Insulin secreted by the pancreas, estrogen produced by the ovaries, cortisol released by the adrenal glands, tyroxine developed by the thyroid ... Several tens of distinct hormones circulate in the blood to orchestrate the proper functioning of our body. If all play precisely their score, the symphony is harmonious: body temperature, blood pressure, heartbeat, food assimilation, waste disposal, management of emotions, etc ... are going well.
On the other hand, if one or more of them make false notes, become inaudible or too loud, dissonances appear. Thus, the slightest disturbance of our hormonal balance is felt: it casts our well-being and our health.
Classic symptoms of hormonal imbalance
"Every second, thanks to the hormones, 60 000 billion cells of our organism exchange very complex information, explains Dr. Thierry Hertoghe, author of" The hormone regime "(Thierry Souccar edition). This communication system must work perfectly, otherwise damage spreads like an oil stain. "
The most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance are lasting tiredness , perpetual mood swings , low libido , digestive disorders , hair loss , excessive chills or perspiration , repetitive insomnia , weakened immune system as well as weight gain or loss in the absence of excess or restriction of food.
Menopause, a known risk factor
When one gets older, the glands of the endocrine system also age. Their production of hormones then often becomes chaotic, resulting in more frequent imbalances. In women, the arrival of menopause is a well-known period of upheaval (stopping menstruation , dryness of the skin, weakening of the bones ...) precisely because of the drying up of female hormones.
Other hormonal disturbances cause just as much trouble. Adrenal gland disruption , for example, deregulates the metabolism of sugar and protein, as well as the adjustment of blood pressure. And a thyroid gland that idles quickly takes 4 to 5 pounds, induces a great fatigue, depression, constipation, muscle cramps ...
Pollutants on the dock
Stress , tobacco and exposure to heavy metals play the troublemakers by thwarting the activity of the endocrine glands. Their impact is particularly deleterious on the ovaries, the thyroid, the pancreas and the adrenal glands.
But other agents, more and more present in our daily environment, interfere considerably with our hormonal system: the famous endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A, organochlorine pesticides, perfluorinated compounds ...). By attaching themselves to the hormone receptors of the tissues, they disrupt the activity of the endocrine glands. These disrupters are found everywhere: in toothpastes and cosmetics, home textiles, toys, some electrical equipment ... Their omnipresence multiplies hormonal imbalances.
How to find the balance?
If in doubt, talk to your doctor. He will perform a clinical examination, then prescribe blood and urine tests to diagnose a possible hormonal disorder. If it is an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), an appointment with a gynecologist is needed to overcome the deficits. Or better to consult an endocrinologist , the doctor specializing in hormones, who may prescribe medication if necessary.
Small hormonal disturbances can also be improved by diet. "The ideal is to never eat the same food more than twice a week," says Dr. Hertoghe. It is also better to restrict cereals and dairy products. On the other hand, do not skip meat and fish, essential for hormonal balance. Shells are also recommended because they are a good source of iodine, essential for the thyroid.
Protecting yourself from stress and endocrine disruptors is also essential. Banish canned goods and plastic packaging. And opt for the most natural foods and hygiene products possible.
