Hormonal swings: how our “inner conductors” affect our figure

Ladies, admit it, who among us hasn’t dreamed of a magic wand that could instantly put our figure in order?

Alas, such a wand does not exist, but we have something much more interesting – a whole orchestra of hormones that conduct our weight and shape. Let’s get to know these invisible “conductors” better and find out how they affect our body and figure.

Insulin: the main “storekeeper” of the body

This hormone, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for delivering glucose to the cells. When there is too much insulin or the cells become insensitive to it, the excess glucose turns into fat. To keep insulin under control, it pays to limit your intake of sweets and refined foods.

Leptin and ghrelin: a “stop” and “go” for appetite

Leptin is a satiety hormone that signals the brain that you have enough fat stores. Ghrelin, on the other hand, is a hunger hormone that triggers the desire to eat. Overweight people often have an imbalance of these hormones, which leads to overeating.

Cortisol: friend or foe?

This “stress” hormone can both help burn fat and provoke its accumulation. Short-term stress can speed up metabolism, but long-term stress leads to increased appetite and cravings for sweets.

Estrogens: women’s helpers

These hormones help distribute fat in a feminine way, building stores for future pregnancy and lactation. However, sudden fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially during menopause, can lead to weight gain.

Progesterone and prolactin: maternal hormones

Progesterone stimulates the formation of new fat cells, while prolactin, which rises during pregnancy and lactation, slows metabolism and increases fat deposition.

Adiponectin and glucagon: weight fighters

Adiponectin is responsible for burning fat, while glucagon helps break down fat and regulate blood glucose levels. A deficiency of these can lead to weight gain.

Melatonin and somatotropic hormone: night guards of the figure

Melatonin regulates sleep and metabolism, while somatotropic hormone (growth hormone) stimulates fat burning at night. Lack of sleep can disrupt the functioning of these important hormones.

Vitamin D: the sunshine helper

Although not technically a hormone, vitamin D plays an important role in hormone balance. It is involved in the prevention of diabetes, regulates sex hormones and even helps in the fight against obesity. 80% of this vitamin is synthesised by sunlight, so don’t forget to take regular walks in the fresh air.

Thyroid hormones: regulators of metabolism

Deficiencies in these hormones can lead to slower metabolism and weight gain, even with a normal diet and physical activity.

Remember that health and beauty starts from the inside out. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep and the ability to manage stress are the keys to keeping our hormones working in harmony. And if you feel that your “internal orchestra” plays out of tune, do not hesitate to consult an endocrinologist. After all, sometimes a slight adjustment is enough to make your hormones play a harmonious melody of health and beauty.