The relationship between sunshine and hormonal balance.

Is there a connection?

Short answer - Yes, sunshine exposure can affect hormone levels in the body. Here's an overview of how:

Vitamin D: Sun exposure enables vitamin D production in the skin. Vitamin D is actually a prohormone that is converted to the active hormone calcitriol. Calcitriol regulates hormone levels including parathyroid hormone, insulin and estrogen.

Serotonin: As mentioned earlier, sunshine boosts serotonin levels, which regulates hormones like melatonin, cortisol and reproductive hormones. Higher serotonin can mean lower melatonin and cortisol.

Melatonin: Sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, suppresses secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Less melatonin during the day makes you feel more alert.

Cortisol: Cortisol follows a daily circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning and declining during the day. Sunshine in the morning helps set this cycle and lower cortisol faster in the afternoon.

Estrogen: Some studies found that sunlight may increase estrogen levels in women. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Testosterone: There is evidence that sunlight exposure may aid in increased testosterone levels in men consistently over time.

So in summary, the most consistent effects are on serotonin, melatonin, cortisol and vitamin D levels. Carefully managing sun exposure can help optimize hormonal balance.

Get out there😉😉🌞