What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers made by special glands in your body. They travel through your blood to tell different organs and tissues what to do. Think of them as the text messages your body sends to itself—keeping everything in balance.
Why Hormones Matter
Hormones affect almost every part of your life, including:
- 🍽️ Metabolism – how your body uses food for energy
- ❤️ Mood – happiness, stress, calmness, or anxiety
- 🛌 Sleep – when you feel tired or rested
- 🧑🤝🧑 Growth & Reproduction – puberty, fertility, pregnancy
- 🦴 Bone & Muscle Strength – how strong you feel
Key Hormones You Should Know
- Insulin → Controls blood sugar (made in the pancreas)
- Cortisol → The “stress hormone” (made in the adrenal glands)
- Estrogen & Testosterone → Control sexual health, bones, and mood
- Thyroid Hormones → Regulate energy and metabolism
- Melatonin → Helps control sleep cycles
What Happens When Hormones Are Out of Balance?
When hormones are too high or too low, you might notice:
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Mood swings or anxiety
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Hair loss or skin changes
- Irregular periods (for women)
Supporting Healthy Hormones
You can help your hormones work better by:
- 🥦 Eating balanced meals (protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, veggies)
- 💤 Sleeping 7–9 hours per night
- 🏃 Staying active with regular exercise
- 🧘 Managing stress through meditation, breathing, or journaling
- 🚫 Avoiding too much sugar or processed foods
Fun Fact 🌟
Hormones don’t just control your body—they even influence how hungry you feel, how motivated you are, and how connected you feel to other people.