Fertilehealthy

We’ve all heard people say “I’m fat because of my hormones” or “My underactive thyroid prevents me from losing weight”, but very few us really know what the hormonal system has to do with weight control. 

The answer to that is quite simple.  Everything.

We’ve been so brainwashed to believe that our weight is a direct result of too many calories eaten and too few expended.  This is true of course, but the fact is that our hormones control our appetite, metabolism and a whole host of other functions that determine how our bodies deal with the food we eat.

The hormonal or endocrine system is a series of inter-related glands that are intricately involved in almost every aspect of body function.  They manufacture and release the hormones which make our bodies work.  When one gland is not functioning properly, it affects the whole system.  Therefore we need to view this system as a whole.

Let’s take a quick look at the individual glands and what they do.

The control center of the endocrine system is the pituitary gland.  As well as controlling the whole endocrine system, it’s also directly responsible for helping the body utilise fats for energy, proper function of the liver and kidneys, production of growth hormone and the formation of cartilage and the skeleton. 

The pineal gland produces melatonin and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that make you feel good and sleep well. 

The thyroid gland has a variety of important functions.  It is responsible for mental composure and alertness, strong and steady heart function, blood circulation, blood fat levels, balancing the appetite, bowel function, body weight control, fluid balance, muscle strength, the ability to fight infection and for controlling calcium levels in the blood.

Behind the thyroid are the four small parathyroid glands, which control the distribution of calcium and phosphate in the body.  They act together with Vitamin D to strengthen our teeth and bones and to clot our blood.

The thymus gland produces the white blood cells needed for a healthy immune system.  Good quality sleep releases growth hormone and this hormone stimulates the thymus to renew, repair and rejuvenate cells.

The adrenal glands help control mineral salt levels (especially sodium and potassium), blood pressure, blood sugar levels, they stimulate protein use and they also mobilise fat for energy.  Furthermore, they help the body cope with stress (including the fight-or-flight response) and control inflamation and immune responses.  They also produce estrogen after menopause, thus affecting weight in post-menopausal women.  If the adrenal glands don’t work properly, the results could be dehydration, low blood sugar, weight problems, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, hayfever and an inability to handle stress. 

The main job of the pancreas is to produce insulin, which controls blood sugar levels.  It works very closely with the adrenal glands.  Insulin resistance is an indication that this part of the endocrine system is not working properly.  The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes and has a powerful effect on appetite and therefore weight.

The gonads are the male and female sex glands which produce the hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. 

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain containing several important nerve centers that control body temperature, hunger, thirst, body weight, fluid balance and sexual function.  It is also closely connected with emotional activity and sleep and acts as a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

And I used to think hormones were the things that make life difficult for teenagers! 

Now that we know better, what do we do about it?  Have our hormone function tested and take medication to “regulate” our hormones?

No!  This system is designed to work properly when we feed it correctly and avoid the foods that interfere with and compromise endocrine function.  Not only will our weight return to normal, but our reproductive systems will function properly, we will handle stress better and be healthier.

Tomorrow I will tell you what we need to eat and do to ensure endocrine health.  Stay tuned!