FeelingHormonal?If you’re extra-tired or moody, the
answer could very well be yes. Our levels
of these body-regulating chemicals
shift as we age, and even the smallest
dip or spike can impact our physical
and mental well-being. Learn what this
catchall phrase really means, and
how to stay in balance.
TEXT BY NAOMI BARRLET’S GIVE IT UP FOR OUR HORMONES. These chemicals
are like molecular orchestra conductors: After being
pumped out by our endo crine glands (thyroid, pi-
tuitary, ovaries, pancreas, adrenal), they travel
through the body, directing nearly all our biological
processes, from how fast we think to how happy
we feel. When they’re in harmony, our brain, mus-
cles, reproductive system, metabolism, and mood
flow like Beethoven’s Ninth. But when even one is
out of sync, it can throw off the whole concert. Con-
sider these four common cases of hormonal dis-
sonance, and the lifestyle and medical tips you need
to fine-tune them, and feel better.(^1) NONE OF MY CLOTHES FIT
Sure, you’re eating and exercising as usual. But
because your metabolism starts to slow down in
your 30s, you may see an uptick on the scale unless
you adjust your diet and work out more to com-
pensate, says E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD, president of
the Endocrine Society and endocrinology and me-
tabolism division director at the University of Iowa.
If you keep your habits the same but put on more
than a few pounds a year, there’s a small chance
that you’re not producing enough thyroid hormones.
Another possibility? Perimenopause, the mercurial
lead-up to your final menstrual period that usually
begins in your 40s. As your levels of estrogen, tes-
tosterone, and progesterone taper, “your body sees
the loss as a stress and produces more cortisol,”
says Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist at
the Cleveland Clinic. “Increased cortisol tells your
body not to let go of energy, so you burn fewer
calories and use up fewer fat stores.” To add to the
frustration, the extra weight tends to settle around
your muffin—we mean, middle.