Can Working Out More Balance Your Hormones?

A hormonal imbalance is a common problem that causes a range of physical and emotional symptoms. If you have a hormonal imbalance, you may find yourself constantly tired, prone to mood swings, or experiencing unexplainable weight changes.

Many signs of hormonal imbalances are easily dismissed or chalked up to stress. However, your hormones play vital roles in your body, and imbalances are associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Decades of research show that exercise has many benefits for your health, and one way it helps maintain your well-being is by supporting your hormonal health.

However, knowing what to do or where to start can be confusing. Dr. Rina Kapoor, a double board-certified internal and integrative medicine specialist in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, can help you develop the most beneficial exercise plan for a healthy hormonal system. 

Where exercise and other lifestyle changes aren't enough, Dr. Kapoor develops a hormonal treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Here, she helps you better understand how to recognize a hormonal imbalance and use exercise to reverse its symptoms.

What’s a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are chemical messengers in your body crucial to regulating various functions, from metabolism to reproduction. When these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to many health issues. Common signs of hormonal imbalance include:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Fatigue 
• Insomnia
• Mood swings and irritability
• Skin problems like acne
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women

These symptoms also might indicate you've developed conditions linked to hormonal imbalances, including thyroid disorders, PCOS, and diabetes.

How can exercise help?

Regular physical activity is a great way to regulate hormone levels. Exercise can:

Boost your mood-enhancing hormones

Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, your body's natural mood lifters. They can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety often associated with hormonal imbalances.

Improve insulin sensitivity

Regular exercise helps better regulate insulin, a hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. It’s particularly beneficial for conditions like PCOS and diabetes.

Help you sleep better

Exercise can normalize your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. When it's at a healthy level, you're likely to sleep better and feel less stressed.

Regulate sex hormones

Activities like strength training can help balance testosterone and estrogen levels, both crucial for men's and women's health.

What happens when exercise isn't enough

While regular exercise is a fantastic way to manage your hormonal health, sometimes it's not enough. In addition to maintaining an exercise routine, eat a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber.

Managing stress is also essential. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help lower stress levels and stress-related hormonal imbalances.

Hormonal imbalances can be complex, and what works for one person might not for another. At ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine, we focus on understanding your hormonal profile so we can tailor treatments to address your specific hormonal imbalances.

Request an appointment online today or call our Philadelphia-area office at 610-358-3300.