The endocrine system shapes your energy, mood and health

Endocrine System

Do you ever feel like your body is just off?

• low energy
• poor sleep
• mood swings
• stubborn weight changes
• unexplained pain

​You are not alone! 

These symptoms trace back to one powerful and often overlooked system, the endocrine system. While most people will blame many of these issues to hormone imbalance, it’s more accurate to zoom out and look at the system that produces and regulates those hormones in the first place.

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act as chemical messengers, telling different parts of your body what to do and when to do it. 
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The glands of the endocrine system, as shown above in the picture above:

• Pituitary, Hypothalamus, Pineal
• Thyroid, Thymus
• Adrenals
• Pancreas
• Ovaries/Testis
• Uterus

​Together, these glands regulate critical functions like metabolism, sleep, stress response, reproduction, and mood.  Our hormones have a widespread impact on our nervous system, musculoskeletal system and our immune system.
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What is a hormone imbalance?

A hormone imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the body.  Imbalance can also result from hormones that are released at the wrong time, communication between glands can be disrupted, or cells aren’t responding appropriately to signals.  A balanced endocrine system relies on consistent communication between the brain and the glands. Once the feedback loops become inconsistent, then symptoms can appear.
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The role of stress and the endocrine system

The stress response is termed the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituatary-Adrenal).  This system controls cortisol, our primary stress hormone.  When you are scared, nervous or stressed, the HPA axis is activated.  The goal of this system is to help us survive or cope with a challenge: it increases energy, revs up our system with increase in heart rate, blood pressure, preps the muscles to be ready for action, and focuses the mind.
In short bursts, cortisol is super helpful, but over time with chronic stress, cortisol can wreak havoc, leading to:

• sleep disruption
• blood sugar instability 
• increased inflammation 
• suppression of reproductive hormones 

​From a physiological standpoint, the body prioritizes survival over long-term balance. If it perceives ongoing stress, it will divert resources away from functions like reproduction and repair.

How can we support our endocrine system?

While hormone health can feel complex, the foundations are straightforward and highly effective when practiced consistently.
Some suggestions:

• Stabilize blood sugar
  Eat balanced meals with protein, fat, and fiber
• Prioritize sleep
  Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
• Manage stress
  Incorporate small, regular moments of recovery
• Move your body
  Strength training, walking and low-impact movement support metabolic and hormonal health
• Create a daily rhythm
  Regular routines help regulate hormone timing

These practices signal safety and stability to the body, which supports more consistent hormone regulation.

In the osteopathic manual therapy work that I have studied and practiced over the last 7 years, I have learned a lovely Endocrine Protocol to balance and support the endocrine glands and system.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above that I have discussed in this blog, or are having  thyroid issues, or are experiencing chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia, or infertility I would love to support you.

Schedule an appointment

Susan McLaughlin is a physical therapist who specializes in the management of pelvic floor and orthopedic dysfunctions. She is the owner of ALIGN integration|movement in Salt Lake City, UT.  Helpful tips and other self care strategies can be found at www.alignforhealth.com.