What Are Hormones and Why They Are Important?

Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances often manifest in a range of physical and emotional symptoms. 

• Here are some common signs that your hormones might need attention:
• Fatigue or feeling tired despite a full night’s sleep
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Mood swings or increased irritability
• Acne, hair loss, or thinning hair
• Changes in menstrual cycle (missed periods, heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Decreased libido
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Muscle loss 
• Increased joint pain

Key Hormones and Their Roles

Hormones play essential roles in maintaining various bodily functions. Below is an overview of key hormones, their primary functions, and the effects of imbalances:

• Estrogen
  • Reproductive Health: Regulates the menstrual cycle, supports egg maturation, and prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy.
  • Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Promotes breast development, wider hips, and a higher percentage of body fat in females.
  • Bone Health: Maintains bone density by reducing bone resorption, lowering osteoporosis risk.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Supports healthy cholesterol levels and good circulation.
  • Skin and Hair: Enhances skin elasticity and moisture.

Common Estrogen Hormone Imbalances: Excess estrogen “estrogen dominance” may cause bloating, weight gain, and mood swings, while low levels (e.g., menopause) can result in hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis.

• Progesterone
  • Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Prepares the uterine lining for implantation and triggers menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.
  • Pregnancy Support: Maintains the uterine lining and prevents contractions to support the developing embryo.
  • Calming Effects: Acts as a mild antidepressant and supports emotional well-being.

Common Progesterone Hormones Imbalances: Low levels of progesterone may cause irregular cycles, heavy periods, or infertility.

• Testosterone
  • Development of Male Traits: Promotes deeper voice, facial/body hair, muscle mass, and increased libido in males.
  • Muscle and Bone Health: Supports muscle growth, strength, and bone density.
  • Sexual Function: Critical for libido, erectile function, and overall sexual health.
  • Mood and Cognition: Affects mood and concentration, with low levels causing fatigue, depression, or irritability.

Common Testosterone Hormone Imbalances: Low levels in men can lead to reduced libido and muscle loss, while excess in women can cause acne, excessive hair growth, and irregular periods.

• Cortisol
  • Stress Response: Prepares the body for stress by increasing glucose availability and enhancing brain function.
  • Metabolism: Regulates glucose production and promotes fat storage.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces swelling and tissue damage from injuries or infections.

Common Cortisol Hormone Imbalances: High levels (called Cushing’s syndrome at its most extreme) can cause symptoms of weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood sugar, high blood pressure. Low levels or “adrenal insufficiency" (called Addison’s disease at its most extreme) can cause fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin changes, weakness, increased thirst and dizziness. 

• Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4)
  • Metabolism Regulation: The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism by producing hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which influence the rate at which cells use energy. 
  • Cardiovascular Health: Poor thyroid function can contribute to high cholesterol and cardiovascular risks.

Common Thyroid Hormone Imbalances: Low levels of thyroid hormone “hypothyroidism” slows metabolism, causing fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and dry skin. High levels of thyroid hormone “hyperthyroidism” speeds up metabolism, resulting in weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance.

• Insulin
  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Helps cells absorb glucose for energy or store it as glycogen.
  • Metabolism: Plays a role in fat storage and energy balance.
  • Growth and Repair: Supports protein synthesis and tissue repair.

Common Insulin Hormone Imbalances: Insulin resistance  is a condition where the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels and putting strain on the pancreas. High insulin levels “hyperinsulinemia” leads to high blood sugar levels and ultimately diabetes. Low insulin levels “hypoinsulinemia” is either a result of an autoimmune process called type 1 diabetes or late stage type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Stress on Hormonal Balance
Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, disrupting hormone balance. This may lead to adrenal fatigue and affect thyroid function, insulin regulation, and reproductive hormones. Maintaining hormonal health is essential for overall well-being.

Hormone Health Across Life Stages

Hormone health is vital for women as they navigate different life stages, each marked by unique hormonal shifts. During adolescence and young adulthood, the focus is on menstrual health, managing conditions like PCOS, addressing acne, and coping with mood changes linked to hormonal fluctuations. In the reproductive years, hormones play a central role in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum adjustments, where shifts can impact physical and emotional well-being. Low progesterone coupled with high cortisol is one of the most common hormone combinations that we see in women in their 30s-early 40s. 

As women approach perimenopause and menopause (mid to late 40’s), we more commonly see cortisol either high or low together with low estrogen and low progesterone, or sometimes progesterone is low, but estrogen is still normal (especially if a woman is still cycling regularly). These fluctuating hormone levels bring symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Lifestyle adjustments, functional medicine, and targeted therapies can help women maintain balance and optimize their health through every stage.

Common Conditions in Women’s Hormone Health

Women’s hormone health encompasses a range of conditions that can significantly impact overall well-being. Common issues include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular periods, acne, and insulin resistance, and endometriosis, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and fertility challenges. Thyroid imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, affect metabolism, energy, and mood. Menopause, with its hormonal declines, often brings symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and bone density loss. Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, disrupting cortisol levels and overall hormone balance. Additionally, reproductive health disorders, mood challenges, and metabolic issues like insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes are frequently tied to hormonal dysregulation. Addressing these conditions holistically can help restore balance and support long-term health.

Treatment and Lifestyle Approaches

Treatment for hormonal imbalances depends on the underlying cause, and can include:

• Supplements: Nutritional supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s may help support hormone health. Functional medicine practitioners also use things like Vitex/Chaste Tree Berry, DIM, inositol, NAC, and more to support hormone health and imbalances.

• Natural remedies: Herbal remedies, acupuncture, or essential oils may also be used to support hormonal balance.

• Lifestyle changes: A comprehensive approach focusing on diet, exercise, gut health, sleep, and stress management often yields the best results when addressing hormonal imbalances. Nourishing the body, managing stress, focusing on the right kinds of movement and optimizing your environment can go a long way towards balancing your hormones.

• Medications: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), thyroid medication, or birth control may be prescribed for specific imbalances. Birth control is rarely used in functional medicine practice as a way to “control hormones or suppress symptoms”, and in many cases, practitioners help women come off hormonal birth control to allow their body to make hormones without exogenous influence from synthetic hormones.

Hormone Changes Across Life Stages

Hormonal health plays a critical role in men’s well-being, with changes occurring throughout life. During young adulthood, testosterone levels peak, influencing energy, mood, muscle mass, and overall fitness. These years are often marked by vitality, but hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone or excess cortisol from stress, can still affect performance and mental health. As men age, particularly in middle age and beyond, they may experience andropause, a gradual decline in testosterone levels. Symptoms of low testosterone can include reduced libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, and cognitive challenges. Maintaining hormonal health through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and functional medicine approaches can help men navigate these changes and sustain optimal health across all stages of life.

Common Conditions in Men’s Hormone Health

Men’s hormonal health is influenced by a variety of conditions that can impact their physical, emotional, and metabolic well-being. Low testosterone is one of the most common issues, leading to symptoms like reduced libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and mood changes. 

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can affect energy, metabolism, and cognitive function. Chronic stress often results in adrenal fatigue and cortisol imbalances, disrupting energy levels, sleep, and overall hormone balance. 

Reproductive health disorders, including infertility or erectile dysfunction, may also be tied to hormonal dysregulation that can be from lifestyle and environmental factors but also issues stemming from the testes or pituitary gland in the brain. Additionally, men are susceptible to mood and cognitive health challenges linked to hormonal shifts, as well as metabolic disorders like insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. A holistic approach that targets underlying imbalances can support long-term hormonal and overall health.

Treatment and Lifestyle Approaches

Addressing hormonal imbalances involves a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments tailored to the underlying cause. Key approaches include:

• Nutrition: Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods, healthy fats (especially omega-3s), fiber, and phytoestrogen-rich foods in moderation. Limit processed foods, sugars, and alcohol.

• Exercise: Incorporate resistance and strength training with regular physical activity to support hormone balance.

• Stress Management: Practice techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and its impact on hormone levels.

• Targeted Supplements: Key nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s are foundational for hormone health. Additional options such as Vitex, DIM, inositol, and NAC may offer specific benefits based on individual needs.

• Hormone Therapy: In some cases, hormone replacement therapy can be recommended to restore balance safely and effectively.

Hormone Testing

Accurate hormone testing is essential for diagnosing and managing imbalances. Standard hormone testing is a great tool for assessing disease patterns, while Functional Medicine lab testing allows us to investigate root cause and early signs of hormone imbalances, before the disease fully sets in.  

Key considerations for lab testing includes:

• Types of Tests: Blood, saliva, urine, and advanced functional lab testing provide insights into hormone levels and activity.

• Key Markers to Monitor: Commonly measured hormones include DHEAS, estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and insulin.

• Timing and Testing Protocols: For menstruating women, sex hormone blood tests are best conducted during the luteal phase (days 19–22 of the cycle) for accurate results. There are also considerations with testing timing around when someone takes their hormone replacement therapy or if they are on birth control. 

• Comprehensive Testing: Tests like the DUTCH test (urine and saliva) offer an in-depth hormonal profile, particularly useful for monitoring hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women. This in combination with blood serum testing, can give you a more thorough evaluation of hormone health. 

• Imaging Recommendations: When conditions such as PCOS or fibroids are suspected, imaging studies like a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended to evaluate ovarian health.

These testing methods ensure a thorough assessment and guide personalized treatment strategies.

Treatment Approaches in Functional Medicine

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to restoring hormone balance by addressing the root causes of imbalances and promoting long-term health. Key strategies include:

• Nutrition for Hormone Balance: Emphasizing an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can support optimal hormone function. Key nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids help regulate hormonal pathways, while a focus on fiber supports healthy estrogen metabolism. Minimizing processed foods, sugars, and alcohol is essential to reduce inflammation and stabilize blood sugar levels, which directly impact hormonal health.
• Lifestyle Strategies: Regular exercise, particularly resistance and strength training with moderate cardio, helps regulate cortisol, boost testosterone, and improve insulin sensitivity. Sleep hygiene is equally critical, as inadequate or poor-quality sleep disrupts hormonal rhythms such as cortisol and melatonin production. Incorporating stress management techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or yoga can reduce the effects of chronic stress on the adrenal glands and overall hormone balance.
• Supplements and Natural Therapies: Functional medicine often includes targeted supplements to restore balance. Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola support adrenal function, while herbal supplements like Vitex or DIM can help balance reproductive hormones. Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, and magnesium, are essential for hormonal regulation and energy production. These therapies are tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
• Bioidentical Hormones and Medications: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can safely address hormone deficiencies or imbalances in both men and women. For women, BHRT is often used to manage menopausal symptoms or conditions like PCOS, while for men, it may address low testosterone or pituitary dysfunction. Functional medicine practitioners carefully assess the risks and benefits, using comprehensive testing to personalize doses and ensure safety.
• Mind-Body Approaches: Hormonal health benefits from practices that support the connection between the mind and body. Mindfulness and meditation help regulate stress hormones and improve emotional resilience. Acupuncture can promote hormone balance by improving circulation and reducing stress, while other complementary therapies, like guided breathing or aromatherapy, enhance overall well-being and hormone regulation.

This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive pathway to achieving and maintaining optimal hormonal health.