Medically Reviewed by Lucas Rosa, PhD in Biology
Explore how water impacts hormonal balance and overall hormone health.
Our Hormones Need Water
Water is necessary for our bodies, and especially for our hormones. It has a great effect on our hormones by helping with their production, functioning, and transportation.
Hormones are a key part of our endocrine system, they play a role in many bodily functions and if they are imbalanced, then it could lead to many health issues.
Our hormones rely on proper hydration to be created and transported efficiently. If this process is disrupted or hindered by not having enough water, then our hormones will not be able to function optimally. When our bodies are well-hydrated, they can function more effectively.
Multiple studies have highlighted the importance of water intake for our endocrine system. For example, research has shown that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function and mood, which are influenced by hormonal activity. Other studies have demonstrated that being hydrated can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.
Dehydration Causes Hormonal Imbalances
Water is essential for the proper functioning of every cell, tissue, organ, and hormone in our body. Adequate hydration helps maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes, which is crucial for hormone production and regulation.
On the other hand, dehydration can lead to a cascade of negative effects on our endocrine system. Dehydration is when the body loses more water than it is gaining, and it can cause imbalances within our bodies that can disrupt hormone production and release.
Our bodies are constantly losing water through various processes like breathing, sweating, and urinating. So it is important to consistently be drinking water to replace the water that is constantly leaving our bodies.
Chronic dehydration can strain the adrenal glands, leading to an overproduction of stress hormones. This can result in a range of health issues including fatigue, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Water Quality Impacts Our Hormones
Not all water is created equal, the quality of the water you drink can significantly impact your hormone health. Endocrine disruptors, chemicals that can disrupt the functioning of our hormones, are widely dispersed in our water systems.
Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol a (BPA), phthalates, estrogenic compounds, pesticides, and water disinfectant byproducts can be found in some water supplies.
High exposure to these chemicals can lead to reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and developmental issues in children.
To help reduce your exposure to these disruptive chemicals, filter the water sources in your home and only drink purified or filtered water.
Check out EWG’s Tap Water Database to find out what is in the water near you.
Tips For Drinking More Water
To support your endocrine system, aim to drink at least ninety fluid ounces of water per day, but individual needs may vary based on factors like activity level and climate.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to make staying hydrated more convenient. Incorporating water-rich foods, such as fruits, into your diet can also boost your hydration. Additionally, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can help keep you hydrated because these things can cause rapid dehydration.
Monitoring your urine color is an effective strategy to tell if you are hydrated or not. If your urine is a darker yellow or smelly, then you need to drink more water. If your urine is a lighter yellow, then keep drinking the amount of water you are drinking.
Staying hydrated is something that must be managed daily, some days may be better than others, but as long as you are conscious of your water intake and take practical steps to stay hydrated, then you are going in the right direction.
Conclusion
Water is a fundamental component of health, influencing everything from hormone production to stress management. Ensuring that you are adequately hydrated can help maintain the delicate balance of your hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions.
By paying attention to both the quantity and quality of the water you consume, you can support your endocrine system and promote overall well-being. Remember, your body relies on water to function optimally and properly, so make hydration a priority in your daily routine.
Sources:
CDC. “About Water and Healthier Drinks.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html.
Cedars Sinai. “Dehydration.” Cedars Sinai, 2024, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/d/dehydration.html.
Cleveland Clinic. “Dehydration.” Cleveland Clinic, 6 May 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration.
Eckelkamp, Stephanie. “How Does Hydration Affect Metabolic Health?” Levels, 27 Sept. 2023, www.levels.com/blog/how-does-hydration-affect-metabolic-health.
Gonsioroski, Andressa, et al. “Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 21, no. 6, 12 Mar. 2020, p. 1929, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139484/, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21061929.
Leech, Joe. “7 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water.” Healthline, 30 June 2020, www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water#The-bottom-line.
MedlinePlus. “Fluid Imbalance.” MedlinePlus, 2015, www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001187.htm.
Vilela, Caren Leite Spindola, et al. “Water Contamination by Endocrine Disruptors: Impacts, Microbiological Aspects and Trends for Environmental Protection.” Environmental Pollution, vol. 235, Apr. 2018, pp. 546–559, https://.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117304955#:~:text=Endocrine%2Ddisrupting%20compounds%20(EDCs),et%20al.%2C%202016), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.098.
Zhang, Na, et al. “Effects of Dehydration and Rehydration on Cognitive Performance and Mood among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Self-Controlled Trial.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 16, no. 11, 1 June 2019, p. 1891, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6603652/, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111891.
Featured Photo by Adrienn: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-drinking-from-glass-1458562/
