Hormonal and Wellness

How hormones are produced in our body

It starts from the brain. There’s a structure deep in the brain called the hypothalamus. It is the command center influencing our nervous system by managing hormones.

The hypothalamus works with the master hormone gland called pituitary gland to stimulate the release of trophic hormones which are master hormones. Master hormones acts on individual hormonal glands such as thyroid, testes, ovaries, pancreas which in turn produce the different hormones that we are more familiar with: Thyroid hormones, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen and even insulin which in turn acts on our different body systems: heart, muscles, bones, gastrointestinal, urinary, and nervous system. It carries out important bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and regeneration.

Growth Hormone

Growth hormone-releasing hormone is produced in the hypothalamus. It stimulates the pituitary gland in our brain to produce and release the master hormone human growth hormone into the bloodstream. The roles of growth hormone include influencing our height and helping build our bones and muscles. Natural levels of growth hormone fluctuate during the day and can be influenced by physical activity — levels rise when we exercise.

Growth hormone levels increase during childhood and peak during puberty. In this phase of development, growth hormone promotes the growth of bone and cartilage. Throughout life, growth hormone regulates the fat level, and regenerates muscle, tissue, and bone in our bodies, and maintains other aspects of our metabolism such as insulin action and blood sugar levels. Growth hormone levels naturally reduce from middle age onwards.

When adults have deficiency of growth hormone, they will have decreased muscle mass, less exercise capacity, increased visceral fat and impaired quality of life. If left untreated, it may lead to poor lipid profile, increased cardiovascular risk, decreased in bone mass, and mortality.

Hormonal Imbalance

Growth hormone, testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol have a complex effect on each other. Balancing the levels of these hormones and correcting any deficiencies play a far more important role in your overall health and wellness.

The good news is that health conditions caused by hormonal imbalance can be treated when detected early.

To move our patients towards an optimal state of health, we identify root causes of disease or chronic health conditions and even if none are found, create the right environment, and give proper care and instructions to heal and improve.

Tell-tale signs and symptoms of a hormonal imbalance affecting genders

For men: Testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS)

Testosterone not only controls the sexual features that defines a guy but it also controls the energy level and is also found to be one of the factors that can contribute to heart disease.

Symptoms of TDS includes:

• Decline in your feeling of general well being
• Decrease in day-to-day stamina
• Non traumatic joint pain and muscular aches that take a long time to heal
• Excessive sweating without excessive physical stress
• Sleeping problems
• Increased need for sleep and often feeling tired
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Physical exhaustion/lacking vitality
• Decrease in muscular strength
• Depressive mood
• Feeling that you have passed your peak
• Feeling burnt out, having hit rock bottom
• Decrease in beard growth
• Decrease in ability/frequency to perform sexually
• Decrease in number of morning erections
• Decrease in sexual desire/libido

You can try this free to use calculator to assess your severity of the above symptoms!

For ladies: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) or Estrogen/Progesterone Deficiency/Imbalance

This can occur at any age group outside of menopause age. One of the first things affected, that might suggest of any hormonal imbalance, is usually the menstrual cycle. It can appear in various forms:

• Sudden onset of irregular menses in a lady with previously regular 28-day cycle
• Prolonged menses duration
• Increased blood flow during menses
• Sudden hot flushes or menstrual cramps out of proportion than what is usually experienced
• Infertility and anovulation

Other symptoms that are usually not so clear cut and may take some time to notice include:

• Increased irritability
• Poor sleep quality
• Hot flushes
• Decreased sexual desire/libido
• Increased need for sleep and often feeling tired
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Physical exhaustion/lacking vitality
• Increased fluctuations in weight
• Thinning hair or fine, brittle, hair falling out
• Dry, itchy, peeling, or flaky skin

Hormonal conditions that can affect both men and ladies include:

(a) Cushing syndrome (high cortisol, also known as stress hormone level):

• Unintentional, unexplained, and sudden weight gain or weight loss
• Fat humps developing between the shoulders
• Swollen, puffy, rounded or moon face
• Wrinkly, raised streaks of purple or pink stretch marks on the skin
• Fatigue, drop in stamina, no energy, lethargic, sleepy
• Thigh or shoulders muscle weakness, loss of muscle strength or muscle mass
• Muscle aches, tenderness, or stiffness
• Joint pain, inflammation, stiffness or swelling
• Heart palpitations, increased or decreased heart rate
• Sweat excessively
• Hot or cold flashes, increased sensitivity to cold or heat

(b) Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism):

• Hot or cold flashes, increased sensitivity to cold or heat
• Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
• Sudden increase or drop in weight
• Urine frequently, urgent urge to urine, or urine incontinence
• Increased or excessive hunger
• Depression, mood swings, feeling sad and down
• Nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
• Irregular or no menstruation, light, or heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Thinning hair or fine, brittle, hair falling out
• Dry, itchy, peeling, or flaky skin

Do keep in mind that these signs and symptoms are non-specific and having one or a few of them do not necessarily mean that you have a hormonal imbalance. Some of these signs and symptoms may also reflect other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart diseases or hypertension. It’s best to check with doctor and take a hormonal screening to uncover any hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal Screening

We have hormonal screening for men and ladies who are seeking personalised care to improve their health status. It includes a specially curated wellness pack to check on hormonal and nutritional imbalance for men and women to screen for the following conditions:

• Testosterone deficiency
• Estrogen/Progesterone deficiency or imbalance
• Menopause
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Cushing Syndrome/Cushing Disease
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Lifestyle (mental wellness, rejuvenation, exercise, and nutrition)
• Weight management
• Pain relief and pain management
• Scalp and hair management

We have various forms of male and female hormones replacement, including injection-free options, and growth hormone injection for those diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. Come to our clinic for a private and detailed one-to-one assessment, and let our team discuss further with you.

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