Hormonal Health

Dr. Leila Chaychi Internist San Mateo, CA

Dr. Leila Chaychi practices Endocrinology in Lebanon, NH. Dr. Chaychi specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to hormone imbalance, and the body's glands in the endocrine system. Endocrinologists are trained and certified to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause, diabetes, infertility,... more

Hormonal health is crucial for overall well-being, influencing various bodily functions. Balanced hormones contribute to stable mood, better sleeping patterns, better energy levels, and reproductive health. 

How can I fix my hormonal health?

How to Naturally Balance Your Hormones

  1. Get enough protein. Proteins provide amino acids that your body cannot make on its own and are needed to produce peptide hormones
  2. Exercise regularly
  3. Maintain a moderate weight
  4. Watch your gut health
  5. Lower sugar intake
  6. Reduce stress
  7. Get enough sleep
  8. Eat healthy fats

How to lose hormonal weight?

  1. Eating a healthy diet. Consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be super beneficial in improving your hormonal balance and regulating insulin levels
  2. Getting enough exercise
  3. Medications
  4. Improving sleep
  5. Reducing stress levels

Central hormonal obesity? What is it?

Sometimes, excess fat around the belly is due to hormones. Hormones help regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, stress, hunger, and sex drive. If a person has a deficiency in certain hormones, it may result in weight gain around the abdomen, which is known as a hormonal belly

Is there a food and hormone relationship?

The food you eat can impact hormone levels. For example, certain nutrients support hormone production, while an imbalance in dietary components may affect hormones negatively. A balanced diet with essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, is important for maintaining hormonal health. Additionally, some foods can influence specific hormones, like insulin or cortisol, so dietary choices play a role in overall hormonal balance.

Vitamins and hormones:

Vitamins play a role in supporting hormone function. For instance, vitamin D is important for the production of hormones like calcitriol, which regulates calcium levels. B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones. Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals contribute to overall hormonal balance and proper functioning of the endocrine system. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins is crucial for supporting optimal hormonal health.

Sleep and hormones:

Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating hormones. Adequate and quality sleep is associated with balanced levels of hormones like cortisol, which is linked to stress, and growth hormone, important for physical repair. Insufficient sleep can disrupt these hormonal patterns, potentially leading to issues like increased stress, altered appetite-regulating hormones, and decreased immune function. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining overall hormonal health.

Food and sleep:

The food you consume can impact your sleep. Certain foods, like those high in tryptophan (found in turkey, nuts, and seeds), can promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. On the other hand, consuming caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime may interfere with sleep. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and being mindful of when and what you eat can positively influence your sleep quality.

Finally, age and hormones:

Hormone levels can be influenced by age. For example, during puberty, there's a surge in sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, leading to physical and emotional changes. As individuals age, there can be changes in hormone production, such as a decline in reproductive hormones during menopause or andropause. Hormonal fluctuations throughout life can impact various aspects of health, and understanding these changes is important for overall well-being.

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Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a physiological incretin hormone from the lower gastrointestinal tract, partially explaining the augmented insulin response after oral compared to intravenous glucose administration in normal humans. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is another incretin hormone produced in the small intestine. Like GIP, GLP-1 plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation. It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas in response to food intake, helping to lower blood glucose levels. Additionally, GLP-1 slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing appetite. Some medications used to treat type 2 diabetes aim to mimic or enhance the actions of GLP-1.

GIP, or glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, is a hormone released by the small intestine in response to the presence of nutrients, especially glucose and fat. GIP plays a role in regulating insulin release from the pancreas, helping to control blood sugar levels after a meal. This incretin hormone contributes to the complex system that maintains glucose homeostasis in the body.

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