There are a variety of reasons why both women and men might need or want to take hormone support supplements. Women may have hormone support supplements recommended or prescribed for difficult menstrual cycles, when they’re pregnant and nursing or when pre-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal.
Women may also choose to take breast health supplements or digestive health supplements. When they are seeking an optimum weight through proper diet and exercise, they may also choose to take supplements to boost metabolism or metabolic enzyme supplements.
Men may choose or need to take prostrate health supplements as they age. There are also metabolism supplements which can assist men with boosting their energy.. Recent studies, for example, have shown the relationship between low testosterone levels and metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Testosterone levels have also been found to have an effect on whether or not a man suffers from depression. When these levels are not balanced, it can also lead to an inability to lose weight–even when healthy choices are made with diet and exercise.
It’s been determined that approximately two-thirds of adults are taking a minimum of one dietary supplement per day. In general, these are usually multivitamin and mineral pills. Adults over 50, according to recommendations found in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, should take dietary supplements and eat fortified foods in order to have sufficient amounts of B12.
B-Complex, which includes B6, B12, and other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, has been shown to decrease and alleviate stress along with its other benefits such as boosting energy and mood.
According to the American Council on Exercise, hormones, which are produced be the endocrine system, affect cells with specific types of receptors. Since hormones control various physiological reactions, maintaining balance is important.
Hormones have an effect on the body’s metabolism, reproductive systems and processes, as well as tissue growth, and hydration levels. Furthermore, hormones are integral to build new muscle and burn fat. Finally, they can effect a person’s state-of-mind and mood.
When attempting to create an optimum healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise program, it’s interesting to note that only 20% of a body’s energy expenditure occurs during physical activity. For a very physically active person, however, this figure could be closer to 50%. For a person who doesn’t get much exercise, and tends to be sedentary, this might be less than 20%.
It’s clear that in some cases, taking hormone support supplements can assist with a variety of issues so that men and women can do their best to attain–and sustain–optimum health.