SUNDAY NIGHT SLIDES
SUNDAY NIGHT SLIDES
The World Health Organization has estimated that ~1 billion people around the world suffer from thyroid gland issues. With a large proportion of those going undiagnosed.
“The main role of the thyroid gland is to produce and release hormones so your body can determine how much energy to use” Dr Saadi, Chief of Medical Subspecialties Institute
A butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, the thyroid makes hormones that control how our bodies use energy. It also controls metabolism (how your body turns food into energy) and affects the heart, muscles, bones and cholesterol too (the fatty stuff in your blood that you don't want high levels of).
Underactive thyroid = fewer hormones = lower energy
Overactive thyroid = more hormones = higher energy
Women are 10x more likely to experience thyroid gland issues than men. But that's not because women have more hormones than men. Generally speaking, both biological sexes have the same hormones just with differing levels, most commonly known is higher estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
Women's monthly hormonal cycles (aligned with menstruation) are said to affect the thyroid function more heavily than men's daily hormonal cycles.
Yes, like women, men experience hormonal shifts and changes in mood. They're just repeated every day rather than every month. Testosterone levels rise in the morning and fall in the evening, with the intensity varying from day-to-day and person-to-person too.
Morning: testosterone levels are highest
High testosterone makes men more energetic, talkative, aggressive, focused, competitive, independent, impulsive and confident (depending on their environment). During these peak testosterone hours, men can be more easily angered and be more likely to say no to favour requests.
Afternoon: testosterone levels are mid-cycle
Gradually lowering levels make men a little mellower than their morning selves, but still far from running on empty, feeling upbeat mood with good focus and not being as easily ticked off. More open to working with others rather than going solo at this time too.
Evening: testosterone levels are lowest
Depleted levels mean men are more agreeable and low-key in mood, making this a good time to ask for favours. Running low on energy, especially without much-needed chance to recharge after work or eating dinner. Libido hits its lowest point here too, but for some, this low point is still enough to make them capable of intimacy.
Interestingly, testosterone spikes are significantly influenced by external stimulus like drinking coffee, alcohol, watching high-intensity action films, sexually attractive media or favourite sports team games. A sudden rise in testosterone makes men more likely to spend money and take other financial risks too.
Low testosterone has been linked to increased anxiety
And according to the Priory Group, stress levels among women are 50% higher than men. Aside from juggling many different responsibilities in life, often all at once, it's two female sex hormones that can contribute to longer-term feelings of stress too.
If estrogen is the angel on your left shoulder that creates higher levels of serotonin (the happy hormone regulating mood, sleep, brain function with up to 90% produced in the gut ~ why nutrition is so important ~) then progesterone is the irritable devil on your right. Progesterone increases halfway through the menstrual cycle and generally causes a glum and anxious mood. Research indicates that progesterone also stimulates the amygdala (the fear centre of the brain) which is known to initiate feelings of stress and in some severe instances, depression.
I'm intrigued to find out my own testosterone levels, so have ordered a test kit from Forth (no affiliation) for £29 and will report back on findings after receiving my results. Forth do a whole variety of biological tests for physical wellness, mental health, nutrition and hormonal activity too, if you're interested.
Here's to better understanding you.
FEATURED SLIDES
@travelawaits — www.pinterest.co.uk
📍 Mount Fitz Roy, Patagonia, Argentina 🇦🇷
@alexandernerozya — www.pinterest.co.uk
📍 Ergaki, Siberia, Russia 🇷🇺
@ryanpernofski — www.pinterest.co.uk
📍 South Coast (NSW) Australia 🇦🇺
ARTIST OF THE WEEK
Painting to celebrate the spirit of the land use of color, Sarah is a Cornish painter featuring impressive use of dawn and dusk light that gives an enchanting feel to her paintings, usually of forestry and seascapes around the coast of Cornwall.
Support the artist by visiting SarahVivian.com
PRINT OF THE WEEK
Faro from above — shop.nightslides.com
For lovers of Portugal’s Algarve region and one of the most beautiful airport descents in Europe. Faro city’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall, the monumental archway leads to the old town with its famous cobbled streets, and must-visit 13th century Faro Cathedral nearby.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
DO/ MAKE/ by James Otter — thedobook.co
We are all makers. From brewing our morning coffee to folding a paper aeroplane, we find it satisfying to create something that didn’t exist before. And it isn’t just about the outcome. Making requires us to slow down and become absorbed in the process: an antidote to our fast-paced world.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Paradise by Cold Years — open.spotify.com
NEW: The fruits of high hopes, shared fears and miles of road underfoot. This collection of songs will likely come to mean much more to fans. Paradise is a deeply ambitious and human album, fuelled by northern grit and punk-rock zeal. With it, the Granite City rockers can hold their heads high among their heroes. After all, "tramps like Cold Years were born to run."
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
🎙️ 3 Shots of Tequila Podcast — open.spotify.com
Signifying the start of my birthday week with an aptly titled podcast that I've been enjoying recently. A light-hearted and conversational chat with three Londoners talking through their perspectives of current affairs as black men growing up within their community. Plenty of laughs in this one!
🎧 Hold On Tight by Aloe Blacc — open.spotify.com
NEW: Find familiarity in this artist's voice from Avicii's iconic track 'Wake Me Up'. Ahead of his album release next month, Aloe's new track is complete with thumping percussion and choral backing vocals, ‘Hold On Tight’ is an inspirational offering that hears Blacc reflect on some tough times while finding the strength to persevere.
🔊 Faith by Hurts — open.spotify.com
NEW: A mix of '80s production with a blend of '90s instrumental and vocal compositions, 'Faith' explores lyrical themes of self-error and insecurities, reevaluating owned mistakes and corruptive ways. Seeking redemption from regrets, finding peace amongst the darkness of their desires. Pop-noir!
WORTH WATCHING
A brilliantly filmed first person story of horse trekking through the stunning landscape of Mongolia, a nation bordered by Russia and China, starting at Gorkhi Terelj National Park and using rivers and streams as her guide. Adventurer Eva zu Beck takes two horses alone into the wilderness with a rather poignant life-lesson – "it's part of the journey: to adjust, be flexible and adapt"
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
In memory of Josh Taylor ❤️