Nov 27

Understanding Hormones and Preventative Health

Posted in Advice, New by Echelon Health

Hormones are fundamental to the human body, influencing nearly every aspect of health and well-being, from metabolism and energy levels to mood, sleep, and immune function. While people often associate hormones with puberty or reproductive health, they play critical roles in preventative health, with many chronic diseases and common health issues having hormonal roots. By understanding how hormones work and how we can support them through lifestyle and preventative measures, we can optimise our health and reduce our risk of many chronic conditions.

What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals produced by various glands in the endocrine system, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and sex organs (ovaries in women and testes in men). Once released into the bloodstream, hormones travel to specific cells and tissues, where they bind to receptors and trigger responses within those cells. This, in turn, affects a variety of bodily functions, from growth and metabolism to mood and immune function.

Some of the most well-known hormones include:

Insulin: Regulates blood sugar levels.
Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, it manages the body’s response to stress.
Estrogen and Progesterone: Primarily involved in reproductive health but also affect mood, bone health, and skin.
Testosterone: Important for muscle mass, bone density, and mood in both men and women.
Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4): Control metabolism and energy expenditure.

Hormones are sensitive to both internal and external changes. For instance, stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, sleep deprivation can disrupt melatonin (a hormone that regulates sleep), and dietary habits affect insulin levels. Understanding these relationships can lead us to preventative health strategies that help maintain balance.

Why Preventative Health?

Preventative health focuses on preventing disease rather than treating it after symptoms appear. Given that many diseases—such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers—are linked to hormonal imbalances, managing hormones is essential for prevention.

How Hormones Impact Health

Hormone imbalances can influence our health and have far-reaching effects

Energy and Metabolism: Thyroid hormones play a primary role in regulating metabolism. Low levels can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and depression, while high levels can cause weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Insulin also significantly impacts energy; insulin resistance, which occurs when cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, can lead to type 2 diabetes and is often related to lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.
Mood and Mental Health: Hormones like serotonin, dopamine, cortisol, and estrogen influence mood and cognitive function. For example, estrogen levels, which fluctuate in women throughout the menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy, are linked to mood changes and conditions like anxiety and depression. Cortisol levels rise during stress, which over time can lead to mood disorders and burnout.
Sleep and Recovery: Melatonin is the primary hormone regulating sleep, helping to coordinate circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. When melatonin levels are disrupted, sleep quality suffers, impacting the body’s ability to recover, repair tissues, and maintain immune health.
Immune Function: Hormones like cortisol and sex hormones play essential roles in immune health. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can suppress immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections and slowing recovery from illness. Sex hormones, particularly estrogen, also influence immune response, contributing to women’s generally stronger immune response compared to men, though it also makes women more susceptible to autoimmune diseases.
Bone and Muscle Health: Testosterone and estrogen are important for bone density and muscle mass. Low levels of these hormones increase the risk of osteoporosis and muscle atrophy, especially in older adults. Preventative measures that support these hormones—such as strength training and balanced nutrition—can protect bone and muscle health as we age.

Strategies for Supporting Hormonal Balance through Preventative Health

By incorporating specific lifestyle changes and habits, it’s possible to support hormonal health and reduce the risk of hormone-related diseases.

Nutrition: Hormones are influenced heavily by diet. For example:
- Blood sugar regulation: Consuming balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates helps prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, supporting insulin sensitivity.
- Essential nutrients: Certain vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, play roles in hormone synthesis and regulation.
- Avoiding endocrine disruptors: These are chemicals found in certain processed foods, plastics, and pesticides that can mimic or interfere with hormones. Eating organic when possible and reducing processed foods can limit exposure to these disruptors.
Exercise: Physical activity helps regulate hormones like insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone. For example, aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity, while strength training can stimulate testosterone and growth hormone, supporting muscle health and metabolism.
Stress Management: Chronic stress is one of the most significant factors in hormonal imbalances. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or regular leisure activities can help maintain cortisol at healthy levels. Sleep is also a powerful for stress management; adequate sleep helps regulate cortisol and prevents its accumulation.
Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a dark, cool sleeping environment, supports melatonin production and overall hormonal balance. 7-9 hours of quality sleep is recommended each night to allow the body time for recovery and hormone regulation.
Health Assessments: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, including getting blood tests to monitor hormone levels, can identify early imbalances before they lead to more serious health issues. Screenings for thyroid function, blood glucose, and vitamin D levels can provide insights into hormonal health.

Hormonal Changes Across Life Stages

Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout different stages of life. During puberty, adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, hormones undergo significant shifts. Recognising these changes and supporting the body accordingly can help to prevent hormone-related issues:

Adolescence: Puberty marks a surge in sex hormones, which can affect mood, skin, and growth. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can support these changes.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy involves dramatic hormonal changes that prepare the body for childbirth. Nutrition, hydration, and stress management are critical during this time.
Menopause: The decrease in estrogen and progesterone during menopause can affect mood, bone health, and metabolism. Regular exercise and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help maintain bone density and muscle mass.

Echelon Health Offers World Leading Health Assessments

When you turn forty years old, it is highly suggested that you get fully comprehensive health assessment which includes an in-depth look at your hormones too.

At Echelon Health, we are proud to offer a Platinum Assessment that is highly effective in detecting a wide array of illnesses. In fact, we can identify up to 92% and 95% of the preventable causes of death in men and women, respectively.

The following is a complete list of scans that are part of the Platinum Assessment:

Medical Questionnaire
Blood Test
ECG
CT Aorta
CT Heart
CT Coronary Angiogram
CT Chest
CT Pelvis
CT Virtual Colonoscopy
CT Bone Density
EOS
CT Upright Skeleton
MRI Brain
MRI Cerebral Artery Angiogram
MRI Carotid Artery Angiogram
MRI Prostate
Ultrasound Thyroid
Ultrasound Testes/Ovaries
Digital Mammogram
Full Body Mole Screen
Final consultation

If you have any questions contact our team to speak with our Head of Private Clients or check out our health assessment packages for more information on the assessments we can offer you!