Understanding Hormone Health

When it comes to the health of women, hormones are often at the forefront of many discussions. Understanding hormone health and its implications is essential, particularly for those heading towards menopause. Hormone health refers to the balance of hormones in the body and its t impact on overall health and wellbeing. But what does hormone health mean, and why is it so important? 

Understanding Hormone Health: The Basics

Hormones are the body's internal communicators - delivering important messages to all corners of your body. From dictating your hunger to shaping your mood and reproduction, these chemical messengers oversee nearly all our primary bodily functions. 

When they're performing in perfect harmony, your body is a well-tuned machine, but the slightest imbalance can lead to a wide range of health concerns. Each hormone, from cortisol and insulin to oestrogen and progesterone, has a specific role in our body's function. Knowing how it is balanced and how to maintain hormone health is the first step towards achieving optimal health.

The Relationship Between Hormones and the Menopause

When a woman hits middle age and transitions to menopause, there will be significant fluctuations in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are an essential part of the reproductive cycle. The altered rhythm can lead to an array of menopausal symptoms, making it feel like your body is no longer yours.  

Suddenly, those hot flushes sneak up on you in the middle of a meeting, night sweats interrupt your peaceful slumber, and mood swings make you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. 

The Importance of Optimal Hormone Health

Optimal hormone health isn't just about avoiding hot flushes or having to navigate the minefield of mood swings – it's ensuring that your overall wellbeing is the best it possibly can be. 

When your hormones are in harmony, you'll find that your energy levels are hitting a high note, your mood is more in tune, and the quality of your sleep hits all the right keys. You may even notice your skin radiating a healthy glow and your hair boasting a shine that wasn't there before. 

Steps to Improve Hormone Health

Firstly, your diet plays a significant role in ensuring your hormones are in tip-top condition. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can help maintain hormone health. Ensure you include foods high in fibre and low in added sugars in your daily diet to help balance your hormones. 

Plant based proteins and foods high in natural oestrogens are far more beneficial than proteins sourced from dairy and livestock. There is much evidence to suggest that the artificial hormones and antibiotics given to poultry and meat have a detrimental effect on our own hormones. Foods containing soy, soya, yams, tofu and pulses are a much better option as we get older and plants, beans, legumes and pulses contain all the essential vitamins we need for hormone harmony.

Your gut microbiome health is also essential to a healthy menopause and hormone balance. 

Physical activity is also essential for great hormone health. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress, improves sleep, and boosts mood. 150 mins of exercise a week can dramatically reduce menopause symptoms, protect against cardiovascular disorders and help prevent osteoporosis which affects 1 in 2 women post menopause.

A good amount of quality sleep is also crucial for the body to recover and rebalance its hormones. Ensuring you get plenty of restorative sleep can profoundly affect your hormone health.

High-stress levels can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to a multitude of health issues. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga can also help keep your hormones in check.

When to Seek Help for Hormone Health

The Hormone Hub was created to ensure women get access to all the support and information needed to keep their bodies in optimum condition – especially at times of a change in hormone balance. 

If you notice that your body is changing –like consistent fatigue, inexplicable weight fluctuations, extreme mood variations, and alterations in your menstrual cycle, it could be your body's way of signalling a hormonal imbalance. If these signs persist, it may be time to call in a professional and seek help.

Seeking help early is the key to best management. Waiting until symptoms become unmanageable can lead to a long road back to stability, so don’t be afraid to call your GP. If you need to request a double appointment then do so. This will ensure you have enough time to fully discuss your symptoms and concerns. Waiting lists for GP services vary radically nationwide. 

Each body is unique and requires a personalised approach towards hormonal health. A healthcare professional can guide you through this process, helping you to understand the cause behind your symptoms and advising you on effective ways to rebalance your hormones.