Hormones 101 Pt. 1: Estrogen, Cortisol, and Insulin

First of all. What is a hormone?

A hormone is a chemical messenger made primarily by glands in the endocrine system, but other organs and tissues do create and release them as well. They travel through the blood stream communicating with other parts of the body and telling them what to do.

While you have more than a hundred different types of hormones that affect every function in the body, there are a few major players to pay attention to. Let’s start with Estrogen, Cortisol, and Insulin.

Estrogen is a group of hormones (estradiol, estrone, estriol) that vary cyclically throughout a women’s menstrual cycle and stages of life.

Estrogen controls:

• The creation of the female figure (breasts, hips, pelvis, and even face)

• Menstrual cycle

• Skin smoothness/wrinkles

• Vaginal wetness

• Sexual libido

• Mood balance

• Energy Levels

Signs of estrogen imbalance:

• Hair loss at the top of the head

• Shrinking breasts

• Vaginal dryness

• Loss of sexual desire and possibly painful intercourse

• Mood swings

• Low energy

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Hot flashes/night sweats

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands that helps your body handle stress arising from environmental stimuli.

Cortisol plays a role in:

• Appetite

• Energy levels

• Digestion

• Joint movement

• Immune response

The release of cortisol is meant to be a short term response in a fight or flight situation. When we are consistently stressed, cortisol levels remain high and can lead to:

• Digestive issues

• Weight gain, primarily around the midsection and upper back

• A flushed and round face

• High blood pressure

• Mood swings

• Osteoporosis

• Thinning skin

• Frequent sickness and slow wound healing

Insulin is created by the pancreas and controls your blood sugar levels. It knocks on the door of your cells to deliver the glucose needed for energy. If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, your insulin levels will be consistently high. Over time, this causes your cells to become resistant, and they stop “opening the door” for insulin to let the glucose in. This is why people with insulin resistance may be overweight but are actually starving for energy. When a doctor tells a person with prediabetes or diabetes to simply lose weight without any further direction or guidance, that is laughable because it is so much more complicated than that.

Signs of Insulin Resistance include:

• Feeling constantly ravenous for sugar

• Hunger no matter how much you eat

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination

• Rapid weight gain

• Fasting blood glucose level over 100 mg/dL (optimal is 72 – 85)

• Tingling sensations in hands and feet

• Always tired no matter what you do 

Based on the information above, do you think you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance? Book a free intro call to see if I can help!