Hormone Deficiency vs. Imbalance
There are many different hormones that affect how our bodies function. These include testosterone, estrogen (3 different types), progesterone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), growth hormone, cortisol, and the thyroid hormones. All of these hormones start as the same basic molecule, and enzymes then change them into the hormones that are needed. Enzymes also change hormones into other hormones; for example, enzymes convert DHEA into testosterone, and testosterone into estrogen in both men and women.
As we age, the normal balance of hormones that we had in our youth begins to fall apart. Some hormone levels decrease below the normal youthful level, while other hormone levels can actually increase above the normal youthful level. These patterns vary from person to person and from males to females. These patterns also depend on genetics, body type, level of activity, diet, exposure to toxins, and general health. Variations in hormone imbalances even occur in individuals as they age. There are some common patterns of symptoms that develop as hormone imbalances or deficiencies progress. Several of these are discussed in the next few articles. Although we have divided men and women into separate sections to make it easier to talk about symptoms, it is important to remember that both men and women experience some of the same hormone imbalances and deficiencies.
Stress, Adrenal Fatigue and Hormone Imbalances
Our bodies were designed to handle intermittent stress. When we experience a stressful situation our levels of cortisol, one of the stress hormones, increases. This hormone initially makes us more alert, and prepares our body to temporarily put all of our energy into survival mode for whatever crisis we are facing. However, our bodies were never designed to face the continuous stress that is a typical part of modern life. Over time, continued high levels of cortisol can lead to imbalances of other hormones and a condition called adrenal fatigue.
- Trouble sleeping for a full night
- Fatigue and waking up exhausted after a full nights sleep
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection
- Depression
- Poor Immune function
- Hair loss
- Cravings for carbohydrates or sugars
- Skin changes, thinning or acne
- Intolerance to cold
While experiencing adrenal fatigue, other hormone levels are decreasing or falling into imbalance as we age. A typical pattern seen with adrenal fatigue is that constant high levels of cortisol eventually depress the ability of the adrenal glands to make and release dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is an important hormone because the body uses it to create other hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Adrenal fatigue and low DHEA levels contribute to other medical conditions as well, including:
- Premature menopause or andropause
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Arthritis
- NeuroCognitive changes that effect mood, focus anxiety, motivation etc.
If the hormone balance of the body is brought back into healthy, normal levels, many of the symptoms can be alleviated. With the proper combination of supplements and rest, sometimes the adrenal glands can even recuperate to the point that they begin making normal levels of cortisol again.
DHEA has received a lot of public attention in the last few years. Supplement companies have sold it as a miracle cure, with the result that many people who shouldn't be taking DHEA have taken it without understanding what it is supposed to do or what symptoms it can treat. Males and females both experience specific symptoms as they develop adrenal fatigue and subsequent hormone imbalances.