YOUTH-RX Blog

Hormones 101

Written by Roger Bowman | Jun 2, 2018 4:00:31 PM

Most hormones are produced by a gang of glands known together as the endocrine system. Even though these glands are located throughout various parts of the body, they are considered one system because of their similar functions and relationship to each other.

Like a Key Fitting the Matching Lock on The Right Door

Hormones are extremely potent substances. It takes only a minute amount to initiate an action. Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream by the glands. From there, they travel to all parts of the body. But only targeted tissues will respond to the chemical signal the hormone carries.

Traveling through the blood, hormones enter cells through “receptor” sites, much like a key unlocking a door. Once inside, they go to work turning on the switches that govern growth, development, and mental and physical functions throughout life. All that changes when your hormones become unbalanced due to physical and emotional stress or the effects of aging. Signals do not reach the right place at the right time. Sometimes cell functions shut down completely. In other cases, cells are over stimulated. All this chaos causes unpleasant symptoms, at the very least. In severe situations, these imbalances can lead to chronic disorders or disease.

Most hormones are not able to be stored in the cells of the body. Therefore, they must be made and released into the circulatory system at the precise times they are needed. To maintain the critically needed balanced systems in which hormones operate, the body must be able to fine-tune hormone release to keep levels within proper limits when needed.

This harmonious hormone dance is accomplished through an intricate series of positive and negative feedback loops. For example, an overproduction of one hormone usually prompts the release of one or more complementary hormones to restore balance. Because of how complex these actions can be, a hormonal issue rarely stems from only one type of hormone. More often, the problem involves a series of hormones. In addition, a disruption in the balance of hormones produced by one gland or set of glands can cause other gland systems to malfunction.

Hormone Balance: The Key to Health

You've probably heard more about hormones and hormonal imbalances recently - as researchers have become more aware of evidence showing this may be the root cause of many chronic health issues you could be experiencing.

Your hormones should exist in harmony with each other. When hormones are in the right ratios to one another and in optimized zones, body systems are stable. When balance is lost, hormone deficiencies and excesses can cause chronic symptoms and disorders, and even raise risks for health complications.

A whole host of symptoms may signify an imbalance:

· Fatigue

· Headaches

· Weight Gain

· Irritability

· Infertility

· Mood swings

· Loss of libido (sex drive)

· Depression

The symptoms of improper hormonal shifts occurring in our bodies can be very strong and can even make you feel out of control at times.

A Smart Step Towards Looking & Feeling Your Best

If you have tried to figure out what is happening or perhaps treated your symptoms in ways that don't seem to work, testing your hormones may be the first step to feeling better.

Blood testing is a reliable means and a go to method for doctors to identify hormone imbalances. Hormones exist in harmony with each other – partners in a delicate balancing act. When levels of each hormone are in the right proportions, body systems are stable. When balance is lost, hormone deficiencies and excesses can become toxic to the body causing unwanted symptoms, disorders and disease.

If you suspect a hormone imbalance, you may want to address it and explore. You will not feel better tomorrow if you don’t do something about it today.

If you feel that exploring a hormone optimizing program here at YOUTH-Rx may be just what is missing to aid in your journey to look & feel your best, please let us know by filling out a medical history form and one of our experienced consultants can then set a time to talk with you.

Submit the on-line form here > Online form

Cheers to health & balance,

Roger & the YOUTH-RX team