Hormonal Issues & Health

Factors Affecting Endocrine Health

Factors that affect the endocrine system include:

1. Fluoride
2. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
3. Pharmaceuticals
4. Stress
5. Diseases and conditions
6. Aging

ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS (EDCS)

EDC’s are capable of blocking or mimicking the activity of natural hormones in your body… The way that your hormones work is similar to a lock and key system. Your cells have receptors that are specifically designed for certain hormones (just like locks are designed for specific keys). The hormones, therefore, are the keys that can dock to these receptors and initiate a cascade of activity. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals come in and create havoc because they are similar in structure to your hormones. Therefore, they can dock on the same receptors and initiate activity, just like your hormones would. The problem is, they are not part of your natural hormonal system. These endogenous compounds come in and throw the homeostasis of your tightly regulated hormonal system out of whack, and the result can range from resistant weight loss, obesity, reproductive harm and infertility, lowered hormone production and more [3][4]… Research shows that exposure to EDC’s can promote insulin resistance, which in turn can increase the risk for obesity as well as other metabolic conditions marked by increased levels of uncontrolled blood sugar[5]. – Wendy Myers 

PHARMACEUTICALS

Beta-blocking medications that are used to treat hypertension, tachycardia, and heart disease may interfere with the normal release of melatonin. – Brandon Peters MD 

Thyroid Health

Thyroid health in particular has been found to be affected by the following factors.

Numerous factors contribute to the decline of thyroid health. Environmental and physiological influences that play a role may include:

• Heavy metal contamination
• Pesticide, herbicide and other environmental toxins
• Gut dysbiosis
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Drugs such as antibiotics
• Lack of nutrients possibly associated with malnutrition, poor diet, or decreased nutrient absorption from related disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• Chronic infections possibly due to autoimmune problem or high stress
• Carcinogens from diet such as meat cooked at high temperatures or lifestyle factors like smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Poor sleep habits

– Dr. David Jockers