My periods started late. It appeared that way compared to my friends. I envied them along with their boobs. I was flat chested, quite boyish to be honest. My progesterone levels kicked in, in their own time and of course ‘she’ arrived in her own time, when ‘she’ was good and ready. I never developed hips, boobs and the curvy body. I no longer compare myself to others.
Back in the 90s it was the waif look. Remember Kate Moss? Determined to get the look. In my endeavour my periods came to a halt due to my dieting, I’d lost far too much weight. Not a smart move. I quickly learned my weight impacted my periods, ultimately my hormone production. I’m grateful to be healthy after the turmoil I put my body through.
Around my late twenties a friend spoke of her extreme tiredness, low mood, weight gain and hair loss. We thought it was due to giving birth. In the end she was diagnosed with an under active thyroid. Thyroid hormones helps regulate metabolism.
Hunger hormones
Ghrelin and leptin, hormones often associated with weight. Ghrelin is produced and released mainly by the stomach. Sometimes referred to as the ‘hunger hormone’ because it increases appetite plus many other functions. Leptin suppresses appetite. With increased fat leptin can cause resistance which means signals telling us we’re full can be disrupted.
oestrone
There are three main types of oestrogens, oestradiol, oestrone and oestriol. We continue to produce oestrone although in much smaller amounts, oestrone is linked to our fat cells. It stands to reason with the decline in estradiol and oestrone still present it becomes dominant. In some cases leading to weight gain usually around our bellies. Blame our hormones!
Lastly
Hormones have important functions, effecting mood especially during our menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopause. Impacting our welling in a multitude of ways including weight loss/gain, memory, hair, skin, the list goes on. Stress, lifestyle, exercise what we eat all play a part, it’s tricky to get the balance. I feel knowing myself better has equipped me well. Speaking with great health professionals specific to my concerns has helped me find balance to feel good in my body. Health really is wealth. We all deserve to be and feel our best. How are you feeling?
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