Welcome back!
My name is Samantha Linden,
Also known as the Blissful Soul.
This is our series,
Happy Hormones,
A 30-day gut reset for women.
If you haven't started from day one yet,
I highly recommend doing so to maximize your success and understanding.
Let's chat today a little more about testosterone and how we know when it's working well for our body.
Testosterone levels begin to increase around day 12 of the menstrual cycle,
Peaking around day 15 and decreasing thereafter.
This period is often beneficial for women,
Providing an increase in motivation and drive.
It can be an opportune time to undertake negotiations,
Work on significant projects,
Or pursue personal goals.
During this time,
Women may also experience a boost in confidence and assertiveness,
Making it an ideal time to tackle challenges and take on new opportunities with a sense of empowerment.
If you do not experience these positive effects,
It may indicate low testosterone levels.
There are some signs of testosterone imbalance to look out for.
Symptoms may include absence of heightened motivation or drive,
Night sweats,
Breast tenderness,
Moodiness,
Difficulty sleeping,
Weight gain,
And polycystic ovary syndrome,
PCOS.
These symptoms may indicate an issue with estrogen breakdown and excretion during the follicular phase.
To address this,
Consider some of the following strategies.
Fasting.
Intermittent fasting can help improve testosterone production,
So you are already taking control here.
Following intermittent fasting for your hormonal needs will help improve it.
Dietary choices.
It is beneficial to consume foods that support hormone balance,
Such as those discussed in the preparatory week.
Phthalates found in certain plastics,
Scents,
Shampoos,
And lotions can disrupt hormone production.
Opt for unscented products and store food in glass containers instead of plastics.
Consume food that is low in fat and low in carbohydrates.
Stress reduction.
High levels of stress can hinder testosterone production.
Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine,
Such as meditation and walking,
Or consider more drastic changes like ending toxic relationships or leaving stressful employment if they are wreaking havoc on your hormones.
You can work with a therapist or counselor to help you with these changes.
Even these simple changes will help you start seeing changes to better balance your hormones.
Tomorrow,
We will discuss progesterone more during this phase.
Continue adding the higher carb natural foods we discussed during this phase and keep your fast around the 13-hour mark.
I will talk to you soon.
