About hormone resistance
what is hormone resistance?
Hormone Resistance is when our cells are less responsive or resistant to the effects of hormones (messengers) even when they're within normal or elevated ranges, resulting in physiological impairment.
Symptoms vary depending on the hormone/s involved, but can include elevated blood sugar, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, fatigue, muscle weakness and mood changes. Conditions associated with this include type 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders and PCOS.
the causes of hormone resistance
The causes can be genetic, environmental and/or lifestyle related. Identifying the underlying cause of hormone resistance is key to resolution:
Genetic variations can affect hormone receptors, signaling pathways, or downstream cellular responses, leading to reduced sensitivity to hormones
Exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals and endocrine-disrupting compounds like plastics, pesticides, self-care products and fire retardants can interfere with hormone signalling and disrupt normal responses by mimicking, blocking or interfering with hormone actions. Some drugs can also block them, purposefully or otherwise
A poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity can also contribute to hormone resistance. Excess adipose tissue (belly fat), particularly dangerous visceral fat that surrounds organs, can promote inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to dysregulated hormone signalling
Chronic stress can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol secretion, contributing to hormone imbalances and resistance
In menopause, hormone resistance can cause thyroid problems, weight gain, blood sugar issues and hormones like oestrogen to drop too low (and possibly testosterone to rise too high).