Made for Health
Hormonal Harmony
The Key to Lasting Energy, Mood, and Wellness
Dr. Aaron Hartman
December 11, 2024
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Your hormones are like an orchestra, each playing a role in your health. When one is out of tune, the whole symphony suffers.
After years of saving lives in Detroit’s Level 1 trauma center, Dr. Pamela Smith faced her own health crisis: debilitating insomnia that 11 doctors couldn’t resolve. Her journey into personalized medicine wasn’t just a career shift—it was a revelation about the power of hormonal balance to restore vitality.
I wrote an article series earlier, “Your Hormones in Harmony”, that walks step-by-step through hormonal health. I recently had the privilege to talk with Dr. Smith and hear her perspective on the same subject.
This article offers a valuable complementary perspective from another doctor (whose life has also been dramatically changed by radically rediscovering medicine from a functional perspective).
The Hormonal Symphony
Why Balance Starts with Your Thyroid
"Your thyroid is the conductor of the hormonal orchestra. Without it, nothing else stays in tune." — Dr. Pamela Smith
When most people think of hormones, they focus on estrogen or testosterone. But at the top of the hormonal hierarchy is the thyroid, regulating metabolism, energy, and mood. Neglecting thyroid health can disrupt the entire system, affecting the adrenal glands, insulin, and sex hormones.
"If you're constantly fatigued or experiencing brain fog, addressing your thyroid is the first step toward harmony." — Dr. Pamela Smith
Dr. Smith advocates for a comprehensive approach to assessing thyroid health, far beyond the typical thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test that is commonly used in conventional medicine. While many doctors simply look for a “normal” TSH level to diagnose thyroid issues, Dr. Smith stresses (and I agree) that optimal thyroid health is about more than just normal ranges.
Key Insights:
- The thyroid must be optimized before addressing sex hormones like estrogen or testosterone.
- Thyroid tests should include free T3, free T4, and reverse T3—not just TSH.
Pregnenolone
The Overlooked Hormone That Powers Memory
What do cholesterol and memory have in common? The answer is pregnenolone. Known as the "memory hormone," pregnenolone is a precursor to nearly every other hormone in the body, including estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.
Did You Know?
- Your body needs cholesterol levels of at least 140 mg/dL to produce pregnenolone.
- Without sufficient pregnenolone, you may experience memory loss, mood instability, and low energy.
This insight is especially important given the widespread fear of high cholesterol. While excessively high cholesterol can be problematic, Dr. Smith clarifies that cholesterol itself isn’t inherently bad. It's essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes and producing key hormones. In fact, without sufficient cholesterol, hormone production—and ultimately, hormonal balance—suffers.
“Cholesterol isn’t the enemy—it’s a vital ally in maintaining hormonal balance.” — Dr. Pamela Smith
By ensuring healthy cholesterol levels, particularly in the range of 140 to 180, individuals can support the creation of pregnenolone and other vital hormones, ultimately improving everything from cognitive function to mood regulation. It’s a reminder that when it comes to health, balance is key—and that includes maintaining a healthy cholesterol level for overall hormonal well-being.
Cortisol
How Chronic Stress Wreaks Havoc on Hormones
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts every hormone in your body.
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of life. But what many people don’t realize is just how much stress—especially chronic stress—can affect the body on a hormonal level. Dr. Smith points out that cortisol is essential for survival. In the short term, cortisol helps us respond to stress and maintain energy. However, when cortisol levels are persistently elevated due to long-term stress, it can have a profound negative impact on other hormones, including thyroid and insulin.
But chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, leading to:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Midsection weight gain
- Impaired thyroid function and insulin resistance
"Balancing cortisol isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about reclaiming your energy and mental clarity." — Dr. Pamela Smith
Understanding the role of cortisol in hormonal health is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s clear that stress isn’t just a mental issue—it’s a physical one that can disrupt the balance of your entire hormonal system. By learning to manage stress and balancing cortisol, individuals can improve not only their mental health but also their overall hormonal health, leading to a greater sense of well-being and vitality.
Stress-Busting Tips:
- Practice mindfulness or yoga for 10 minutes daily.
- Prioritize sleep with a consistent bedtime routine.
- Test cortisol levels throughout the day using saliva cortisol tests.
Read: 8 Lifehacks for Reducing Stress
Your Gut
The Unsung Hero of Hormonal Balance
Dr. Pamela Smith makes a compelling case for why gut health should be at the top of the list when addressing hormonal balance. The gut is not only responsible for digestion, but it also plays a critical role in hormone regulation, immunity, and detoxification. In fact, nearly 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, and it’s here that a large portion of hormones are processed and balanced.
“Nearly 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, and it’s here that a large portion of hormones are processed and balanced.” — Dr. Pamela Smith
When the gut isn’t functioning properly, it can result in what’s known as "leaky gut," where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation throughout the body, which disrupts the balance of hormones, including thyroid, insulin, and cortisol. Furthermore, many hormones—such as serotonin, which regulates mood—are made in the gut, so an imbalance in gut health can directly impact mental health as well.
Dr. Smith emphasizes that even if you don’t experience overt digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, you could still be dealing with an unhealthy gut. Conditions like eczema, acne, and even autoimmune diseases are often linked to gut health. This connection highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome to support overall hormonal health.
“By healing your gut, you lay the foundation for hormonal harmony and improved overall health.”
Steps to Optimize Gut Health:
- Include probiotics and fermented foods in your diet.
- Avoid processed, inflammatory foods.
- Test for gut imbalances like dysbiosis or leaky gut.
Toxins & Hormones
Everyday Toxins: Are They Sabotaging Your Hormones?
Could chemicals in your daily life disrupt your hormones? Endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates mimic estrogen and interfere with hormonal balance.
We often think of toxins as pollutants in the air or chemicals in industrial products, but many of the most harmful endocrine disruptors are found in everyday items we use without a second thought.
Dr. Smith discusses how endocrine disruptors can mimic hormones, particularly estrogen, and disrupt normal hormonal functions. For example, BPA, a common chemical found in plastics, acts as an estrogen-like substance, which can raise estrogen levels in the body and contribute to health problems like infertility, increased risk of cancer, and hormonal imbalances.
The effects of these disruptors are not just limited to women. In men, exposure to toxins like BPA can lower testosterone levels and increase the risk of prostate issues. Even in children, endocrine disruptors are linked to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Dr. Smith also mentions the rising concern about the earlier onset of puberty in young girls, noting that certain toxins can contribute to the early development of secondary sexual characteristics, a trend that is becoming more widespread.
Understanding the role of toxins in hormone disruption is a crucial part of maintaining hormonal balance. As awareness grows, it’s becoming clear that making conscious choices about the chemicals in our environment can lead to better health outcomes and more effective hormone management.
“Awareness is the first step to protecting your hormones from everyday toxins.”
Tips to Reduce Exposure:
- Choose BPA-free plastics and glass containers.
- Avoid skincare products with phthalates.
- Implement detoxifying protocols as needed.
Sex Hormones
It’s Not About More—It’s About Balance
When it comes to sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, balance is the key—not more or less.
Sex hormones, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are often the focus when it comes to hormonal health. While many people seek hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to address symptoms like hot flashes, low libido, or fatigue, Dr. Pamela Smith cautions that it’s not just about increasing these hormones. In fact, it’s about achieving the right balance, since having too much or too little of any of these hormones can lead to a range of unwanted side effects.
“True hormonal health isn’t about chasing high numbers—it’s about achieving harmony.”
Key Considerations:
- For women: Balance estrogen with progesterone to reduce risks like breast cancer or mood instability.
- For men: Optimize testosterone without excess to avoid cardiovascular risks or aggression.
Conclusion
A Personalized Path to Hormonal Health
Dr. Pamela Smith’s message is clear: hormonal health is personal. No one-size-fits-all solution exists. Testing, tailored treatments, and holistic approaches are the future of wellness.
Final Thought
"Your health plan should be as unique as you are. When your hormones are in harmony, your life is too."
If you’re ready to take control of your health and hormones, it’s time to work with a practitioner who understands the nuances of your body and offers a tailored approach that addresses the root causes of imbalance. With personalized care, optimal hormonal health—and the vitality that comes with it—is within reach.
