The endocrine system contains glands distributed throughout your body that control the production and release of hormones like cortisol, estrogen and insulin. The adrenal gland secretes cortisol, which plays a role in maintaining blood pressure, blood glucose levels and your response to stress. The pituitary gland signals the ovaries in women to produce estrogen, which is essential for reproduction and maintaining bone mass. The pancreas gland secretes insulin, the main hormone needed to move glucose from your bloodstream into cells. These three hormones can become imbalanced from natural aging or due to health complications.
Step 1
Get a routine physical health exam and hormone panel for proper diagnosis and treatment of imbalance. The only way to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance is through proper diagnosis. Factors contributing to imbalance include internal injury, chronic stress, diabetes, infections or autoimmune disease. Underlying medical conditions warrant treatment and monitoring by your physician.
Step 2
Take prescription medications as directed. Premenopausal women have significant drops in estrogen production. Hormone replacement medications are the first line of treatment because estrogen loss can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis and breast cancer. In the event of poor pancreatic function or insulin imbalance, medications may also be prescribed to deter type 2 diabetes onset.
Step 3
Avoid overeating and excess weight gain. Cortisol production increases with excess weight and overeating, notes Christine A. Maglione-Garves and colleagues at the University of New Mexico.
Step 4
Eat a well-balanced diet composed primarily of plant-based foods. Soy, whole grains and legumes contain phytoestrogen compounds that may naturally improve estrogen levels. Vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, squash and fresh fruit also plays a role in regulating insulin balance.
Step 5
Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes per workout, three to five times a week. Exercise helps you manage weight and stimulates normal cortisol production. Regular exercise may also help you manage stress by sustaining brain chemicals involved in mood stability. Yoga or meditative practice may also help you cope with stress to regulate cortisol.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your physician before starting a weight loss program or engaging in physical activity.
- Do not take medications not prescribed to you or over-the-counter hormone supplements due to potential adverse effects.
References
- University of New Mexico: Cortisol Connection; Tips on Managing Stress and Weight; Christine A. Maglione-Garves, et al.
- MayoClinic.com: Estrogen; August 2011
- MedlinePlus: Insulin Injection
- Cornell University: Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer; July 2002
- Women to Women: What You Need to Know About Insulin Control and Nutrition; May 2011
- The Hormone Foundation: The Endocrine System
