Chill Your Way to Better Hormones & Health

So you went to your doctor looking for a prescription and instead of offering you pills, she told you to try cold exposure to improve your hormone levels. 

Seriously?

But don’t give your doctor the cold shoulder just because he prescribed a cold plunge. Your doctor, it seems, is very wise and up-to-date on current research into hormone health and cold exposure.

First, let’s acknowledge that when it comes to our endocrine (hormone) systems, men and women are different. So we’re going to address them separately.

Let’s start with women. Guys, if hearing about periods and associated lady business makes you squirm, skip this section. (And maybe grow up.)

Whether it’s PMS or hot flashes, women’s hormones can do some crazy things when they get out of whack. And cold plunge really can help.

One of the most common “female” issues is polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS. How common? Estimates range from 8 to 20% of women have PCOS but it is often  un diagnosed.

Women with PCOS have enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts that create all kinds of problems because of hormone imbalance.

PCOS can cause irregular periods, weight gain above the hips (known as PCOS Belly), hair thinning on the scalp and/  or excess hair growth on the body, acne,  infertility and even diabetes. Part of the problem is that PCOS can lower progesterone, one of the primary female hormones, along with estrogen.

But cold plunge can help! Cold plunge boosts the percentage of brown fat, or “brown adipose tissue” if you want to sound smart. That helps with metabolism, which is often slowed by PCOS.

Animal studies have shown that repeated  cold  exposure regulates menstrual cycles and improves fertility. It helps raise progesterone levels and brings it into balance with estrogen. In fact, it actually reduces the number of cysts!

And as any woman knows, the anti-inflammatory effects are more than welcome at any time of the month.

Cold water immersion has also been shown to can help with symptoms of PMS and menopause, reducing hot flashes, anxiety and mood swings.

Whether you opt to plunge while you are menstruating or right before your cycle begins is really up to you. Some women love it all month long and others prefer to take a break.

 

And now for the guys:

You don’t have to worry about things like hot flashes or cramps, you lucky duck. But cold water immersion can be a key to improving your sexual health.

Cold exposure raises testosterone levels significantly, and that helps with a lot of things. 

Good testosterone levels help with improving your libido, improving muscle tone and strength and even keeping your bones strong.

But what you really want to know is that low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction along with a reduction in fertility.

You could reach for the little blue pill. But blue, well, you know, could provide an easier, more natural result. (Sure, there will be shrinkage in the moment. But that’s temporary. Promise.)

So forget what you’ve heard about taking a cold shower to reduce your, ahem, impulses. Getting cold might not putout you in a sexy mood right away, but once you warm up, hello!