The Importance of Balanced Hormones (Especially Now)
This is a unique time, and we all want to give our bodies the best tools to remain healthy for ourselves and our loved ones. However, many people do not realize the extent to which unbalanced hormones can negatively influence their overall health. Why are balanced hormones important? When hormones are balanced properly, men and women can see positive results in their immunity, anxiety and sleep, all of which are imperative to remain healthy during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Based on the New York Times article, “Can Estrogen and Other Sex Hormones Help Men Survive Covid-19?”, scientists are currently researching the effects of supplemental estrogen and progesterone given to men with COVID-19. Since they have noticed that there is a, “striking difference between the number of men and women in the intensive care unit, and men are clearly doing worse,” they are testing the hypothesis that estrogen and progesterone at certain levels could be protective. Also in line with this hypothesis, pregnant women, who are usually immuno-compromised, are faring better when diagnosed with COVID-19 than male patients. It is possible that this is due to the body’s higher levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. While the mechanism is still unknown, we do know that estrogen plays a complex role in our immune systems. It can help in both the early immune response of a viral infection, as well as in the secondary clean-up/repair response. We also know that progesterone has anti-inflammatory properties and can potentially prevent harmful overreactions of the immune system. If you are interested in learning more about ongoing studies, take a listen to the podcast episode, “Hormones and COVID,” with functional medicine expert Dr. Lindsey Berkson.
Imbalances can also appear in the hormones that are related to anxiety, such as cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid. If one of these hormones is out-of-sync, it can not only result in anxiety, but can also lead to imbalances throughout the entire hormone cascade. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help rectify any imbalances, therefore relieving anxiety. In addition, using certain adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwaghanda, rhodiola and holy basil, can assist in alleviating an anxious mind and body. Contact us today to learn more about nutritional supplementation.
Sleep is indispensable to the body and can aid in a healthy immune system and decreased anxiety. Progesterone supplementation has been proven to improve the deep REM sleep we all need to feel our best the next day. This hormone is good for sleep because it converts into a sedating neurosteroid called allopregnanolone (ALLO) which soothes the GABA receptors in the brain. When progesterone is high, similar to levels that occur just after ovulation, sleep is deeper recording more “sleep spindles.” These “spindles” are brain waves that indicate the onset of deep sleep. At Alpine Apothecary, we can help you rest well by creating precise progesterone dosing for what your body needs in the form of capsules, creams or troches. We also compound a topical cream containing progesterone, melatonin and lavender that can help you sleep deep.
It is important to ensure that your hormones are balanced in order to maintain a strong immune system, low anxiety and a healthy sleep cycle. If you are currently taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), we recommend that you continue your HRT as normal — now is not the time to stop. If you do not have an HRT regimen started, we recommend working closely with an experienced and passionate prescriber to evaluate your needs and possibly correct any hormone deficiencies. Visit our Find a Prescriber page today or contact us and we will be happy to connect you to some of the best HRT practitioners in Utah.
Stay healthy, stay safe and, above all, stay optimistic. We are proud of our Park City neighbors for doing it right!