Hormones and Blood Health

Hormones and Blood Health

Your alarm goes off at 6 AM, and cortisol—your body's natural "wake-up" hormone—surges to help you start your day. By breakfast, insulin is ready to process your morning meal, while thyroid hormones regulate your body’s metabolism. In the afternoon, adrenaline might kick in during your workout, and as evening approaches, melatonin begins to rise, preparing you for sleep. Behind the scenes of this ordinary day, countless hormones manage not just your energy and mood but also something vital yet often overlooked—your blood health.

Understanding Hormones

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that travel through your bloodstream to tissues and organs, controlling most major bodily functions. From reproduction and metabolism to mood and growth, these tiny molecules influence how you feel and function daily.

While many people associate hormones primarily with reproductive functions, they're critical to maintaining numerous vital bodily functions, including blood health. Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol all significantly affect different aspects of your blood.

Blood Health Basics

Your blood is more than just a sticky red liquid—it's a complex system composed of cells suspended in plasma that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, regulates temperature, and removes waste products [2]. Maintaining good blood health is essential for your well-being, from energy levels to immune function.

Good blood health also involves maintaining proper iron levels, staying hydrated, and avoiding habits that damage red blood cells or impair circulation. But there's another crucial factor at play—your hormone levels.

The Hormone-Blood Connection

The relationship between hormones and blood health is intricate and multifaceted. Here's how specific hormones affect different aspects of your blood:

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
  • Estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels and cholesterol levels
  • Testosterone influences cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism
  • Thyroid hormones regulate heart function and blood pressure
  • Aldosterone: Produced by the adrenal glands, aldosterone can cause the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, potentially leading to spikes in blood pressure [4]. 
Blood Sugar and Clotting
  • Insulin regulates how cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream
  • Cortisol can elevate blood sugar when it is chronically high
  • Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations affect blood clotting risk and blood volume
Hormonal Imbalances and Blood Health

When hormones fall out of balance, blood health often suffers. During menopause, declining estrogen may lead to rising blood pressure. Similarly, insulin resistance can elevate blood sugar levels, potentially damaging blood vessels over time.

These disruptions don't just affect daily well-being—they can contribute to serious long-term health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Maintaining Hormonal Balance for Blood Health

The good news is that you can take active steps to support hormone balance and, by extension, your blood health:

Dietary Choices
  • Prioritize Protein: Protein is crucial for hormone production, so include adequate amounts at every meal.
  • Embrace Healthy Fats: Incorporate foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish, as they're essential for hormone generation. 
  • Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Excessive sugar intake can disrupt hormone balance and contribute to insulin resistance. This article provides a deeper look into sugar and its impact on circulation. 
Exercise Regularly
  • Aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training for optimal hormone balance.
  • Remember that overtraining can negatively impact hormones, so listen to your body and allow for adequate rest [3].
Manage Stress
  • Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, mainly through elevated cortisol levels.
  • Practice stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
  • Prioritize sleep with 7-9 hours of quality rest each night.
Maintain a Healthy Weight

Both being underweight and overweight can disrupt hormone balance [1]. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through nutritious eating and regular exercise.

Technology and Monitoring

Modern technology makes monitoring your blood health simpler than ever. The Ruby app allows you to estimate your likelihood of iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia simply by taking a fingernail selfie. You can also monitor your circulation using the same fingernail selfie technology. These tools can be handy for monitoring changes related to hormonal fluctuations.

Regular health check-ups that include hormone level testing and blood work can also help catch potential issues before they become serious problems. Remember that early detection and management are key to maintaining optimal health.

Conclusion

Your body is an intricate system where hormones and blood health are deeply interconnected—influencing each other in countless ways. By understanding this relationship and taking proactive steps to support hormone balance, you're also protecting your overall health.

Don't wait for symptoms to alert you to potential problems. Regular monitoring and consistent healthy habits are your best defense against hormonal imbalances and their effects on blood health.

Share this article with friends and family who might benefit from understanding this crucial health connection. Download Ruby today and take the first step toward better hormone and blood health.

Click here to download the app via the iOS or Android app stores.

References

[1] Cleveland Clinic. "Hormones."
[2] Sanguina. "Blood Health 101."
[3] Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. "How Hormones Affect Your Health."
[4] Cima Health. "How to Balance Hormones Naturally."

 

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