We often hear from our doctors that the disease is caused due to hormonal imbalance. But do you have an idea about what are hormones and how it causes disorders? No! We all only have a vague knowledge about the hormones. So, in this article we thought to share with you more information about the hormones, what disorders can be caused due to hormonal imbalance and how Ayurveda “the most popular approach” can fix your hormonal imbalance. To bring the hormones under control, we need to balance the body, mind, and spirit. Let’s find out what hormones are and how Ayurveda can help to balance your hormones! Keep reading the post now!
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What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical substances secreted by the gland, which is then carried and moved through the bloodstream to tissues and organs. Hormones help to regulate, control, and integrate various functions in the body such as emotions, hunger, reproduction, and many more.
What are the functions of hormones?
The following are a few functions of the hormones:
- It helps in the growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, sexual function
- It helps to regulate body temperature
- It helps to improve cognitive function and mood
- It helps to transport substances across the cell membranes
- It regulates electrolytes and fluid balance
- It promotes muscle growth
Types of hormones secreted by the body:
The hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands. A few major endocrine glands in the body include
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid gland
- Thymus
- Pineal gland
- Ovaries
- Testes
- Pancreas
- Adrenal glands
Hormones and their functions:
Here are the lists of hormones secreted by the body necessary to carry out body functions.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) – Both T3 and T4 hormones are necessary for controlling the body’s metabolism, body weight, regulates body temperature, and maintains skin, hair etc.
Estrogen – Estrogen is the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries. It is needed for reproduction, menopause and mensuration. Overproduction of estrogen hormone can cause breast cancer, depression to name a few. The lower level of estrogen can cause acne, hair loss, skin lesions etc.
Insulin – Insulin hormone is produced by the pancreas. It helps to control glucose levels in the body and it stores excess glucose as glycogen for future use. Lack of insulin production in the body can cause diabetes.
Progesterone – It is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. The hormone is necessary during pregnancy, mensuration, and conception. When the levels of progesterone are low, mensuration occurs in the body.
Testosterone – It is a male hormone responsible for developing reproductive tissues and helps in the maintenance of bones and muscle strength.
Prolactin – This hormone is released by the pituitary gland during pregnancy for lactation.
Cortisol – Cortisol hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The excessive production of this hormone can increase blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and also causes an ulcer.
Serotonin – The hormone regulates mood, boost memory, sleep, digestion, muscular function, and many more. If the body produces a low level of hormones, it can cause weight gain, depression, migraine, and the excess amount can cause agitation, sedation, and confusion.
Growth hormone – Growth hormones are necessary for growth and development. The hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary.
Adrenaline – This hormone is secreted by some neurons of the central nervous system and the medulla region of the pituitary gland. This hormone is necessary to quickly respond when in stress.
Endocrine disorders:
Yes! Imbalance in the hormone can bring various endocrine disorders in the body. A few common endocrine disorders include
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Obesity
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypoglycaemia
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid cancer
- Grave’s disease
- Addison’s disease
- Goitre
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance: If your body secretes excess or too little hormones in the body, it can bring serious adverse effects on your body. The following are a list of symptoms you have when your hormones are not under control:
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Fluctuations in heart rate
- Puffiness on the face
- Bloating
- Swelling in the neck
- Feeling more thirst
- Depression
- Infertility
- Less sex drive
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Breast tenderness
- Stiffness in the body
- Sweating
How the Ayurvedic approach can balance your hormones?
The Ayurveda helps to heal the number of health ailments. Over 1000 years, Ayurveda is used in practice and provides us with a plethora of benefits. There are many Ayurvedic herbs and Ayurvedic products to ease both physical and psychological symptoms. Along with this practicing a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a proper physical activity can help to maintain your hormone levels. Below we will list out a few herbs which can help to balance your hormones.
Shatavari: Every woman should take shatavari as it will help to correct all your hormonal imbalances, nourishes the reproductive system, treat post-menopausal symptoms, boosts fertility, reduces stress, prevents miscarriages, strengthens the immune system, increase digestive health, relieves the symptoms of vaginal dryness, insomnia, and hot flashes.
Ashwagandha: The herb Ashwagandha helps to reduce serum cortisol levels in women and increases testosterone levels in men. It stimulates thyroid hormones (T3 &T4), reduces PCOS symptoms, fertility problems, adrenal gland disorders, sexual disorders to name a few. Ashwagandha is available in the powder, tablet, extract, and capsule form. Before you take any supplements, speak to your doctor if you have chronic kidney disease or any other serious health issue. You can buy any Ayurvedic medicine from any trusted online medicine site at your convenience.
Turmeric: The curcumin present in the turmeric helps to remove toxins from the liver and enhances the liver function. It also helps the body from oxidative stress and increases the production of glutathione hormone.
Tulsi: Tulsi is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and has anti-microbial property. It helps to reduce your stress levels, boosts immunity and balances the hormone levels.
Maca root: Maca root helps to balance the estrogen hormone in the body. It also reduces the symptoms of night sweats and hot flashes in the postmenopausal women. But avoid taking maca root if you are undergoing any treatment as it can hinder your medicines. Also, avoid using maca root if you are taking thyroid medicines.
Hormonal imbalance can cause serious health issues. Simple lifestyle changes and dietary modification can reduce the risk of your hormonal imbalance. Having a few Ayurvedic supplements can bring your hormone levels back on track. Consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your diet.
