COULD A HORMONE IMBALANCE BE CAUSING YOUR MOODINESS?

     This morning as I sat on my couch once again (hey I'm still on vacation, I'm allowed to do that..hee hee), I stumbled on a show called Home & Family on the Hallmark Channel. Maybe some of you have seen it or maybe not. Maybe I'm just behind the eight ball on this one?!

However, The segment that I began watching was with Dr. Sarah Gottfried, a hormone specialist and the author of "The Hormone Cure", being interviewed on the subject matter.

All I know is, I was meant to watch this! Dr. Gottfried offered eye-opening insight to the key hormone Cortisol, which is the main stress hormone.  She explains how important it is, especially for women, to maintain a healthy level of this hormone and ways of naturally balancing it.

So what is Cortisol?  

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, it increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues. Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or detrimental in a fight-or-flight situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with regions of your brain that control mood, motivation and fear.

What does all of that mean right???  Have you ever wondered why you are moody, tired, and anxious sometimes or all the time? Do you have a low or lno sex drive, or just don't get enough sleep???

According to Dr. Gottfried, high levels of Cortisol is the most common imbalance for women.  She also mentioned that 50% of people suffering from depression have high levels of Coritsol.  That's an alarming percentage, isn't it?!

For us women, just before our period is a perfect storm waiting to happen. As the hormone progesterone increases it causes Cortisol levels to increase as well and wellllllll.....we pretty much become moody little monsters.

Here are 6 symptoms Dr. Gottfried says to look for:

 * Tired 

 *  Wired all the time, anxiety

 *  Belly Fat, weight gain

 *  Memory Issues

 *  Cannot seem to focus, concentration issues 

 *  Moodiness

While these symptoms can seem a bit generic, ask your doctor to do a blood test if you feel you may be experiencing a Cortisol imbalance.  There is also a saliva test you can inquire about if you get squeamish when it comes to needles.  

Not to worry women, there is a natural and healthy way of getting that pesky hormone under control.  Here are some tips to help you: 

*  A Phosphatidylserine supplement

*  Rhodiola herb

*  Fish oil

*  Cut out Caffeine - sorry ladies, but caffeine raises the Cortisol levels

*  Cut out Gluten

*  Have a small piece of dark (not milk!) chocolate everyday. Preferably a dose after your breakfast smoothie 

*  Limit Alcohol - Welp, I had to chuckle at this one.  BUT she did say clear alcohol is better (yay for me and Tiffany!).  Red wine is OK. It was suggested to drink less, but better quality alcohol.  She explains that alcohol not only raises Cortisol levels but it also robs you have a deep sleep....who knew?

 

To find out more information about this subject, I suggest purchasing Dr. Gottfried's book (as I will as well). It's available on Amazon.com or visit her site.

A Note From The Author, Dr. Sara “I wrote The Hormone Cure because I believe in women, and I believe in tending their flames. I believe that proactively managing and optimizing health is a driving responsibility and a path to personal power. I believe there’s a reason women have lost their mojo, and that reason is probably hormonal. I believe we can – and should – do something about it because I believe in women living life fully!” ~ Dr. Sara Gottfried, M.D.

Signed, 

Let me try go to the Doctor and check my Cortisol Level, Candilaria

Please Note - Married Working Mothers is not being paid to promote this book.  It was merely something I saw on television that I wanted to share.  It makes sense and I feel it's important women know about it.