Women have been taught many things about their bodies but how the endocrine system truly work isn’t one of them. After nutrition school I dove deep into the endocrine system and how it operates. Not only that but how nutrition can have a direct impact on its functionality. As women there is a constant theme that our hormones are unpredictable, we can’t control them, and our periods are painful. We should just suck it up and get through it or get on the pill right? NOPE! That’s a hard pass for me. Which is why I took the time to learn about the endocrine system. I wanted to know how my body functioned, what it needed, and how I could give it everything to run efficiently.
What Is The Endocrine System?
The Endocrine System consists of your Reproductive Organs, Thyroid, Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Adrenal glands. [1] These all produce and release hormones that tell your body what it should be doing. To get all scientific on you, your cells have receptors on them in different parts of your body. Depending on the hormone released it will only be picked up by the cells that have the receptors for them.
Each hormone serves a specific purpose. Estrogen and Progesterone are two sex hormones that control our menstrual cycles. [1] When you have a successful ovulation progesterone is released to signal the uterine lining to start to thicken in order to have an egg possibly make camp in your uterus. If the egg isn’t fertilized the body then works to shed the extra lining and you get your period. The progesterone in your body dissipates and Estrogen then picks back up again.
Bodies And Brains On Birth Control
It seems like magic or at least that’s how it’s always been advertised to me. You take a pill that stops you from having a period, maybe acne goes away, your “cycle” gets regulated, and you don’t have an unplanned pregnancy. Sounds great right? What they don’t tell you is that it changes the way you interact, who you are attracted to, stress response, immune response, who you pick as a partner, activities you enjoy, etc, We are influenced by are hormones and it makes up vital parts of who we are. [2]
The pill stops ovulation which makes progesterone. Progesterone is not just needed for thickening the uterine lining but also sexual desire. Those receptors that I mentioned get effected by the synthetic chemicals (hormones) that are in the pill. [2] Taking birth control also stops the communication from your brain to make the hormones it needs throughout the body.
I started taking the pill when I was in high school because I had terrible acne and my periods we irregular. I also had “classic” PMS symptoms. We are all expected to suffer through PMS or go on the pill. Those are the options laid out for us. However, PMS isn’t normal it’s actually a sign of dysfunction. Everything in the body is connected and dominoes off of itself.
Hormones Aren’t The Bad Guy
Whether you’re at the beginning of your hormone journey or post menopause, hormones get a bad reputation. Hormones are chemical messengers given instruction by the brain on which to release and function to help carry out. Balancing foundational health has a direct cause and effect on the body’s endocrine system.
Hormones aren’t the bad guy just the messenger! Common conditions like PMS, PMDD, Amenorrhea, Anovulation, PCOS, are not normal and have been linked to underlying imbalances. Those imbalances may stem from digestion, blood sugar regulation, mineral deficiencies, diet, and more. Working to balance foundational systems have a cause and effect impact on your hormones.
Nutrition and Hormones
Food plays a huge role in the entire body but how does it impact the endocrine system? There are Six Basics Of Nutrition that impact everything in the body. If the basics are in dysfunction then the effect is seen in other areas a well. [3]
If there are mineral deficiencies, digestion is in dysfunction, you’re not eating enough fatty acids, the body isn’t able to absorb the nutrients it needs to function efficiently. [3] It’s kind of like driving your car when the check engine light came on and you’re speeding down the highway seeing smoke come out of the hood. The body in a lot of ways is a machine in that it needs certain things to run and get from point A to point B without malfunctions happening. The same goes for your body!
Balancing hormones starts with the basics and that’s how I operate with my clients. Working as a partnership with each individual as a blank canvas to create a plan for your specific needs. You know your body and have a voice throughout the entire process.
For more on my process and services check out my NUTRITION SERVICES PAGE
READY TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES?
Hormones control every aspect of our day to day choices, moods, partners, activities, food, careers, and sex life. Take control of your body and your hormones. Reach out to chat with Sam about your needs and getting started!
Resources
[1] Shannon Leparski, Certified Hormone Specialist (2019) The Happy Hormone Guide. Bend, OR: Blue Star Press
[2] Sarah E. Hill, PhD (2019) This Is Your Brain On Birth Control. New York, NY: Penguin Random House LLC
[3] Gerard J. Tortora, Bryan Derrickson (2019) Introduction to the Human Body. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Ons