Hormones: The Tiny Drama Queens of Your Body (and How to Keep Them Chill) In Beaver Dam WI

All people of all ages and sexes have hormones. So don’t tune out here if you are not menopausal. This is still about you.

Let’s talk about hormones — those microscopic puppeteers that control your mood, appetite, sleep, sex drive, and whether or not you cry during baby commercials. These tiny chemical messengers are powerful. One moment you’re calm and focused, the next you’re rage-eating peanut butter from the jar while Googling “why do I hate everyone?” Spoiler alert: it’s hormones.

Now, don’t panic. You don’t need to enroll in med school or live in a zen monastery to tame the hormonal beasts. There are natural ways to keep your hormones balanced without turning your life into a never-ending cleanse or becoming one with kale.

Contact our Beaver Dam WI chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

1.  Sleep Like a Sloth in Beaver Dam WI

 Hormones throw tantrums when you don’t sleep. Cortisol (your stress hormone) spikes and insulin throws a fit causing those sugar cravings and that mid afternoon slump to hit hard. Your melatonin gives up and goes home making it even harder for you to fall asleep. Aim for 7–9 hours a night, preferably horizontal and not while scrolling conspiracy theories in bed. The blue light from our electronic devices can interfere with melatonin (our sleep hormone) so instead of scrolling, read a book or listen to guided meditation before falling asleep. It is recommended to be off all electronic devices at least 1 hour before bed.

2.  Eat Like Your Ancestors (the Non-Caveman Ones)

 Whole foods = happy hormones. Veggies, fruits, healthy fats, and protein help support your endocrine (hormone) system. Ultra-processed junk, on the other hand, is basically hormonal sabotage. It’s like feeding your brain a sugar-laced betrayal smoothie. Ultra-processed foods include instant noodles, frozen meals, soda, cheetos, mac ‘n cheese, and white bread just to name a few. Basically anything not made directly from whole actual food is considered processed.

3.  Move It, Don’t Lose It

 Exercise is hormone gold. It boosts serotonin (happy hormone), regulates insulin (decreasing hunger and improving energy), and helps balance estrogen and testosterone. You don’t need to run marathons. A brisk walk or some chaotic dancing in your kitchen counts — just don’t pull a hamstring trying to recreate a Beyoncé routine. Shoot for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.

Exercise at this rate also helps to increase the amount of good sleep you are getting so you can check off 1 and 3 on this list easily.

4.  Stress Less (Yeah, Easier Said Than Done)

Chronic stress turns your body into a cortisol (stress hormone) amusement park. Meditation, journaling, or screaming into a pillow (with dignity!) can help. Also, say no to things that drain you — like Karen’s 3-hour brunch about her cat’s gluten-free diet. Eliminate the stress you can and learn how to manage the stress you can’t. If you have a stressful event coming up, make sure to schedule in time to relax and do your de-stress activity before and after your activity.

Your body and mind will thank you.

5.  Don’t Ghost Your Gut

 Your gut and hormones are in a complicated relationship. Probiotics, fiber, and fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, or that mysterious sauerkraut in the back of your fridge can help. Your gut bacteria are basically tiny hormonal life coaches. The more diverse your gut bacteria is, the better your hormones are regulated. This is mainly due to the gut-brain axis which is the communication between the brain and your gut. They affect each other to the point that if one is unhealthy, the other will automatically be as well.

In Conclusion…

 Your hormones are like a hormonal boy band — each with their own personality, drama, and need for attention. Keep them balanced with sleep, movement, real food, and a good laugh. After all, laughter might not be a hormone, but it does confuse the heck out of cortisol.

Now go drink some water, take a walk, and tell your hormones to calm down. They’ll thank you— eventually.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Stephanie Tyjeski

Dr. Stephanie graduated in December 2016 with her Doctorate in Chiropractic at Logan University. She continued on at Logan University to receive her Masters in Nutrition and Human Performance. She is also certified as a Digestive Health Professional through the Loomis Enzyme Institute. She currently works at Tyjeski Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center where she offers personalized nutritional counseling.