Are My Hormones In Balance?
Signs & Symptoms
How are you feeling? Does something feel off? Hormonal balance is important for overall health. Hormones also affect you by sending messages to your brain. For example, if you are experiencing stress, certain hormones will signal your brain which can affect the way you think, the way you remember things, and even how you bond with others. Although hormonal levels fluctuate regularly, long-term imbalances can lead to a number of symptoms and conditions.
Signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances can include:
- irregular periods
- weight gain
- excess/decreased body & facial hair
- increased acne
- vaginal dryness
- low sex drive
- joint stiffness
- breast tenderness
- gastrointestinal problems
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- fatigue
- facial puffiness
- irritability & irregular mood changes
- constipation
- dry skin
- infertility
- erectile disfunction
- difficulty concentrating
- muscle aches
- reduced muscle tone
- osteoporosis
- anxiety
- disconnected
- depression
- difficulty sleeping
Sometimes hormone imbalances are a sign of an underlying health condition. They can also be a side effect of certain medications. People who experience severe or recurring symptoms of hormonal imbalances should speak to a doctor.
When hormones are harmonious you will experience more of the “Happy” effects: Serotonin (satisfied and optimistic), Dopamine (good mood and function), Good Endorphins (reduce pain and increase happiness), Oxytocin (strengthen your bond in relationships)
Thrive During Menopause Transition
It Can Be Like Riding a Rollercoaster . . .
Dr. Elisa Mercuro, DO, Functional Medicine Certified Doctor
Menopause transition can be like a roller coaster ride. Hormone levels can vary for several years until the ovaries slow down production of estrogen and progesterone to a new lower baseline level. It is when our hormones are changing that we experience symptoms. Think about the times our hormones are in flux, the first period, pregnancy and menopause. We associate mood changes, sleep disturbance, hot flashes, food cravings, acne, weight gain and more with these times of life. The transition to menopause does not need to be uncomfortable. Before getting on the amusement park roller coaster ride, you may not want to eat two hot dogs, and have your hat and sunglasses on. Before menopause, there are things you can do to prepare yourself for an easier experience.
Top Seven Lifestyle Interventions for Thriving:
#1 STABILIZE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
Work to maintain an even blood sugar. We want to avoid high and low blood sugars as often these variations can trigger hot flashes as well as lead to weight gain. The foods that most likely cause . . .
Brian Health & Thyroid Function
In 3 Steps!
Dr. Elisa Mercuro, DO, Functional Medicine Certified Doctor
Is there a connection between the health of your brain and your thyroid function? It turns out that if your thyroid function is sub-optimal, it can impact your cognitive health. Here are some comments from a few of my thyroid patients:
“What happened? I used to be the smartest person in the room but now I struggle with getting my job done efficiently.”
“Ever since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I cannot think clearly and struggle with brain fog”.
“I am telling you, I think I have dementia and I am only 45 years old.”
Thyroid Hormone Out of Balance
The first thing to understand is that thyroid hormones are “growth factors” for your brain. Low thyroid function affects metabolic processes in the brain which in turn impairs neurotransmission and memory . . .
Wellness Events
Free Online
Cost Includes: Kit & 2 One Hr Zooms
Golden Milk Recipe
Nutrition For Hormone Balancing
Golden milk turmeric tea is a delicious alternative to caffeine that may help balance hormones. Its warming and renewing mix of turmeric, coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract & cardamon is perfect! Serve hot or over ice.
How does it help?
Turmeric is the main ingredient in golden milk (antioxidant-rich & anti-inflammatory-rich spice). These antioxidants protect cells from harm, alleviate stress, and reduce inflammation in the body. They also increase serotonin & dopamine production, which can help with a good nights sleep.
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp black pepper
. . .
Cinco De Mayo Recipe
Celebrate with Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!
Serves: 2-4 servings
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
INGREDIENTS
2 sweet potato
2 can black beans
1 avocado (sliced)
1 lime (quartered)
. . .
Special Days In March
Mark Your Calendars
Monthly Celebrations
Asian American Month
Date Your Mate Month
Foster Care Month
Gifts from the Garden Month
Lupus Awareness Month
National Bike Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Salad Month
Older Americans Month
Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Salsa Month
Weekly Events
Be Kind to Animals Week – 1st full week
Nurse’s Week – 1st full week
Wildflower Week – 2nd week
National Bike Week – 3rd week
National Police Week – 3rd week
Emergency Medical Services Week – 4th week
Special Days
May 1 Bike to School Day, Hawaiian Lei Day, Loyalty Day, May Day, Save the Rhino Day
May 2 Baby Day, Brothers and Sisters Day, National Day of Prayer
May 3 Garden Meditation Day, Space Day, World Press Freedom Day
May 4 Bird Day, Herb Day, National Fitness Day, Star Wars Day
May 5 Cinco de Mayo
May 6 Beverage Day, National Tourist Appreciation Day, National Nurses Day, No Diet Day
May 7 National Teacher’s Day, Tourism Day
May 8 Iris Day, National Receptionist Day, No Socks Day, School Nurses Day, V-E Day, World Red Cross Day, World Red Crescent Day
May 10 Child Care or Daycare Provider Day, Clean up Your Room Day, Military Spouses Day
May 11 Birth Mother’s Day, Hanging Flower Baskets Day, International Migratory Bird Day, National Babysitters Day
May 12 Mother’s Day, Fatigue Syndrome Day, International Nurses Day
May 13 International Hummus Day
May 14 Dance Like a Chicken Day
May 15 Police Officer’s Memorial Day
May 16 Wear Purple for Peace Day, Endangered Species Day, Love a Tree Day, National Bike to Work Day, National Mimosa Day
May 18 International Museum Day, Visit Your Relatives Day, Armed Forces Day
May 19 World Plant a Vegetable Garden Day
May 20 Amelia Earhart Day, Be a Millionaire Day, Pick Strawberries Day, Victoria Day (Canada)
May 21 National Waiters and Waitresses Day
May 22 Buy a Musical Instrument Day, National Maritime Day
May 23 Lucky Penny Day, World Turtle Day
May 25 Missing Children’s Day, Brown Bag It Day, National Wine Day, Tap Dance Day
May 27 Memorial Day, Sun Screen Day
May 28 Amnesty International Day
May 29 Learn About Composting Day, World Otter Day
May 30 International Jazz Day, Mint Julep Day, Water a Flower Day
May 31 World No Tobacco Day, Save Your Hearing Day, Flip Flop Day, International Space Day
