Hormones. Those biochemical substances known for messing with mood and dictating reproductive systems. You probably know that hormones can influence sexual attraction, but do you know the myriad other ways hormones influence us?

Hormones are mostly proteins, though some are steroids. These proteins and steroids function as cell communicators, latching on to hormone receptors and transmitting messages. Hormones are produced by the endocrine system, and their effects on specific organs or the whole body can last anywhere from a few seconds to days at a time.

Science and research are increasingly proving how hormone levels can be assessed in easily identifiable body traits: Hairline, hair thickness, abdominal fat, skin pigmentation, ankle circumference, and many others. This means that you may be able to tell if you’re experiencing a hormonal imbalance based on how your body is looking and feeling.

For example, male hormones such as testosterone and its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can significantly influence hair loss. Higher levels of these hormones indicate higher levels of hair loss, which is why prescription hair loss drugs like Propecia seek to reduce their presence in the body.

The hormone insulin directly affects how the body metabolizes fat, protein, and sugar—excess abdominal weight may reveal low levels of this hormone. Similarly, thyroid hormone regulates how quickly your body can burn calories. And the thyroid can only work properly if thyroid stimulating hormone is being properly secreted by the pituitary gland.

What’s the point of knowing all this science? Your hormones may be affecting more about how you look and live your life than you know. And there are ways that you can naturally balance your hormones and achieve those goals—from weight loss to a thick, healthy head of hair.

How? By personalizing your diet, exercise, and lifestyle for your specific hormonal needs. Distinct foods, types of fitness, and environmental factors like climate and light exposure can significantly affect hormone production. Imagine eating foods that actually supported your hormonal health with every bite, and exercising in ways that targeted the specific hormone regulation your body needs.

Let’s not forget: Hormones also regulate mood and significantly affect behavior. Some of common behaviors that hormones influence include aggressiveness, caregiving, motivation, and more. So the next time you’re feeling “off” or noticing unusual difficulty losing weight, consider looking within. Your hormones may just be responsible.

Discover simple changes you can make to balance your hormones, today at ph360.me.