Hormones are messengers that affect virtually every system in our bodies.

The endocrine system is comprised of glands which regulate the body by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream. This important system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function, and reproductive processes. If you have been told to just suffer with your hormonal symptoms call today to schedule with Dr. Melanie. She takes the time to listen and get to the root cause of your issues using a thorough intake and extensive labs. To help bring balance to your body she will develop a personalized plan which may include dietary changes, supplementation, and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Contact us at (317) 344-9840 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Melanie in Indianapolis or via virtual consultation — and start your path to healing today.

Common Issues of Endocrine System Imbalances

“There is a close relationship between the thyroid gland and other glands of the body, particularly the adrenal glands, the sex glands (ovaries and testes), and the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.” – Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by David Brownstein, M.D.

The overall health of your endocrine system relies on the health of each of its glands because they are all related.

Common endocrine system imbalances include:

Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands produce several important hormones that help regulate the body’s stress response, blood pressure, metabolism, blood sugar, and energy. They also produce cortisol and contribute to sex hormone production. Because adrenal hormones interact with other hormonal systems, changes in adrenal function can influence how you feel both physically and mentally.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning
  • Fatigue not relieved by sleep
  • Salt cravings
  • Increased effort to do everyday tasks
  • Decreased libido
  • Decreased ability to handle stress
  • Fuzzy thinking
  • Mild depression
  • Increased PMS
  • Poor memory
  • Increased time to recover from illness, injury or trauma
  • Becoming light-headed when standing up quickly

Thyroid

The thyroid has a variety of important roles to play. It regulates cholesterol, sleep cycles, metabolism, and body weight. A properly working thyroid also provides energy, helps strengthen bones, and keeps skin and hair healthy. An individual’s fertility and menstrual cycle are also dependent on the thyroid.

Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid (hypothyroid):

  • Menstrual bleeding changes
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Infertility
  • Hair loss
  • Depression
  • Cold hands & feet
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain

Symptoms of Overactive Thyroid (hyperthyroid):

  • Menstrual disturbances
  • Nervousness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Hyperactivity
  • Heat intolerance
  • Fatigue

Sex Hormones

The ovaries and testes are part of the endocrine system and produce sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. While these hormones are essential for reproductive health and sexual development they also play important roles in bone health, muscle mass, metabolism, mood and energy.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance:

  • Brain fog
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Low libido
  • Insulin resistance
  • PMS
  • Irritability & mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Low thyroid function
  • Sore or swollen breasts
  • Fatigue
  • Weight issues
  • Bloating/Constipation
  • Acne
  • Excessive facial hair
  • Irregular periods

Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, where it can be used for energy. With insulin resistance, the cells become less responsive to insulin, causing the body to produce more in an effort to keep blood sugar regulated. Over time, elevated insulin levels can affect metabolism, weight, energy, reproductive hormones, and other systems throughout the body.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance:

  • Elevated triglycerides
  • Low levels of HDL
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar
  • Abdominal obesity
  • Fatigue
  • Mood issues
  • Weight gain
  • Inflammation

Hormone Issues due to Perimenopause and Menopause

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone naturally fluctuate and eventually decline. Because these hormones influence many systems beyond reproduction including the brain, bones, metabolism, cardiovascular system, and sleep-wake cycle these changes can affect how a woman feels both physically and emotionally.

Symptoms due to Perimenopause or Menopause:

  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Pain during sex
  • Fatigue
  • Low sex drive
  • Weight gain
  • Problems sleeping
  • Mood swings
  • Memory loss
  • Foggy thinking
  • Loss of muscle mass

Sources

  • The Women’s Hormone Guide by Kimberly Balas & Janet DeVoogd
  • Adrenal Fatigue by James L. Wilson
  • Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by David Brownstein, M.D.

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