You Can’t “Out-Willpower” Your Hormones
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I <fill in the blank>” regarding your hormonal symptoms?
Why can’t I stop eating after dinner? Why can’t I stop these cravings? Why can’t I have more energy? Why can’t I be less angry or emotional? Why can’t I be more motivated?
The truth is, you can’t always out-willpower your hormones. In fact, it may feel like you only ask yourself these questions at certain parts of your cycle or in different stages as you move through perimenopause.
The reality is, hormones act like text messages - they can come across easy, grammatically correct, with a fun emoji. Or they can come across in all caps full of misspellings and feel shocking.
I say this a little bit tongue-in-cheek as I know you are perfectly capable of willpower in many situations. However, if it has ever felt overwhelming or like you had no control, you’re not alone.
Here are two examples.
The hormone, oxytocin, is commonly known as a “bonding” or “love” hormone. It helps us feel socially connected (among other things). During your follicular phase, estradiol levels rise, enhancing oxytocin’s role in promoting a positive mood, emotional bonding, and stress resilience. This explains why you may feel more sociable or connected around in the days leading up to ovulation when estradiol peaks. However, as you move close to your period in the luteal phase when estradiol drops, you may feel less positive, less like bonding, and less stress resilience.
Progesterone should be produced after ovulation (luteal phase). The breakdown hormones of progesterone can enhance calming feelings from the brain. If progesterone production is not that healthy and levels are lower than expected, you may feel agitated, irritated, or angry in the days or week leading up to your period. You may also notice that sleep is an issue.
Thyroid hormones do a lot in the body however the common symptoms of low thyroid (specifically low free T3 which can be tested easily in blood) include: fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, cold hands and feet, heavy or irregular periods, and weight gain. You may even notice the outer part of your eyebrows start thinning away. Imagine trying to have the willpower for energy in your day with low levels of free T3? That’s like a cellphone with 10% left on the battery. I can’t wish a charged phone anymore than I can wish more thyroid in a low thyroid person.
These symptoms may last a few hours to weeks to months depending on the person and the status of their hormone production. If your progesterone is low and you’re feeling really irritated, as an adult you can likely recognize you are irritated. You may even work to change your mood or warn people close to you. However, you’ve likely had the situation where the willpower to be patient and kind snaps in an instant when your significant other chews too loudly. Or the driver in front of you is moving too slow.
Thankfully, there is a lot you can do.
First, you’re reading this article which means you are now aware of what’s going on. You’re not crazy. Hormones can and do absolutely have this much impact on your body.
Second, hormones are dramatic in that they can react to everything going on in your world. Think of yourself like a high maintenance house plant. You need water, sunlight, fresh air, quality dirt, and bonus points good music to grow to. As a human, are you sleeping? Eating nutritious foods? Moving your body regularly? Overextended and stressed? Happy? Feeling safe? Pooping daily? You get my point.
Third, I have several articles and many youtube videos to help your journey. You may also need to look into a healthcare practitioner that understands hormones and how/when to test them. It’s okay if your current ob/gyn or primary care doctor isn’t that knowledgeable on hormones and you need to branch out and find someone else to add to your health team. Think of it like adding more cool tools to your tool kit. Or more color matched make-up to your make-up drawer.
Your health is important—don’t settle for less. Be your own advocate, ask questions, and make sure you get the care you deserve to truly thrive.
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