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 InstituteA 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 highestHigh 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-cycleGradually 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 lowestDepleted 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 anxietyAnd 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.
Share this post
SUNDAY NIGHT SLIDES
Share this post
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 InstituteA 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 highestHigh 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-cycleGradually 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 lowestDepleted 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 anxietyAnd 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.