What happens when your hormones change?
A lot!
Hormone controls everything from your mood to your energy levels.
But what happens when they fluctuate? Mostly, people experience emotional ups and downs, brain fog, or even anxiety and depression due to hormonal changes.
Let’s break it down in a way that you will understand better.
What Are Hormonal Changes?
Hormonal changes happen when your body adjusts levels of certain hormones.
A lot of events can cause these shifts. These include things like age, stress, lifestyle, or health conditions.
In most cases, women often notice them during pregnancy, menopause, or even just their monthly cycle.
Not just women, Men also experience hormone changes, especially as they age.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
There are several factors that can contribute to throwing hormones off balance. These factors includes;
- Too much stress, which can trigger cortisol that messes up other hormones.
- Your diet matters as well because eating too much sugar or processed food can spike insulin levels.
- Also, poor sleep affects melatonin, which helps regulate other hormones.
- Natural life stages can bring major hormonal shifts like pregnancy and menopause.
Can Hormonal Changes Cause Weight Gain?
Yes!
This happens because when your hormones are out of balance, your metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain.
This is very common during pregnancy and menopause when oestrogen and progesterone levels shift.
Also, stress hormones like cortisol can also contribute to stubborn belly fat.
So watch out!
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy has to be one of the biggest reasons for hormonal change.
Oestrogen and progesterone rise to support the baby, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and even anxiety.
During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone are two crucial hormones that rise significantly to support the developing fetus and prepare the mother’s body for childbirth.
Oestrogen plays a significant role in the development of the placenta, which provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
It stimulates the growth of the uterine lining, making it thicker and more suitable for the implantation of the fertilized egg.
It promotes the growth of breast tissue in preparation for breastfeeding and increases blood flow to the uterus, ensuring that the developing fetus receives the best nutrients and oxygen.
On the other hand, progesterone, often referred to as the “pregnancy hormone,” is essential for maintaining the pregnancy after implantation.
It helps to maintain the thickened uterine lining, preventing it from shedding, which would lead to menstruation, and supports the growing embryo.
Progesterone also plays a role in modulating the immune system to prevent the mother’s body from rejecting the fetus, which is genetically different from her.
Although some women experience excessive oestrogen symptoms like bloating, headaches, and irritability.
How to Balance Hormones Naturally
In most cases, balancing hormones doesn’t always require medication. Here are some simple ways to keep your hormones in check:
- Eating meals that are high on protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
- Exercise regularly in order to regulate insulin and stress hormones.
- Managing your stress through meditation, deep breathing, and self-care can help lower cortisol.
- Getting enough sleep so your body can produce the right hormones.
Final Thoughts
Hormonal changes are a normal part of life, but they can take a toll on mental health.
If you’ve been feeling out of balance, understanding your hormones is the first step.
A simple lifestyle change can make a big difference, but if symptoms persist, it’s always best to seek professional care.
At Matz Care, we can help you navigate these stages and provide the support you need.
Do you relate to any of these hormonal shifts? Share your thoughts!
