone issues, including:

• Age-related changes. As we get older, our hormone levels naturally rise and fall. This can create conditions such as menopause in women and andropause in men. Side note: see menopause nutritionists here.
• Chronic stress. When we’re experiencing stress, especially regularly, it can disrupt the balance of stress hormones like cortisol, affecting other hormone levels. And even though we might take steps to lower our stress, it can become overwhelming and too challenging to manage.
• Hormonal medications. Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can impact hormone levels and potentially lead to imbalances.
• Poor diet and nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies, excessive sugar or processed food intake, and unhealthy eating habits can affect hormone production and regulation. For example, when you consume a high amount of sugar and processed foods, it affects hormone function by causing stress and increasing inflammation. This puts you at risk of gaining excess weight and can create a serious hormonal imbalance.
• Medical conditions. Some medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and diabetes, can create an imbalance on your hormone levels.
• Environmental factors. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in pesticides, plastics, children’s products, and household products may interfere with hormone function. Even the dust in your home can contain EDCs such as lead, flame retardants, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
• Weight changes. Gaining or losing weight rapidly can disrupt hormone levels, particularly affecting insulin, estrogen, and testosterone.
• Sleep disturbances. When we stay up too late, don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night, or experience interrupted sleep, it can impact hormone production and regulation, leading to imbalances.

What are the symptoms of hormone issues?

Hormonal imbalances can impact different aspects of our physical and mental well-being. And, the symptoms can vary depending on the specific hormones involved and the underlying cause.

Some common symptoms of hormone issues include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles or changes in the flow of your period
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Changes in libido or sexual dysfunction
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness
• Hair loss or thinning
• Acne, skin dryness, or excessive oiliness (see dietitians specializing in skin health here)
• Digestive problems, such as bloating or constipation
• Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass
• Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
• Increased sensitivity to cold or heat

What are the risks of hormone issues?

Untreated hormone issues can lead to various complications and negatively impact overall health and well-being. Here are some potential risks of not treating hormone imbalances:

• Increased risk of chronic diseases. Hormonal imbalances can contribute to an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.
• Adverse effects on mental health. Hormone issues can affect mood, cognition, and emotional well-being, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
• Disruption of reproductive health. Hormonal imbalances can interfere with fertility, menstrual regularity, and overall reproductive health, making it hard to concentrate or complicating pregnancy.
• Impaired metabolic function. Hormone imbalances can disrupt metabolic processes, leading to weight gain or difficulty losing weight, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
• Reduced quality of life. Untreated hormone issues can result in symptoms such as fatigue, low energy levels, decreased libido, and disrupted sleep, impacting overall quality of life and daily functioning.

When to see a hormone dietitian

If you are experiencing symptoms or conditions related to hormonal imbalances, it may help to get support from a dietitian. More specifically, here are some indications that may suggest the need for a hormone nutritionist:

• Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
• Extreme exhaustion (fatigue) or low energy
• Weight gain or challenges losing weight
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
• Irregularities with your period or hormonal fluctuations
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction
• Low testosterone (see nutritionists specializing in low testosterone here)
• Thyroid disorders or imbalances
• Adrenal dysfunction or adrenal fatigue
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness

How Zaya Care’s hormone dietitians can help

Working with a nutritionist specializing in hormone issues can provide valuable support and guidance in managing hormonal imbalances. In the first appointment, the nutritionist will comprehensively assess your medical history, symptoms, and dietary habits.

They will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and develop an individualized plan tailored to your specific hormone-related needs.

Follow-up appointments with the nutritionist typically involve reviewing progress, addressing any challenges or questions, and making necessary adjustments to the nutrition plan. The nutritionist will provide ongoing support, education, and guidance to help you make informed food choices and incorporate lifestyle modifications that promote hormonal balance.

They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as endocrinologists or gynecologists, to ensure a holistic approach to your hormonal health.

A nutritionist specializing in hormone imbalances can help by:

• Providing customized suggestions on your diet to support hormonal balance and address specific symptoms or conditions.
• Helping you choose foods that can balance hormones and avoid those that may disrupt hormones.
• Assisting you in identifying and avoiding dietary triggers that may disrupt hormonal balance such as processed foods, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, or foods high in Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fat.
• Offering guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and exercise, that can positively influence hormone levels.
• Monitoring your progress, providing ongoing support and coaching, and making adjustments to your diet as needed to optimize hormonal health and overall well-being.

Working with a hormone nutritionist can help you take control of your hormonal health, improve symptoms, and let you enjoy life again.

Benefits of working with a Zaya Care hormone nutritionist

Working with a Zaya Care hormone nutritionist offers numerous benefits for individuals dealing with hormonal imbalances. These professionals provide personalized support and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of hormonal health.

By considering your unique needs, medical history, and dietary preferences, a Zaya Care hormone nutritionist can develop a plan to address your specific concerns. Their expertise allows them to offer valuable insights into the impact of nutrition on hormonal balance.

They can educate you about the role of different foods in influencing hormone levels and guide you in making informed choices that support hormonal health.

>> Find a hormone dietitian near you