We often hear women say, “It’s all because of hormones” as a justification to acne breakouts, irritableness, and many more unlikely conditions. However, what crucial role does these hormones play in the body’s wellness anyway.
Some dictionaries define death as “loss of hormones.” According to Suzanne Sommers, an anti-aging medicine advocate in her book “Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness,” there is an approach to hormonal imbalance, which, if left untreated, can lead to weight gain, sleeplessness, emotional rage, loss of libido and ultimately illness.
Actually, your body needs all these hormones to function properly—estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, human growth hormone (HGH), melatonin, pregnenolone thyroid, (T4, T3) adrenals and insulin. Yet the thing with this is, the cocktail mix of one’s hormones vary with every person. Such is the reason why a consultation with an endocrinologist or your personal doctor is always highly recommendable when under probable hormonal deficiency.
On a lively conversation with Dr. Quincy Raya (Asian Institute of Longevity Medicine) that a 47-year-old mother of two asked why her skin is so dry. “No matter what type of moisturizer I use, it’s not improving at all! There are also wrinkles around my eyes and mouth. What is wrong with my skin?” the mother declares.
Dr. Raya then explained, “You are experiencing progesterone and estrogen deficiency skin problems related to pre-menopausal. Progesterone and estrogen are the key hormones that are given to menopausal women to increase skin moisture; make hair lustrous; vagina, supple and well lubricated. Estrogen also builds up collagen and progesterone prevents its breakdown, thus making skin more elastic, less wrinkled and noticeably younger looking.” Eventually though, these hormones reduce menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, irritability and mood swings. More essentially, optimal estradiol levels provide protection against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. When estradiol levels dropped, protection is over.
Another condition caused by hormonal deficiency is Hypothyroidism. This occurs when an underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones, in turn causing dry skin and hair. Instead of the bodily systems speeding up, they slowed down. Other symptoms are fatigue, depression, feeling cold, weight gain, constipation and menstrual irregularities. This can be treated with an oral form of thyroid hormone. Worry not though; a simple hormone blood test can determine your hormonal levels to correct below optimal values through bio-identical liposomal creams. However, middle-aged Pinays who encountered such symptoms can avail of free consultation at their nearest Health Center in their respective Barangay.
