We are diving deep into a topic that’s close to my heart: the undeniable connection between
calories and hormonal balance. I have had my own personal struggles with consuming enough
to properly nourish my body, and I have seen, first-hand, the negative effects of under eating.
Now, I get it. The word “calories” often carries a lot of baggage. We’ve been bombarded with
messages about calorie counting, cutting calories, and the dreaded C-word associated with diet
culture. But today, we’re flipping the script and focusing on something entirely different: the
benefits of consuming enough calories to promote hormone harmony.

The Calorie Conundrum: A Brief Rundown

Let’s start with a quick refresher. Calories are the energy units our bodies need to perform basic
functions like breathing, digesting food, and even just lying on the couch watching your favorite
show (currently, I’m re-watching Gilmore Girls to set the mood for fall). Every single thing we
do, from blinking to running a marathon, requires calories.

Now, when you don’t get enough calories, your body senses a crisis. It’s like an alarm bell
ringing in the body, signaling that resources are scarce. The hormone control center, the endocrine system, is no different. In response to restricted calories, your hormonal system
shifts gears to conserve energy. This often means a drop in crucial hormones like thyroid
hormones and sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone). The result? A cascade of imbalances that
can lead to a host of health issues, from irregular periods to mood swings and even fertility
problems.

The Hormone Control Center: A Quick Biology Review

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs in the body responsible for
regulating various physiological processes by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. These
hormones act as messengers, carrying signals to target cells or organs throughout the body.
Here’s a brief explanation of how the endocrine system works:

1. Glands: The endocrine system consists of several glands, including the pituitary gland,
   thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, and more. Each gland specializes in producing
   specific hormones.
2. Hormone Production: Glands in the endocrine system produce hormones in response to
   various stimuli, such as changes in blood composition, nerve signals, or other hormones.
   These hormones are typically produced in very small quantities but have significant
   effects on the body.
3. Release into the Bloodstream: Once hormones are produced, they are released directly
   into the bloodstream. Unlike the nervous system, which delivers rapid and specific
   messages, the endocrine system’s messages travel more slowly but affect a broader
   range of tissues and functions.
4. Target Cells or Organs: Hormones circulate through the bloodstream until they reach
   their target cells or organs. These target cells have specific receptors that match the
   hormone, allowing them to respond to the hormone’s signal.
5. Cellular Response: When a hormone binds to its receptor on a target cell, it initiates a
   response within that cell. This response can include changes in gene expression,
   alterations in cellular metabolism, or even changes in the cell’s behavior.
6. Feedback Loops: The endocrine system relies on feedback loops to maintain balance in
   the body. There are typically two types of feedback loops: negative and positive.
   Negative feedback loops help maintain stable conditions by counteracting changes,
   while positive feedback loops amplify changes until a specific goal is achieved.
7. Regulation of Physiological Functions: The endocrine system regulates a wide range of
   physiological functions, including metabolism, growth and development, immune
   response, reproduction, and stress responses. For example, the thyroid gland produces
   hormones that control metabolism, while the adrenal glands produce stress hormones
   like cortisol.
8. Coordination: The endocrine system works in close coordination with the nervous
   system. While the nervous system provides rapid, short-term responses to immediate
   stimuli, the endocrine system orchestrates long-term processes and maintains overall
   homeostasis (internal balance) in the body.

In summary, the endocrine system uses hormones to communicate and regulate various bodily
functions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and ensuring that different
systems in the body work together harmoniously.

I don’t know about you, but it sounds like the endocrine system is a non-stop working machine.
Just think about the energy it takes to do all the work to help maintain balance. That is why it is
so so SO important to properly fuel your body.

The Hormonal Connection: Why Calories Matter

Here’s where the magic happens. Consuming enough calories signals to your body that all is
well on the energy front. This encourages your hormonal system to operate smoothly and
maintain balance. Here are some key benefits of getting your calorie intake right:

1. Healthy Menstrual Cycles: Adequate calories help regulate estrogen and progesterone,
   essential for a regular menstrual cycle. Skipping meals or restricting calories can disrupt this
   delicate balance, leading to irregular periods.
2. Thyroid Function: Your thyroid gland, the master regulator of your metabolism, relies on
   sufficient calories to produce thyroid hormones. A calorie deficit can slow down thyroid
   function, affecting your energy levels and metabolism. This can lead to hypothyroidism.
3. Stress Hormones: Caloric restriction can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol.
   Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the balance of other hormones in your body, potentially
   leading to weight gain and mood swings.
4. Reproductive Health: For those on a fertility journey, calorie intake plays a pivotal role.
   Sufficient calories support the production of sex hormones necessary for conception and a
   healthy pregnancy.
5. Bone Health: Hormones like estrogen are crucial for maintaining strong bones. Inadequate
   calorie intake can compromise bone density, potentially increasing the risk of fractures.

The Bottom Line: Nourish to Flourish

So, here’s the takeaway: calories are not the enemy; they’re your hormonal allies. When you
provide your body with the energy it needs, you’re not only promoting hormonal balance but
also overall well-being.

But, of course, it’s not just about calories; it’s about the quality of those calories. Opt for
nutrient-dense, whole foods that provide not just energy but also essential vitamins and
minerals. Think leafy greens, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. It’s about nourishing
your body, not just filling it.

Remember, your body is a finely tuned orchestra of hormones, and calories are the conductor’s
baton. Treat it well, and it will reward you with the sweet harmony of hormonal balance.

Stay vibrant, my friends!

Warmly,
Beth

Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21201-endocrine-system