A Note from Miguel: What’s causing hormonal dysfunction?
So you might be wondering - What are the causes of Hormone Imbalance?
This is a multifactorial question, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer or approach to treatment. I'll touch on a few major contributors below, but keep in mind, this is not an all-inclusive/exhaustive list.
-The natural progression of aging is a major contributor. Aging is an individualized process, whereas some folks may start experiencing hormonal shifts related to aging in their 20s, and some only in their 40s. Inevitably, our internal systems and processes start to slow, impacting hormone production and regulation.
-Environmental exposures are difficult to identify, yet detrimental to hormone production and regulation. Our bodies are in a constant state of homeostasis, or balance. When our natural hormonal communication systems are interrupted by external communications (i.e., environmental toxins, xenoestrogens, etc.), our system is no longer in balance. That means our internal system often has to work in overdrive to compensate (i.e., cortisol production), which leads to further sequela of hormonal dysfunction.
-Nutritional deficiencies in key macronutrients and micronutrients such as iodine, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins can significantly impact hormone production/regulation. In fact, Vitamin D as as a hormone itself - once activated, it functions more like a signaling molecule than a typical vitamin. The old saying that "food is medicine" is true. Essentially, what we put in our bodies impacts how we function on a cellular and molecular level. Furthermore, the byproducts of our internal ecosystem, called our gut microbiome, also impact hormone production and regulation. Our gut microbiome and its byproducts are directly influenced by the food we feed it.
-Lifestyle factors such as our daily physical activity and exercise habits, sleep, and stress can contribute to insulin resistance, metabolic disease, and hormone dysfunction. Problems in these areas directly impact testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone production, as well as our Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, which regulate hormone production in the testes and the ovaries, and DHEA, which is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen.
-Thyroid dysfunction can lead to impaired sex hormone production or regulation. This could be caused by an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Hashimoto’s, nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle factors, or pituitary/hypothalamic dysfunction.
What can we do?
Well, first we start with an in-depth evaluation by exploring your complete health story—your medical history, family history, lifestyle patterns, nutrition, sleep, stress, and physical activity. Then we consider environmental exposures you’ve encountered throughout your life, from toxins and pollutants to work-related factors. Bloodwork analysis allows us to obtain objective data to correlate with your symptoms and your history, and determine the next best course of action.
Feel free to reach out with any questions. If you're ready to book your initial consultation, visit the BZHW website at the link below and click on the 'Schedule Appointment' tab.
Be well,
Miguel
Behind the scenes -
My friend Brittany Kowalski from Chasing Dragonflies Photography stopped by to snap some photos of me in the office. If you're ever looking for a photographer in the CT area, definitely reach out to her and let her know I sent you! Stay tuned for the new mug shots!
