Did you know that your entire endocrine system consists of glands and hormones? It is one of two central systems that help coordinate your body’s functions.
Therefore, your hormones and their levels are extremely important to your health and survival. So, checking for hormonal imbalances is something everyone should consider at some stage in their life.
Today, we are going to talk about hormones, where and why you should get tested for hormone imbalance and symptoms of hormone imbalance.
What is endocrine?
Hormones are basically your body’s little chemical messengers. They are responsible for carrying information to cells through your blood. Normally, hormones only affect specific cells through receptors.
Endocrine glands produce hormones that travel through your bloodstream to tissues and organs. Interestingly, each hormone has a specific target, carrying a specific message to a certain part of your body.
For example, your pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, which circulates throughout your body. If the level is high, your body recognizes that it’s time to go to sleep.
Your hormones affect your growth, mood, handling stress, and the breakdown of your food. That’s why it’s important to monitor your hormone levels and get tested for hormone imbalances – that’s the best way to determine if your hormone levels are negatively affecting your health. your health or not.
What types of hormones are there?
There are many types of hormones in your body. You may notice that an imbalance in one or more of these hormones can lead to uncomfortable or problematic symptoms.
Some of the main hormones found in your body are:
- Insulin: This hormone reacts to your blood sugar
- Serotonin: This controls your appetite, mood and sleep!
- Estrogen: We all know how important this hormone is. It controls libido in both men and women and regulates the menstrual cycle in women
- Melatonin: This controls your sleep cycle and circadian rhythm
- Progesterone: This affects us during pregnancy and affects your body’s changes
- Testosterone: Like estrogen, this controls sex drive in both men and women
- Growth Hormone: This hormone controls the reproduction of your cells and their growth
- Cortisol: This is the stress hormone. It’s responsible for controlling your stress levels
- Leptin: This controls your appetite and signals when you’re full
- Ghrelin: Related to Leptin, Ghrelin controls your appetite, letting your body know when you’re hungry.
If everything is in balance, your body is healthy and working well. However, if one of these hormones is overproduced or expired, you may have a problem and need to get tested.
Why should I get a hormone imbalance test?
There are a number of reasons you should get tested for a hormone imbalance, from symptoms that can be a sign of a hormone imbalance to age.
Hormone levels decrease with age and you must monitor them as you get older. The good news is that if testing shows you have a hormonal imbalance, many hormone replacement therapies can help you maintain your lifestyle.
Some of the symptoms you may experience from a hormonal imbalance may include:
- Tired
- Weight gain
- Frequent urination
- Increasing thirst
- Increase gunger
- Sudden or unexplained weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches, pains and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling of the joint
- Increase or decrease heart rate
- Sweat
- Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- Reduced sex drive
- Depression
- Worried, anxious or irritable
- Blurred vision
- Dry
Where can I get a hormone imbalance test?
Having a medical professional conduct a complete hormonal imbalance test is always best. While there may be some ‘at-home’ tests, they are not always accurate and may not test everything.
Testing for hormone imbalances can be done in a number of places, including private clinics and GPs. If you are in London, Harley Street Health Center can provide you with a great service, which we highly recommend.
Like most tests, knowledge is power if you’re on the fence about checking for hormonal imbalances.
So why not schedule your checkup today, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms or are getting older.
