FROM weight gain to hair loss and mood swings – we have good news: it might not be you that’s to blame.
Have you ever considered a greater power might be at play?
Andy Daly, nutritionist at Dr David Jack, tells Sun on Sunday Health that it’s likely that your hormones are ruling your roost.
“Hormones are chemical messengers and play critical roles in regulating physiological processes and keeping the body in balance,” he explains.
“Hormonal imbalances can disrupt these processes, leading to a broad range of symptoms and health issues.”
And before you decide this only affects women, Andy points out that men live at the mercy of their hormones too.
Here, we look at how your hormones might be behind your worrying symptoms . . .
BELLY FAT: Cortisol
CORTISOL is the body’s “stress hormone”.
Dr Colleen Fogarty-Draper, a registered dietician and Holland And Barrett’s women’s health adviser, says: “When we feel under threat, we produce more cortisol. In short bursts, it’s not harmful.
“However, when frequent or prolonged, it can result in various effects including increased fat storage.”
“Cortisol belly” can more typically occur during stressful periods, such as the menopause transition.
Colleen says: “The stress of midlife can lead to unwanted elevations in cortisol which can worsen visceral fat accumulation (the type that wraps around your organs).”
Stress itself can also cause long-term physical problems such as heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Therefore, taking the time to de-stress could help you lose belly fat and ward off disease.
Spend more time outside, do exercise such as brisk walking and resistance training and try breathing exercises.
Try box breathing — breathe in for a count of four, hold for four and breathe out for four. Repeat this four times.
Colleen adds: “Plan your meals wisely and control your portion size.
“Make sure every meal is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, alongside plenty of lean protein and healthy fats.”
LOW MOOD, WEIGHT GAIN: Oestrogen/progesterone
OESTROGEN and progesterone levels shift daily in women, as well as over their lifetime.
Colleen says: “During the build-up to your period, oestrogen levels start to decline, while progesterone levels increase.
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“This triggers the brain to release a chemical called norepinephrine, which causes a decline of dopamine and serotonin (happy hormones).”
There are more than 150 PMS symptoms which can strike up to two weeks before your period, including acne, feeling tearful, greasy hair as well as breast tenderness and bloating.
Oestrogen starts declining in most women from their early 40s, known as perimenopause.
Symptoms, which can continue into old age, include hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue and sleep issues.
Colleen says: “Muscle and joint pain during menopause may be caused by declining oestrogen levels, too.”
Caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking are thought to exacerbate symptoms, but foods high in phytoestrogens such as soy products, flaxseeds and legumes may help, says Andy.
He adds: “Women may want to consider HRT which can be effective in managing menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
“HRT may not be suitable for everyone and can have potential side-effects so it’s best to discuss this with your GP.”
In men, too little oestrogen can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures, erectile dysfunction, mood swings and abdominal fat, while too much can cause the development of breast tissue, Andy says. “High oestrogen may interfere with sperm production, leading to fertility issues.”
Meanwhile, an imbalance of progesterone can lead to a loss of libido and sleep disturbances.
What is perimenopause?
Before her final period, a woman will experience perimenopause, Dr Radhika Vohra, GP and trustee of The Menopause Charity, tells The Sun.
This is when your ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone – two key sex hormones.
As levels dip, it’s common to notice changes to the body, from your bones to your mental health.
Dr Vohra argues this is the most important time to get clued up.
“The perimenopause can start up to seven years before your last period,” she says.
“It’s important to be proactive, because if you wait until after that point, you may have suffered far longer than you needed to.”
LOW SEX DRIVE, NO ENERGY, HAIR THINNING: Testosterone
TESTOSTERONE is the primary male sex hormone but it is needed by women too.
In men, levels generally stay steady, while in women testosterone drops during the menopause.
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Colleen says: “When testosterone is combined with oestrogen [in women], it helps with the growth, maintenance and repair of reproductive tissues, muscle and bone mass.”
Men lose around one per cent of testosterone per year from around the age of 35.
The drop can be followed by a fall in libido, low energy, difficulty concentrating and headaches.
Erectile dysfunction, mood swings and loss of muscle mass are also common.
Hypogonadism — when the testes produce less testosterone, usually from birth — can occur later in life, particularly in men who are obese or have Type 2 diabetes.
DHT is a sex hormone responsible for facial and body hair growth during puberty.
Andy says: “An imbalance of DHT is typically associated with male pattern baldness. However, it can also contribute to hair loss in women.”
Men may see a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, and women overall thinning.
Andy says: “Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds may help reduce inflammation and support hair growth.
“Some people find Biotin (vitamin B7) helpful in improving hair quality too.”
EARLY MENOPAUSE, WEIGHT CHANGES: Thyroxine
THE thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
An underactive thyroid [hypothyroidism] does not produce enough hormones, while an overactive thyroid [hyperthyroidism] produces too many.
Andy explains: “Hypothyroidism can lead to a slowing down of the metabolism leading to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and feeling cold.
“Hyperthyroidism can cause an increase in metabolism, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite and heat intolerance.”
Hyperthyroidism can cause an increased heart rate, palpitations and high blood pressure, while hypothyroidism can cause a slow heart rate and changes which may increase the risk of heart disease.
Colleen says thyroid disorders can cause puberty and menstruation to occur abnormally early or late, or periods that are either light, heavy, irregular or completely absent.
Andy says: “If you are experiencing typical symptoms such as hair thinning, fatigue, weight changes, intolerance to temperature and/or have concerns, book an appointment with your GP.”
THIRSTY, PEEING MORE, ITCHY GENITALS: Insulin
INSULIN is a hormone that carries glucose from food into the body’s cells for energy.
Without it, blood glucose levels can become too high and you can be diagnosed with diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes can’t make insulin at all, while those with type 2 either don’t produce enough insulin or it fails to work effectively.
Dr Zulqarnain Shah, medical director and GP at SSP Health, says: “The symptoms of diabetes include increased urinary frequency, excessive thirst and weight loss.”
Dr Shah adds: “Most people have no symptoms at all.
“If you have a family history of diabetes you might benefit from a health check.”
An estimated 850,000 people are currently living with type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed, says Diabetes UK.
To prevent diabetes, Dr Shah says: “Watch your weight, cut out sugars and manage stress.
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“In women, insulin resistance can lead to more male hormones [testosterone].
“Polycystic ovary syndrome can develop, leading to problems conceiving and excess facial hair.”