It's nice to think that you have control over everything that happens in your body, but much of what’s taking place can be entirely beyond your control.
What do I mean by that?
I mean that all the reactions taking place in your body right now are controlled by hormones. These substances flow through the body, dictating what does – or does not – take place.
When your body is hormonally optimized, you’ll feel great. You’ll have plenty of energy, your hunger will be controlled, your brain will be sharp, and you’ll naturally maintain a lean physique.
When you aren’t hormonally optimized however, the same cannot be said. Unfortunately, many people today are not living in a state of optimization.
Key hormones in the body are fluctuating at levels outside a healthy range. Hormones such as:
- insulin
- cortisol
- leptin
- ghrelin
- testosterone, and estrogen
The good news is that all hope is not lost. While you can’t control how these hormones make you feel, you can control – at least to some degree – what their levels are in your body.
Here are 5 signs you may have a hormonal imbalance and what you can do about it.
1. Persistent Weight Gain
Does it seem like you only have to look at food to gain weight? This could indicate insulin resistance.
Basically, your body may not be as responsive to the hormone insulin, making it more likely that you store calories as excess body fat.
The solution?
Cut out added sugar and start an exercise program. Both of these factors enhance insulin sensitivity and can get you on tract.
2. Weight Gain In The Abdominal Region
What if your weight gain is localized? You tend to have thin arms and legs, but your midsection – that’s a whole other story!
If you tend to store fat readily in the abdominal core, this could indicate high levels of the hormone cortisol, as was found in a study published in the Obesity Research journal.
The solution?
Manage that stress. To avoid this, you need to use whatever stress management techniques you can. Try taking a hot bath, performing meditation or deep breathing, or writing in a stress management journal.
3. Low Libido
If lack of interest in gym exercise isn’t the only thing you’re suffering from, this could also indicate a hormone imbalance. If your sex hormones – namely testosterone and estrogen are not at optimal levels for your gender, your libido may begin to fall.
The solution?
Note that excess weight, stress, and insufficient sleep can all heavily influence these hormones. Take steps to lose any of that weight, minimize your stress and get good quality sleep. See if that doesn’t help get you back on track.
4. Trouble Falling Asleep
Speaking of sleep, that is another symptom that can occur when you have a hormonal imbalance. If you struggle to fall asleep – or stay asleep – at night, this could show you have high levels of cortisol.
Stress, even if you don’t realize you’re stressed, can keep you awake.
The solution?
Start taking the time to create a bedtime routine. Dim the lights, turn off all electronics, and deal with any stressful thoughts you are experiencing. This should help you fall asleep faster.
5. Extreme Fatigue Paired With Food Cravings
Finally, another classic sign of hormonal imbalance is if you suffer from extreme fatigue that’s paired with food cravings.
If you’ve also been on a reduced calorie diet, this could indicate that leptin, one of the hormones involved in energy regulation is starting to shift.
The solution?
The best way to manage leptin is to have ‘cheat days', as was noted by a study published in the Diabetologia journal. This can trick your body into thinking it’s no longer dieting, keeping leptin levels in check.
While it may feel like you’re going backwards, these higher calorie days can help you move forward. Just don’t do them too often – once every two weeks or so is plenty.
So there you have a few of the signs that you could be experiencing a hormone imbalance. Are you suffering from any of these?
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. I hope you will share this info. with your friends and I welcome your comments below.
