The Link Between Sugar and Hormonal Discord

It’s no secret that sugar can be extremely harmful to our health. Refined sugars have been linked to a number of health issues, from diabetes to obesity. But one that often flies under the radar is sugar’s impact on hormones, specifically in women. If you’re wondering, “Does sugar affect hormones?”, I will say that the answer is a resounding yes.

How Sugar Affects Hormones

Your hormones are messengers that control your body’s chemical functions, such as metabolism, menstrual cycles, reproduction, and immune function. When your hormones are disrupted or compromised, they’re not able to send the right messages at the right time. 

This leads to hormonal imbalances, and sugar is a common culprit. It especially affects your insulin, which helps the body maintain healthy blood sugar. Insulin is also closely related to several other hormones in your body, such as testosterone and estrogen. 

When insulin is disrupted, it can create a domino effect that impacts other hormones and body functions. This, of course, can lead to a number of other health issues, such as:

• Weight gain
• Infertility
• PMS
• Acne
• Brain fog
• Digestive trouble, and more.

A big part of the problem is that the Western diet is so full of refined sugars that it’s created a society of accidental sugar addicts. Think of how many times you’ve reached for sweets after just finishing a filling meal (because there’s always room for dessert, right?). That’s sugar trying to convince you that you need to eat more than you really do. But when we give in to sugar, our glucose levels spike and insulin comes rushing in to save the day. Over time, your body actually stops responding to the insulin and sugar will stay in your bloodstream. 

The result is usually a mix of several side effects, including constant hunger, weight gain, and depression. It sends your adrenal glands into overdrive and completely wreaks havoc on your thyroid, immune system, and even your skin (hello, premature wrinkles!). 

It’s no wonder so many women are feeling mentally and physically exhausted - their bodies are constantly fighting the effects of sugar and most don’t even realize it! 

I know the struggle with sugar, it’s real. For me, it took time to overcome my cravings but I feel a hundred times better and have noticed direct changes in my energy, skin, and overall health. 

How to Help Restore Hormonal Balance

Many women have believed from a very early age that hormones are constantly in flux and can’t be controlled, but that’s actually not the case. Though hormones can be difficult to reign in, it is possible to restore hormonal balance in the body.

The single best thing you can do right now is to reduce or eliminate refined sugar from your diet. I know this is easier said than done, especially since food companies sneak sugar into just about everything. Eliminating foods and snacks that have processed sugars is a great first step.

I recommend starting small instead of trying to quit “cold turkey.” This might mean dropping one sugary thing from your diet at a time, such as sodas or dessert after dinner. Once you’ve eliminated sugar from your diet, take stock of how much better you feel. For me and many women I help, that feeling is all the motivation they need to continue avoiding sugar.

Remember, the journey to hormonal rebalancing is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right changes over time, you’ll be in a much better position to start living and enjoying your best life.

For more healthy insights, head back to my blog.