How Hormones Affect Your Body

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

07 Aug 2007 02:24 PM

Hormones do more than influence your reproductive system.

Hormone levels can increase your risk of an exercise injury. A study from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that women in the first half of their menstrual cycles (when estrogen is the dominant hormone) tend to have less neuromuscular control than women in the second half of their menstrual cycles (when progesterone is the dominant hormone). In other words, the muscle timing is different.

Hormone levels can affect your response to addictive behaviors. The brain seems to be more responsive to pleasure and reward when estrogen levels are high -- making a person potentially more vulnerable to addictive drugs and behaviors during this time. Studies from the National Institute of Mental Health suggest that this may be why some women are more vulnerable during the first half of the menstrual cycle.

Hormonal changes can worsen symptoms of some chronic health problems. Many women report that symptoms of asthma, diabetes, lupus, migraines, and depression are worse during the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone levels are highest. Tracking your symptoms in a diary may be able to help you and your doctor manage chronic health conditions.

Hormones help you bond. The chemical called oxytocin is produced when a woman is breastfeeding -- but it isn't just for moms. Any cuddle or hug that lasts more than twenty seconds makes your body produce oxytocin. Reach out to friends and family with open arms and you may find it makes you both feel better.

What can you do to stabilize hormone levels?

• Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that regular exercise can help keep hormones at a stable level. Stable estrogen levels can help reduce cancer risk.
• Eat a balanced diet. If you're underweight, your body may not produce enough estrogen. This can put you at risk for osteoporosis. If you're overweight, your body may produce too much estrogen, increasing your risk of breast cancer. A balanced diet and a healthy weight can help keep your hormone levels stable.
• Quit smoking. Smoking causes your body to produce less estrogen, increasing your risk of osteoporosis. Smokers also tend to enter menopause earlier than non-smokers -- as much as two years earlier! That can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Drink in moderation. More than one drink per day can raise estrogen levels, increasing your risk of breast cancer.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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