There are a gazillion hormones running through our body! I am just touching on a few interesting items in this article...
Some of the most important chemicals in the body are hormones. These are biochemicals produced in the glands. Hormones essentially are instructions to the cells in the body. Insulin, for example, tells the cells to take up glucose from the blood. Thyroxine, from the thyroid gland, speeds up metabolism of cells, generating energy and burning fat ( :)) Estrogen and progesterone, from the ovaries, control a sequence of changes that maintain fertility and menstrual health. Hormones imbalances can really mess you up!
STRESS AND THE ADRENAL GLANDS:
The adrenal gland sits on top of the kidneys and produces hormones that help us adapt to stress. The hormones adrenaline, cortisol, and DHEA help us respond to emergencies by channeling "fight or flight". During a stress reaction, the blood thickens to help wounds heal. In modern life, all this happens from day to day stuff, like over drafting your account, missing a bill, get stuck in traffic or have an argument with someone... Tea, coffee, chocolate, and cigarettes have a similar effect because they stimulate the release of adrenaline (must be why I love a double espresso before a hard workout). By living off of a diet full of stimulants like the mentioned, or energy drinks, high sugar etc. you increase your risk of upsetting your thyroid balance and/or problems associated with sex hormone imbalances.
NUTRIENTS FOR STRESS HORMONES:
The stress hormones rely on certain nutrients for their production. For adrenaline you need enough of vitamin B5 (niacin), B12, and C. Cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory substance, can't be produced without enough vitamin B5. The more stress you have the more vitamins B and C you need!
SEX HORMONES:
In women, the balance between estrogen and progesterone is critical. An excess of estrogen is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and severe PMS (YIKES!) The early warning signs of estrogen dominance may be depression, low sex drive, sweet cravings, heavy periods, weight gain, breast swelling and water retention. Not all of this "estrogen dominance" is YOUR fault. Estrogenic compounds are found in hormone-fed meat, dairy, pesticides, and soft plastics. Estrogen is also in a lot of birth control pills and HRT. Stress raises levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which competes with progesterone and lowers levels of DHEA, the precursor to progesterone. So what about MEN? While men produce very little estrogen, they are exposed to it in their diet and in the environment. Some pesticides are known to interfere with the body's testosterone, creating deficiencies. In later life, some men have the equivalent of "male menopause" (ladies we aren't alone hahah). The symptoms include fatigue, depression, decreased sexual performance, redistribution and gain of weight, including growth of excessive breast tissue.
TO HELP KEEP YOUR HORMONES IN BALANCE TRY THIS:
Keep animal fates very low in your diet.
Choose organic veggies, fruit and meat whenever possible.
Don't eat fatty foods wrapped in PVC cling film.
Do not let stress become a habit in your life. Identify your sources of stress and make some positive changes.
Make sure you are getting enough essential fats from seeds, oils, or sups.
Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamins B3, and B6, biotin, magnesium and zinc.
I gathered this article from the book The New Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford
As a woman like you, I tend to watch every single food I take or eat everyday. Having a good source of the right amount of calories and vitamins from the food I eat is very crucial to maintain a proper body weight and a glowing skin. Just like what you said, we are not alone, I knew a few men who goes under "men menopause" where they grew a man breast and they admit that they always feel weak. One cause they saw is a zinc deficiency and lacks of vitamins B12, C and many more.
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