Search Results for: blog how hormones affect your body

Thyroid Issues Complicate More Than Just Your Weight

Pregnant? You may just want to have your thyroid hormone levels checked. If your thyroxine levels are even just a little bit off, you may be at an increased risk for delivery complications. Thyroxine is the main hormone secreted by the thyroid, which is responsible for metabolism, protein production and the body’s sensitivity to other hormones. Too little thyroxine may increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and pre-eclampsia. (Interestingly enough, pre-eclampsia has recently been linked to increased risk for thyroid problems later in life.) Now researchers are saying that even moderately low to normal levels of the hormone may … Continue reading →

How Discontinuing Birth Control Affects Your Body

When I stopped taking my birth control, I experienced a range of symptoms that no one ever warned me about. They were very similar to pregnancy symptoms. I was constantly tired. I had headaches all the time. I was really moody and forgetful, and I got really bloated. I tested for pregnancy a number of times before I realized what was happening. Even my supervisor at work thought I might be pregnant! It seems that one of the most common symptoms women face when going off birth control is irregular periods. When their period doesn’t return, some women assume they … Continue reading →

Ten Reasons Why Your Period May Be Irregular

A late or skipped period is often cause for alarm. Am I pregnant? Is something else wrong with me? But you may not need to panic! The average woman has between eleven and thirteen periods per year — but that’s just an average. If your cycle is longer or shorter, that may be normal for you and you don’t need to worry! Here are some common causes for an irregular or skipped menstrual cycle: Pregnancy. Yep, it’s number one according to WebMD. If you think you might be pregnant, treat yourself as if you ARE pregnant until you get things … Continue reading →

Migraines and Hormones

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My mother was around my age when she started having migraines. I’m starting to consider the fact that some of my splitting headaches recently are the result of monthly hormone changes. Symptoms of migraine can include: Moderate to severe pain (may be a pounding, throbbing pain) that may shift from one side to the other or affect the whole head. Sensitivity to light, noise, and/or odors Blurred vision Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain Loss of appetite Sensations of heat or cold Dizziness Fatigue Aura — seeing bright, flashing lights or dots, blind spots, and/or wavy lines I’ve definitely been … Continue reading →

Does Exposure to Chemicals Affect Fertility?

I read this article in which upcoming research into the affect of exposure to chemicals in the environment is discussed. It immediately resonated with me. We are exposed to literally thousands of chemicals, many of which bioaccumulate in the body over time. This article resonated with me because I have long suspected this to be the case. The number of people in my circle of friends who have experienced infertility is alarming. This appears to be a much larger problem than it was for my mother or grandmother’s generation. I’ve looked for research on this subject in the past, but … Continue reading →

How Hormones Affect Your Body

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 … Continue reading →

Kids and Growth Hormones

Many people wish they could be taller… and I’m one of them. Thanks to my mother’s short genes I am destined to be under runway model stature for life—and I’m fine with that. I don’t have to contend with people calling me “shrimp,” “midget” or “shorty” (at least not to my face), but some children must bear these brutal taunts on a daily basis. I remember one of them. My classmate Bryan. He was my date for the Valentine’s Day Ball our freshman year in high school. He was one of the sharpest, funniest and thoughtful kids in the entire … Continue reading →

Sleep & Your Success

It’s important to understand that sleep is an important ingredient. Periodically I like to talk about sleep here in the Fitness blog because too often as adults, overwhelmingly busy – we forget how important sleep is. But the truth is, sleep is as vital to your health as exercise and eating right. Studies Suggest Sleep Helps You to Lose Weight According to Michael Breus a Ph.D. and clinical psychologist, sleep or the lack thereof can be holding you back from losing the weight you want to lose. In his book, Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep … Continue reading →

Pregnancy Awareness Month (Part II)

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With the support of “Healthy Child Healthy Word.” P.A.M. are getting the word out about healthy pregnancy. Today’s blog will focus on what P.A.M. has found to be the Five Things Pregnant Woman Complain About. Number One: Excess Weight Gain Pregnancy plays quite the number on the pregnant woman’s body. During pregnancy a woman’s body goes into storage mode. So that pint of ice cream you could eat pre-pregnancy and burn off with a good cardio, isn’t going to happen during pregnancy. The recommended weight gain for a pregnant women with a healthy BMI is 25-35 pounds. There are many … Continue reading →

PMS and Marriage

Have you ever noticed that at a certain time of the month, your husband just starts doing everything he can to annoy you? He talks weird and he walks weird and he smells funny, and he leaves his socks on the floor and he doesn’t check the mail, and you can tell him something six times, and he doesn’t get it, and you just want to grab him by the neck and shake him? And then he looks at you and says, “Is it that time of the month?” which only makes you want to shake him more, because he’s … Continue reading →