Seven Habits that Could be Messing with your Hormones

Eating breakfast helps your body bring down your cortisol, which stabilizes your adrenals. That is why there is a strong link between elevated cortisol and skipping breakfast in women. Some studies show that women who skip breakfast are more susceptible to blood sugar issues, irregular periods, and hormonal imbalances.

Coffee triggers the release the cortisol and adrenal at rest, which can overload your adrenals in the morning. Caffeine is also absorbed much quicker on an empty stomach. If dealing with chronic stress, you may want to consider drinking it after your morning meal.

Long term energy deficits are seen as stressors on the body. Your body responds by down regulating hormone secretions (sex hormones and thyroid) and increasing cortisol. Overtime, this impacts muscle tissue and negatively impacts your metabolism.

When you are stressed, drained, or burned out, working out forces more stress on your body. Insufficient rest can lead to chronically elevated cortisol, poor recovery, and adrenal dysfunction. When you are stressed, consider prioritizing rest and self-care. Your hormones will thank you.

Sufficient protein, especially at breakfast helps to stabilize blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and increases muscle mass.

Going to bed too late can affect your melatonin rhythme. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates your sleep/wake cycle. It is possible for your melatonin to run out and make it harder to sleep. Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning will actually positively impact your sleep/wake cycle.

Carbohydrates are good for you, especially complex carbs such as sweet potatoes which help your body make serotonin. And when you add in the right timing for your body, your sleep improves.

Which ones are you in the habit of doing? Want help developing the right habits and better understanding how to keep your hormones functioning optimally? Book a free, 30-minute, no-obligation discovery call now.