FAQ Edition #1:Hormone Health & Management

1. What are the most common signs of a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, and when they’re out of sync, it’s like throwing a wrench into your body’s engine. Here are some red flags to watch for:

Heavy or irregular periods: If you’re soaking through a pad or tampon in under an hour, it’s time to take notice. Irregular cycles are another telltale sign that your hormones might be out of balance.

Weight gain: Unexplained weight gain—especially around your abdomen, hips, or chest—can often be tied to hormonal fluctuations.

Poor sleep: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up frequently during the night could be your hormones crying for help.

Anxiety and PMS overload: If your anxiety feels dialed up to 11 or your PMS symptoms are running the show, hormones might be the culprit.

Other symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, fatigue, and hair loss are all common indicators of hormonal dysregulation.

2. Why “hormone replacement” is a misleading term:

Let’s set the record straight: the phrase “hormone replacement” can be a bit of a misnomer. It suggests that you’re entirely replacing your body's natural hormone production, but that’s not the case. A more accurate term is “hormone balancing.” The goal is to address imbalances and optimize what’s already there—whether that means supplementing deficient hormones or supporting your body’s natural production through lifestyle changes.

3. How does estrogen impact thyroid function? Estrogen and your thyroid are in a constant dance, and when estrogen levels rise, it can disrupt the choreography in a few key ways:

Binding proteins: Excess estrogen can increase thyroid hormone binding globulin (TBG), which binds to thyroid hormones in your blood. The result? Less free, active thyroid hormone available to do its job.

Iodine uptake: Estrogen can interfere with iodine transport into the thyroid gland, which may hinder thyroid hormone production.

Bile physiology: Estrogen can impact bile flow, sometimes causing bile acids to build up in the bloodstream. These acids can activate thyroid hormone receptors, leading to thyroid function fluctuations that might mimic hyperthyroid symptoms.

4. Blood, saliva, or urine tests: Which one is best for hormone testing?

Not all hormone tests are created equal. Each method provides unique insights:

Blood tests: These measure hormone levels circulating in your bloodstream, offering a snapshot of what’s being produced by organs like your ovaries. However, they might not capture hormones acting in tissues.

Saliva tests: These measure free, unbound hormones available to your cells, making them especially useful for assessing cortisol levels.

Urine testing (like the DUTCH Test): This shows not just your hormone levels but also how your body metabolizes and detoxifies them, providing a more comprehensive picture.

SEE FAQ’s 5 -8 In the Next Newsletter…