Hormones and Healing: Understanding Emotional Health Through Life Stages

Hormones and healing are often linked with each other. Hormones can be described as chemical messengers serving diverse purposes in the body. Emotional health and hormones are often studied together. Cortisol, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins are some of the hormones frequently associated with emotional health.  

In this blog, an emphasis has been made to elaborate upon the relationship between hormones and healing, along with how emotional health is connected with hormones.  

How Hormones Shape Emotional Well-Being 

There are several different hormones, and each can have a unique role to play with regard to emotional well-being. Some of the ways in which hormones can shape emotional wellness include:  

1. Cortisol  

It is also referred to as a ‘stress hormone’ and plays a pivotal role in the body’s response to stressful situations.  

1. Estrogen and Testosterone 

While primarily both of these hormones are known as ‘sex hormones’, they also influence an individual’s mood and therefore can contribute towards emotional dysregulation.  

1. Oxytocin  

It is also known as the ‘love hormone’ and is involved in social interactions, bonding and trust building.  

1. Thyroid hormones  

Thyroid hormones can influence an individual’s motivation and energy level in daily life.  

The points mentioned above highlight a little about the relationship between hormones and mental health.  

Hormonal Changes and Emotions Through Life Stages  

As a child reaches the stage of puberty, a shift in hormones can be observed, thereby contributing towards the mood swings during puberty. Adolescents can experience heightened emotions at times due to the endocrine system. Furthermore, due to menstruation in females, progesterone and estrogen can also influence mood and emotional reactions. Premenstrual syndrome and PMDD can also influence mood amongst females.  

Pregnancy and the post-partum period are also associated with hormonal changes and an impact on emotional well-being. As one reaches older adulthood, the impact of hormones can also be observed through menopause signs. Ageing can also influence metabolic activities. Thus, overall, hormones play an important role during different stages of life.  

Hormone Imbalance and Mental Health Challenges 

Hormonal imbalance and mental health are associated in many ways, such as:  

1. Cortisol dysregulation is associated with PTSD, anxiety and depression  
2. Fluctuating levels of estrogen, especially in women, can lead to mood swings  
3. Low levels of testosterone can lead to low vitality and depressive symptoms  
4. Oxytocin dysregulation can influence emotional bonding and social connections  
5. Hormonal imbalance, combined with environmental challenges, can also increase the chances of mental health concerns 

Healing Strategies: Balancing Hormones for Emotional Health  

Hormones and healing can be managed together with the right strategies and interventions. A few of the many healing strategies have been listed below:  

1. Regular physical activity and yoga for mind and body relaxation  
2. Healthy sleep hygiene can promote a balanced hormone secretion pattern  
3. Professionals may also recommend hormone replacement therapy as and when needed  
4. Positive social bonding can enhance oxytocin production and emotional stability 
5. Hormonal rhythm can be encouraged through consistency in daily routine  

Emotional Awareness as Part of Hormonal Healing   

Awareness of one’s concerns, emotions and hormonal fluctuations can be a very powerful step in the healing journey. Some simple daily activities for promoting emotional awareness include:  

1. Journaling Everyday  

This can allow one to reflect upon daily activities by writing about triggers, response and help in emotional awareness. 

1. Acceptance and Acknowledgement  

Accepting one’s concerns, the different emotions and acknowledging without judgement can create a space for change with compassion. 

1. Mindfulness  

It can allow an individual to be in the present and learn more about themselves through conscious awareness. 

1. Emotional literacy  

A lot of times, one may not be fully aware or have the words to describe emotional experiences. Emotional literacy can help in building more awareness.  

1. Professional Support  

Mental health professionals’ support can be sought to learn more about hormones and healing as one tries to regulate emotions.  

Closing Thoughts  

Clinical guidance becomes an essential part of learning more about hormones and their impact on your emotional health. At Athena Luxus we work in a holistic way, such that hormones, nutrition and environment are some of the many factors kept in view while doing a thorough assessment. You can book a consultation with our expert professionals to gain more insight into emotion regulation and mental health concerns.  

Feel free to call us at 9718921212 or email us your concerns at customercare@athenabhs.com and we would be happy to assist you!