Melinda Ring, MD, FACP, Dipl.ABOIM, CNS, Dipl.ABLM, IFMCP’s Post

🌷 Day 41 of #75hardchallenge : Hormones and Women’s Health 🌷 Hello, LinkedIn family! Today marks another step in our health enlightenment journey, focusing on a topic that plays a pivotal role in women's health: hormones. Hormones are pivotal in steering the physiological and biochemical processes in women, especially those related to fertility and reproduction. The hormonal balance maintained throughout a woman's menstrual cycle is a testament to nature's remarkable orchestration, ensuring the successful outcome of reproduction. 🔬 The Role of Hormones Recent studies have thrown light on the benefits and risks associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopausal women. For decades, HRT was a common prescription to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and to potentially reduce the risk of bone fractures and heart disease. However, concerns arose when studies revealed that estrogen plus progestin therapy could elevate a woman's risk of heart disease and breast cancer. 🚺 Common Hormonal Imbalances Women may experience hormonal imbalances due to stress, diet, or medical conditions. Hormonal imbalances are prevalent among women and can manifest at any age, leading to menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, weight gain, and mood swings among other symptoms. 🩺 Addressing Imbalances Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be a pragmatic approach to mitigate concerns related to hormonal imbalances, with estrogen being administered via creams and tablets. Additionally, hormonal birth control methods can help regulate hormone levels and manage menstrual irregularities. 🥗 Lifestyle and Hormonal Health A well-rounded diet brimming with nutrient-dense foods, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a colourful array of fruits and vegetables is quintessential for hormonal equilibriumm. 🌟 The Importance of Awareness Awareness and education about hormonal health empower women to seek help and understand their bodies better, leading to improved health outcomes. Have you or someone you know been affected by hormonal health issues? What steps did you find most effective in managing these challenges? Ending Note 🌷 Hormonal health is a crucial aspect of women's well-being. Let's open the dialogue, share knowledge, and support each other in achieving hormonal harmony. Stay tuned for more insights and remember to follow for daily health wisdom. Together, we're stronger! 💪 #WomenHealth #HormonalBalance #HealthcareInnovation

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It’s not a flex to have no appetite in the morning nor does it mean your body is more resilient or superior. In fact, waking up not hungry is a sign of deeper health issues that need to be addressed. As a woman in her reproductive years, your body has to feel ‘safe’ at all times in order for it to function as it should without disruption in your ovulation, thyroid function & adrenal health. Having breakfast is a VITAL component to having healthy, happy hormones. When you skip meals, your body sends a mini emergency signal causing a release of cortisol. And so when you consistently skip it, whether on purpose or not, you’re putting your body in a chronic state of stress. This chronic state of stress will deplete progesterone, affect your thyroid function, throw off your blood sugar and mess with your hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin. It shuts down ovulation in the long run as your body thinks it’s not safe to carry a pregnancy - so your progesterone depletes causing more estrogen dominance. It can also affect your blood sugar and insulin causing insulin resistance which leads to all kinds of health issues from diabetes to PCOS. Thyroid balance is compromised as cortisol inhibits the part of the brain that releases thyroid hormone. Leptin levels decrease (leptin is the satiety hormone that tells your body it’s full) when you suppress food intake leading to cravings and hunger throughout the day. And ghrelin, your hunger hormone, increases which can lead to overeating and weight gain. So as you can see breakfast is a must! And And ideally one that doesn’t involve refined carbs and sugary foods. A breakfast rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats is a recipe for overall hormone balance and health & one of the FIRST steps I take with my clients to ensure they’re starting their days off the right way. It’s also important to take a functional medicine approach to WHY you don’t have an appetite & so working with someone who can dig deeper is in your best interest for your hormonal health & fertility. Do you have a a low appetite in the morning?? Share below and I can share some ideas of how to incorporate breakfast back into your day 🫶🏼

𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟰 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀. 𝗗𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 ? Male hormonal cycles do exist and they exist in a very unregulated manner across the season.  Usually the cycles in men that occur are unheard by many and hence overlooked many times. Men produce sperms and testosterone all year long which is not regulated monthly like that of friends. It has been scientifically proven that men actually experience a full testosterone cycle every 24 hours with peaks and troughs in testosterone levels during this time which affects their mood, attitudes and behavior.  Testosterone in men reaches its peak in the early morning, which steadily decreases throughout the day, becoming lowest in the night.  So, you see in this video that Ross, a relatable F.R.I.E.N.D.S character, has an inner rage and frustration. So, let's understand the reason for it and how testosterone actually can cause such episodes of breakdown in men. 𝟭)𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 During the morning, testosterone peaks, enabling men to become more energetic and focussed. They tend to be more competitive, confident and impulsive. As this is also the time when men are most virile, hence the optimal time to tackle tasks that require spatial skills. 𝟮)𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Imbalances in testosterone, the primary male hormone along with fluctuations in cortisol, insulin and thyroid hormones result in male hormonal imbalance. 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 Popularly known as male menopause, it is actually a result of low testosterone levels. 𝗔𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲  Often resulting from long periods of stress, adrenal fatigue is caused by low levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. The endocrine glands are actually responsible for producing, storing and releasing hormones into the bloodstream. When the body undergoes stress, the entire endocrine functioning gets affected leading to imbalance of hormones and subsequent pathologies. Conditions like chronic stress, diabetes, poor nutrition and iodine deficiency causes the imbalance in hormone secretion which further also affects mental and physical wellbeing of a man. 𝗦𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝗼𝘆𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 - 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵. #MaleHormones #TestosteroneRollercoaster #MasculineMetamorphosis #men’smentalhealthawarenessweek

Top nutrients depleted by stress. Studies have shown that stress affects our micronutrient concentrations and excretions i.e. it depletes our micronutrient stores. And in the long-term, this is not good. It can lead to weakened immunity, increased risk of mood disorders, cognitive impairments, cardiovascular problems, bone health deterioration and overall reduced physical and mental well-being. And its effects on women are worse...(surprise surprise) Women experience more hormonal fluctuations due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Stress can exacerbate these fluctuations, leading to increased nutrient needs. E.g. stress can worsen premenstrual syndrome (PMS), increasing the demand for B vitamins, magnesium and iron. Chronic stress can affect menstrual cycles and overall reproductive health. Nutrients like folate (vitamin B9) are essential for reproductive health, and their depletion can have more pronounced effects in women. Women of childbearing age are more prone to iron deficiency because of menstrual blood loss and stress can exacerbate this. Women also face a greater risk of osteoporosis and stress can contribute to bone density loss by affecting the balance of cortisol and oestrogen, making calcium and vitamin D crucial, especially under stress. Additionally, women may experience a greater impact on magnesium levels due to stress and deficiencies can lead to increased stress sensitivity, creating a vicious cycle. So, if you're experiencing acute or chronic stress from life, be extra mindful of your intake of the following nutrients which are most affected by stress: *Magnesium: relaxation, sleep, and muscle function *B Vitamins: energy, cognitive function and DNA repair *Vitamin C: immune function and regulating stress hormones *Zinc: immune health, brain function and hormone balance *Calcium: bone health and nerve function *Iron: energy production and oxygen transport *Potassium: heart health and muscle function *Vitamin D: mood regulation, bone health and immune function Comment below if this post was helpful 🩵 #functionalnutrition #womenshealth #healthandwellness #stress #nutritionaltherapy

If you've been paying attention to ever evolving world of gut health science over the past few years, you'll be well aware that your digestive system does far more than simply break down food. That there is a dialogue between your brain and your intestines, for example, is now widely known: with the gut:brain connection responsible for managing stress, mood and motility. There's other curious links between the system and other parts of your body, too, though. One is the gut:hormone axis. Ever experienced changes to your digestion around your menstrual cycle? If so, that's the connection in action. 'The gut hormone axis refers to the two-way relationship between your gut microbiome and your hormones, which can include everything including the female sex hormone oestrogen, the stress hormone cortisol and your hunger and fullness hormones ghrelin and leptin,' Dr Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist and author of Genius Gut, tells WH. #womenshealth #femtech #healthtech #digitalhealth #healthcare #healthcareinnovation #startups #innovation #health #medtech #healthcareresearch #femalehealth #genderhealthgap #reproductivehealth #venturecapital #vc #funding #investment #grants #maternalhealth #periods #menstruation #sexualhealth #sextech #menopause #fertility #pregnancy #postpartum #eggfreezing #IVF #healthequity #pelvicfloor #pelvicfloorhealth #hormonehealth

Hormonal Imbalance: Signs & Cure! Let’s understand the basics 👇 👉 What is Hormonal Imbalance? - Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions. They fluctuate naturally throughout life, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. However, certain factors like poor diet, obesity, or certain medical conditions can also trigger hormonal imbalances. 👉Signs & Symptoms? - Fatigue - Difficulty sleeping - Loss of libido - Sudden weight change - Skin problems like dry skin & acne - Hair problems like hair loss & thinning - Digestive issues like nausea & bloating 👉Consequences? - Diabetes - Thyroid disease - Obesity - Irregular menstruation - Infertility - Adult acne 👉Is Hormonal Imbalance a Women Disease? - No, it is not exclusively a women's disease. Hormones are present in both men and women, and imbalances can occur in any individual. Various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, can contribute to hormonal imbalance. Even for men, it can cause erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia. 👉What to Do? Join Apollo 24|7 Health Hour This Sunday With Dr Ravi Kant Saraogi, Endocrinologist, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, As we Discuss: - Signs & symptoms of hormonal imbalance - Causes & Diagnosis - Treatment & Prevention - Diet, supplements & medication - Home remedies that work - Lifestyle modifications that can help Don't forget to mark your calendars for 3rd December, 11 AM to be a part of our YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook LIVE. Click on ‘Notify Me’ - https://bit.ly/3RjK7pa Have a specific question in mind? We've got you covered! Just click here: https://bit.ly/HH-Form #HormonalImbalance #HormonalImbalanceInMen #HormonalImbalanceInWomen #TestosteroneImbalance #EstrogenImbalance #ProgesteroneImbalance #HormonalImbalanceSymptoms #HormalImbalanceCauses #HormonalImbalanceTreatment #HormonalImbalanceCure #HormonalImbalancePrevention #HormonalImbalanceDiagnosis #HormonalImbalanceDiet #HormonalImbalanceSupplements #LifestyleModifications #Hormones #Health #HealthHour #DrRaviKantSaraogi #Apollo247 #Apollo247HealthHour

Every Phase 49 - #Ovulatoryphase Stairway to Healing Part IV The ovulatory phase: The golden hour of our cycle. In reality, it's actually the most important phase, because the rest of the cycle cannot happen without it. The period cannot happen without it. The period will follow however ovulation went, so if it was late, the #period will be late, if it was crappy, the period will be. This sets the stage for however the cycle is going to be, and in this piece it's just the beginning of our golden landscape that will continue across the next ovulation months pieces. Estrogen rises and your body has a surge of the LH (luteinizing hormone) which triggers the follicle (from the follicular phase we talked about for the last few months) to release the egg. Then, your follicle releases the egg and you ovulate. When you ovulate, a new #corpusluteum is formed. Consider the corpus luteum the landscape from which life is formed, or all that energy is reabsorbed by the body. The corpus luteum is what starts to create progesterone which is what causes your period later on. Progesterone is responsible for thickening your uterine lining (or endometrium) to prepare it for pregnancy, or your next menstrual phase. In this stairway to healing story, the corpus luteum has caused the endometrium 'plot' to thicken with the first application of the gold leaf as the background. Both our fight-or-flight survival hormone, Cortisol, and our pregnancy life-making hormone, Progesterone, come from the same mother hormone, #pregnenolone (which we get from cholesterol--eat good fats!). Our bodies prioritize making #cortisol over #progesterone because the body wants us to survive & save us from the snake/tiger/threat more than prioritizing having a baby. "Progesterone remains absolutely vital to the health of both men and women of all ages. For example, this hormone has natural anti-inflammatory properties that protect brain tissue in particular. Progesterone fights against excess inflammation in the brain.... ...Progesterone is responsible for regulating blood sugar, developing intelligence, building bones, brain activity and many more. Additionally, progesterone plays an important role in converting fat into energy, regulating thyroid hormone production, and helping to reboot libido. It is also a natural antidepressant, aids in normalizing blood clotting, helps to initiate sleep and is a natural diuretic along with many other vital functions." - Body Logic MD Think of the #goldleaf in this mural as the corpus luteum, and the #mushrooms as the progesterone. The gold leaf represents the ether, the creative wells of womb, and the life force energy that we call magic, creator, or universe. We can tap in anytime. And when we do, everything we touch turns to gold... check out the whole thing with the link in the comments #fightorflight #periodpain #endometriosis #mural #psilocybinmushroom

For many women it can take time to find the right combination and dose of HRT that works for them. Once started hormone replacement therapy it can also take a few months to notice a difference in symptoms. Some women do feel immediate relief, I was one of those fortunate women that literally the very next day felt a huge difference but for those who don’t it can be very frustrating. The thing is there is so much at play here, it’s sometimes not as simple as just taking the hormones and that’s it. Some women don’t absorb the hormones well, they may not metabolise them properly or detox them out the body effectively meaning symptoms remain or new ones arise. Stress has a huge impact on how your hormones work so if you are stressed, overworked or overwhelmed the impact of this will mess with your levels of oestrogen and progesterone whether you are on hrt or not. If you have issues with gut health due to stress, medications or lack of good nutrition you will experience difficulties in metabolising, detoxing and absorbing hormones. The liver needs to be in good health, alcohol seriously compromises how the liver processes oestrogen, cutting down and even giving up alcohol will make a big difference to your symptoms. Many women really suffer in January with more challenging menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms due to the indulgence of Christmas. Of course we want to let our hair down, have a few drinks and eat more but if you moderate it you will feel a whole lot better in January! The key is to remember that there are no quick fixes here for many women. It’s a process of trying different combinations and types of hrt alongside lifestyle changes to find what works. Maybe testosterone is needed and also looking at other key hormones like the thyroid hormones and cortisol. It is very often that symptoms are due to imbalances within these hormones that are then effecting the levels of the others. This is where in depth testing comes in and I always recommend a private test that includes a dry urine test like the Dutch test. This is because they give a more accurate reading unlike a blood test. I recommend FUTURE WOMAN & WomanWise Victoria Keith-Roach Some key takeaways: 👉 Be patient - There are no quick fixes 👉 Be prepared to look within - make positive lifestyle changes, your body is asking you to listen and nourish it with more fresh foods, supportive thoughts, more movement, rest and joy 👉 Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, you are unique, your body and its needs are different to everyone else’s. What works for one doesn’t for another 👉 Don’t give up, finding the right support is important and investing in your health will sometimes mean having to pay for it. When you think how much money you spend on holidays, buying a new car or something to wear, surely spending money on your health so that you can live a happier, healthier life is just as important, actually it’s far more important ❤️ #menopausesupport #hrt #womenshealth

Are you struggling with fertility issues or metabolic health concerns? Are you tired of feeling sluggish and out of balance? Well, I have some good news for you - exercise can be the key to improving both your fertility and metabolic health! Research has shown that regular exercise can have a positive impact on fertility by balancing hormones and optimizing metabolism. Let's break it down and understand how this works. Firstly, exercise helps to balance hormones by reducing the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and increasing the levels of feel-good hormones like endorphins. This is important because high levels of stress hormones can disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular periods and ovulation problems. Moreover, exercise can also help to regulate insulin levels, which is crucial for metabolic health. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and when it is not functioning properly, it can lead to conditions like PCOS and diabetes. By exercising regularly, you can improve your body's sensitivity to insulin, making it easier to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. But that's not all - exercise also plays a vital role in optimizing metabolism. When we exercise, our muscles use up energy, which helps to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. This is important because being overweight or obese can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of metabolic disorders. In addition to these benefits, exercise also helps to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the reproductive organs, which can enhance fertility. It also boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, and improves overall well-being, all of which are essential for a healthy reproductive system. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to lace up those sneakers and get moving! Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, five days a week. This can include activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or even dancing. Find something that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. Remember, exercise is not just about physical appearance, it's about taking care of your body and mind. By investing in your health and making exercise a priority, you are empowering yourself and taking charge of your well-being. #ExerciseIsMedicine and it's time to #EmpowerYourself and #TakeChargeOfYourHealth. Start incorporating regular exercise into your #WellnessJourney and see the positive impact it has on your #FertilityJourney. Remember, #HealthyHabits lead to a #StrongAndHealthy body and mind. So, #InvestInYourself and never give up on your #FitnessGoals. You deserve to feel your best, so let's make exercise a #HealthyLifestyle choice. #NeverGiveUp on your journey towards #BalanceHormones and #OptimiseMetabolism. Let's #FitnessMotivation each other and create a community of #SelfCare and #BodyAndMind wellness. Together, we can achieve anything!