Physical activity affects our bodies in big and small away – even at the chemical level. Exercising can affect hormone levels, which in tune changes the way our bodies deal with stress, regulate insulin levels and even cancer risk:
Does Exercising Affect Your Hormones?
You Might Feel These 8 Changes
When we think of exercising, we tend to think of the benefits for mood and energy, as well as our physical health. But exercise can have an even more subtle effect on our bodies. And I'm talking about on the chemical level: There are a number of ways
working out can affect your hormones, and this can influence all parts of how your body functions, including how your body handles stress, regulates insulin, your sex drive, and even your risk of breast cancer.
"How you exercise affects your hormones, both positively and negatively," gynecologist Sara Gottfried, MD, author of
The Hormone Cure and The Hormone Reset Diet, tells Bustle. "When we exercise, we tend to think more is better, so we exercise harder, longer, and more intensely. But actually, exercise has a U-shaped association, meaning that moderate amounts are optimal, but low or high levels can be harmful."
Given that exercise can affect so much of what
goes on with your body's hormones, it makes sense why working out is important for balancing out the body in all aspects, including your mental health, your energy levels, your sleep, and more. Here are eight ways your workout can have an effect on your hormones.
- It Increases Endorphins
- It Regulates Estrogen
- It Regulates Cortisol
- It Improves Insulin Sensitivity
- It Stimulates Production Of Testosterone
- It Stimulates Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- It Increases Irisin
- It Increases Adiponectin
You might not realize it, but your daily workouts can have a profound effect on regulating your hormones that help your body function in all areas. Just another benefit of getting those steps in.
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Until next time -
Chase your passion through fitness,
Sonya Janisse, CPT
Active Living Specialist
226-377-0799 call or text
Sonya@FreshApproachFitness.ca