Bhagyashree highlighted that hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism. “Imbalances in the endocrine glands, such as the pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, adrenals, or pancreas, can lead to disruptions in hormonal equilibrium.”
Hormones are essential chemical messengers that orchestrate various bodily functions, transmitting signals through the bloodstream to organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. Researchers have identified more than 50 different hormones in the human body, each playing a role in regulating metabolic processes, blood sugar levels, growth, blood pressure, reproductive cycles, sexual function, mood, and stress levels.
Hormonal imbalances can occur when there is an excess or deficiency of one or more hormones. Dr. Arpana Jain, Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, explained, “The human body contains numerous hormones, and any disruption in their balance can manifest a wide array of symptoms. For instance, an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone can lead to irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes, while a thyroid hormone imbalance can result in fatigue, weight gain, and depression.”
Actress and nutritionist Bhagyashree Dassani, known for her advocacy of a healthy lifestyle and her guidance on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being through social media, emphasized the importance of hormonal balance on her Instagram.
The 54-year-old personality encouraged open dialogue about hormonal imbalances, recognizing the need for discussion and understanding to address the challenges they pose in everyday life.
Bhagyashree also emphasized the crucial role hormones play in regulating the body’s metabolic activities. She highlighted that disruptions in the endocrine glands, such as the pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, adrenals, or pancreas, can significantly affect hormonal balance. These imbalances may manifest as:
1. Unexplained and sometimes abrupt weight loss or weight gain
2. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain
3. Abnormal heart rate
4. Depression or anxiety
5. Hair loss
She advised that if anyone experiences these symptoms suddenly or for an extended period, they should promptly consult an endocrinologist. Corrective lifestyle changes or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be viable options to address these situations.
Dr. Jain elaborated on hormone therapy, which involves the use of medications containing hormones like estrogen or progesterone to restore hormonal equilibrium. This treatment is commonly employed to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy can also be employed for managing hormonal imbalances in conditions like PCOS using medications like birth control pills or anti-androgen drugs.
Additionally, making lifestyle modifications can assist in managing hormonal imbalances. These include:
1. Maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to support overall health and hormone balance.
2. Reducing or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and sugar.
3. Employing stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which aids in hormone regulation.
4. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet, as excess body fat can disrupt hormone levels.
Dr. Jain concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaborating closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for addressing hormonal imbalances.
