Often women turn to supplements and medications to treat hormone-related health issues like stress, depression, sleep deprived, weight gain and mood swings. But the key to balancing your hormones may lie in boosting your physical activity. Hahns petty, an exercise physiologist at Piedmont Atlantic Fitness Centre recommends exercise to enhance your quality of life and help regulate hormonal imbalances.
Exercise is a productive outlet that stimulates feel-good transmitters that help boost overall well-being
Dopamine
Studies have proven exercise increases dopamine levels in the brain, which decreases and even depression. This chemical causes the famous “runners-high” because it enhances those “feel-good” transmitters.
Serotonin
Millions of women suffer from insomnia and sleep apnea, and turn to sleep aids for help. Instead, I recommend a healthy dose of exercise. Physical activity releases serotonin, which promotes a good night’s rest. Boosting serotonin levels can also positively impact mood, social behaviour, appetite, digestion, memory and sexual function.
Estrogen
The symptoms of menopause are in part driven by the imbalance and decline of estrogen. One way to combat this is to exercise. Getting your heart rate up for at least a half hour every day helps boost estrogen levels, which can help take the edge off of menopause symptoms.
Testosterone
A man’s muscle mass, strength, sex drive, and sperm count are directly linked to his testosterone levels. As a man ages, testosterone naturally decreases. However, engaging in regular physical activity can help boost testosterone which can slow the natural effects of aging.
I recommend a combination of strength training and cardio workouts to maximise health benefits and boost hormone levels. High-intensity exercises like squats, lunges, pull-ups, crunches and pushups are ideal, with minimal rest time in between. The more intense a workout, the more these hormones are released. Consistency is also key to retaining a steady flow of healthy hormones throughout your body.
