[MUSIC]
[Female] The human body is an amazing and complex machine. In this video, we
will explore how the body's endocrine system and more than 200 hormones work
hard for you every day. Hormones affect every part of your life, from the time
you wake up to the time you go to sleep. They keep on working, even while you're
sleeping. Hormones are chemical messengers that send signals to specific organs
and tissues in your body. They tell organs what to do, when to do it, and for
how long, so your body runs like a finely tuned machine.
Hormones come from glands in your endocrine system, and are located throughout
your body. It is truly remarkable that these tiny but mighty hormones regulate
most major body functions. For example, when you eat, your pancreas produces the
hormone insulin which helps control blood sugar. When you make a sudden turn to
avoid a car crash, your adrenal gland pushes out adrenaline, so you can react
quickly. Your thyroid makes hormones that help regulate your heartbeat. Your
hypothalamus works to control your body temperature, your mood, your hunger
level, and much more.
When hormones are in balance, they help the body thrive. Even when hormones
fluctuate naturally, like in puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and as a person gets
older. But when hormone levels are too high or too low for a long time, this can
lead to health problems like diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, cancer
or weak bones, or stress related problems like anxiety. Problem sleeping and
changes in appetite can also happen. Infections and exposure to certain
chemicals also play a role in hormone health, and your family history and
lifestyle habits can affect hormones too. There are lots of things you can do to
help your hormones stay in balance. Taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle is
a good place to start.
First up, strive for a healthy weight to lessen the workload required by your
hormones. Eat healthy by choosing a wide variety of nutritious foods and
limiting foods with lots of added sugars, like soda and sweets, and high fat and
processed foods. Move your body every day with exercise and stay active as much
as possible. Be sure to recharge by getting enough quality sleep and learn ways
to reduce stress and relax.
Now let's shine a spotlight on hormones that have distinct roles in men and
women. In women, estrogen and progesterone are the main sex hormones. It's their
job to regulate menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Plus, estrogen helps keep
blood cholesterol levels in check and protects bone health. If a woman's body
makes too much or too little estrogen or progesterone, it can cause heavy or
painful periods, infertility, vaginal bleeding or hot flashes. Depending on the
cause of the imbalance, medications and hormones to treat these conditions may
stimulate fertility or reduce severe symptoms that can occur with menstruation
and menopause.
For men, the main sex hormone is testosterone which produces sex drive,
erections and sperm. Testosterone also helps maintain muscles and bones. For
many reasons testosterone can become and stay too low. This imbalance can lead
to a drop in sex drive, low sperm count, and inability to get or keep an
erection. Loss of muscle strength and body hair along with mood changes may also
occur. Testosterone replacement therapy prescribed and monitored by a doctor can
be effective in treating chronic low testosterone levels if a drop in sex drive
or erectile dysfunction also occurs. If you have signs of an imbalance with male
or female sex hormones or any other hormones, talk with your VA health care team
for an evaluation and treatment options.
Finding the cause of the imbalance is always the first step to getting the best
treatment. Your care team is there to help you weigh the pros and the cons
before you decide on any therapy, treatment or wellness activity. Then based on
your needs and your preferences, your team will help equip and empower you so
your hormones stay healthy and help you thrive every day. To learn more about
hormones visit www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov , copyright 2020 United States
Department of Veterans Affairs all rights reserved.
[MUSIC]