Hormones influence nearly every aspect of health, from mood and sleep to metabolism and stress response. Drew Balchus, a board-certified nurse midwife with North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists, explains why understanding these chemical messengers is key to feeling your best.
What are hormones?
“Before we understand how to balance our hormones, we first need to actually understand what they are,” Balchus said. “Hormones are our body’s little chemical messengers. They’re tiny molecules made by special glands in our endocrine system.”
These messengers travel through the bloodstream, delivering instructions like “it’s time to wake up” or “let’s digest our lunch.” They regulate mood, emotions, sleep cycles, metabolism, fertility, and even heart rate and body temperature.
“When our hormones are working in sync, everything feels smooth,” she said. “But once these signals start getting a little crossed and out of balance, that’s when you might start feeling excessive tiredness, anxiousness, or that groggy, off feeling.”
Key hormones and their roles
Balchus highlighted several hormones that play major roles in women’s health:
- Estrogen: “Our multitasker,” she said. It supports bone health, skin elasticity, circulation, memory, and mood. Low estrogen can cause hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood swings.
- Progesterone: “Our calming hormone,” produced after ovulation. It promotes restful sleep and a calm mood. Low levels may lead to anxiety or insomnia.
- Testosterone: Essential for energy, motivation, and muscle tone — even in women.
- Cortisol: “Our big stress manager,” Balchus said. Short bursts help us respond to challenges, but chronic stress keeps cortisol high, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain.
- Thyroid hormones: Act as the body’s thermostat, regulating metabolism.
- Insulin: “Our energy distributor,” helping cells absorb glucose for fuel.
Hormones through life stages
“Our hormones are with us through every single chapter,” Balchus said. From puberty to menopause, they adapt to life’s demands:
- Puberty: “It’s the first big hormonal surge,” she explained. Estrogen and progesterone rise, triggering cycles, growth, and mood changes.
- Pregnancy and postpartum: Hormones surge to support baby’s growth, then drop dramatically after birth. “That’s why we see mood changes postpartum,” she said.
- Perimenopause and menopause: Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, causing hot flashes, sleep changes, and mood swings. “Menopause is not a disease,” Balchus added. “It’s a natural stage in life.”
Supporting hormone health
Balchus emphasized that balance starts with the basics:
- Eat colorful, fiber-rich foods and probiotics.
- Stay hydrated — “Even mild dehydration slows digestion and blocks hormonal pathways.”
- Prioritize movement and sleep. “Treat sleep like it’s medicine,” she said.
- Manage stress with mindfulness, journaling, or short walks.
“Your hormones do not need to be perfect,” Balchus said. “Even small positive changes can help.”
Common signs of imbalance
Balchus noted that your body sends signals when hormones are out of sync. Watch for:
- Persistent fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Weight changes and sugar cravings
- Skin or hair changes
- Menstrual irregularities
“If symptoms become chronic or affect your daily life, that’s when we want to take a deeper look,” she said.
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