Is It Me... Or My Hormones?
Fitness Magazine|July - August 2018

How do you know if your hormones are out of balance, and do you have any advice on how to balance hormones through food?

Melissa
Is It Me... Or My Hormones?

How do you know if your hormones are out of balance, and do you have any advice on how to balance hormones through food?

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by various organs in the body, which form part of the endocrine system, and are released into the bloodstream in response to certain triggers. These organs include the pancreas, ovaries, hypothalamus, and pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pineal and adrenal glands.

Every aspect of our physiology, from our physical development, reproduction, sleep and metabolism, to our moods, emotions and general feelings of wellbeing are closely regulated by a wide array of these hormones. Hormones do their jobs by exerting a biological response on certain organs or other cells through specific cellular reactions.

Feedback loop 

The internal control mechanism that regulates hormone release is known as a negative feedback loop. For example, rising blood glucose levels trigger the release of insulin from the pancreas, which is needed to remove glucose from the bloodstream and into muscle cells and the liver. The subsequent drop in circulating glucose then sends a ‘feedback’ message to the pancreas, which switches off the production and release of insulin as the body returns to a state of balance, or homeostasis.

When our natural feedback loop is working optimally it is able to maintain balance, resulting in stability within your body’s internal environment. This is when your body functions naturally, as it should. In this state you should feel full of energy and vitality, your moods should be stable, and the condition of your body – things such as your hair, nails and skin – and overall health should be good.

The warning signs

This story is from the July - August 2018 edition of Fitness Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July - August 2018 edition of Fitness Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FITNESS MAGAZINEView All
Girl,You Got This!
Fitness Magazine

Girl,You Got This!

Actress, adventurer, athlete, and goodwill ambassador Hlubi Mboya Arnold has done it all. From stepping on the competitive stage, climbing Kilimanjaro and finishing the Absa Cape Epic, to juggling a hectic career in the cut-throat TV and film industries, she still finds the time to pursue her passion for social entrepreneurship and community upliftment. It’s the type of life that epitomises what it means to be a #strongwoman

time-read
8 mins  |
May - June 2017
Beating Breast Cancer​​​​​​​ With Exercise
Fitness Magazine

Beating Breast Cancer​​​​​​​ With Exercise

A new evidence-based review shows the important correlation between exercise and cancer recovery. 

time-read
2 mins  |
May - June 2017
Amber Blom
Fitness Magazine

Amber Blom

How this Bikini pro is paying it forward by helping fitness entrepreneurs succeed in business

time-read
9 mins  |
May-June 2018
Staying Consistent During Winter
Fitness Magazine

Staying Consistent During Winter

Maintaining consistency with regard to your training routine and diet throughout winter can be challenging, even for the most dedicated athlete.

time-read
2 mins  |
May-June 2018
Danielle Van Heerden
Fitness Magazine

Danielle Van Heerden

Swimming teacher & personal trainer, Pinetown.

time-read
3 mins  |
May-June 2018
Stuck For Ideas? Try These... Holiday Cardio Workouts
Fitness Magazine

Stuck For Ideas? Try These... Holiday Cardio Workouts

A few quick and simple high-intensity routines will ensure you sustain your fitness levels, and will also help you keep those holiday calories in check.

time-read
5 mins  |
November - December 2018
Thinking Inside The Box - Next-Level Recovery
Fitness Magazine

Thinking Inside The Box - Next-Level Recovery

Training for and competing in CrossFit competitions places significant physical stress on the body, which is why we need to pay special attention to our recovery demands during these phases in our training.

time-read
3 mins  |
November - December 2018
8 Tips To Healthy Holiday Eating
Fitness Magazine

8 Tips To Healthy Holiday Eating

Holidays Are Meant To Be A Time For Us To Unwind, Relax And Enjoy Life, So It’s Okay To Let Loose And Indulge A Bit. Follow These Tips To Not Get Carried Away.

time-read
2 mins  |
November - December 2018
Reduce Injury Risk
Fitness Magazine

Reduce Injury Risk

Picking up an injury is like getting the flu – it stops us in our tracks and derails our normal routine, both in life and in our training.

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2018
Boost Your Value With Short Courses
Fitness Magazine

Boost Your Value With Short Courses

The health and fitness industry is one of the most dynamic sectors in the world. Exercise science and research into nutrition are constantly uncovering new information.

time-read
3 mins  |
November - December 2018