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Why Vitamin D Is So Unusual (And Why You Should Care)

We throw the word “vitamin” around like it’s simple. But vitamin D is anything but. In fact, it’s so unique that calling it a vitamin is technically inaccurate.

Here’s why this essential nutrient deserves a second look—and why it might be more accurate to think of it as a hormone.

Most Vitamins Are Nutrients. Vitamin D Is a Messenger.

Most vitamins must come from food because the body can’t make them.
Vitamin D is different. Your body makes it when sunlight hits your skin—specifically UVB rays.
That sunlight exposure sets off a chain reaction in the body, one that ends with the production of a powerful hormone.
That’s right: vitamin D behaves more like a hormone than a dietary helper.

The Path from Sunshine to Hormone

Your body doesn’t just “use” vitamin D—it activates it.

First, UVB rays help your skin produce a compound called cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃).
The liver then turns this into calcidiol, a storage form that circulates in your blood.
Your kidneys convert that into calcitriol—the fully active form.
Calcitriol travels through the body like any hormone, triggering responses in cells far from where it was made.

This is what hormones do: they signal, regulate, and control body processes at a distance.

Vitamin D: The Hormone in Disguise

Calcitriol helps regulate calcium absorption, bone strength, and even immune response.
It acts on the nucleus of cells—changing gene expression, much like testosterone or cortisol.
It’s fat-soluble, derived from cholesterol, and stored in body fat—just like steroid hormones.
It doesn’t just “support health.” It regulates critical functions, including your body’s mineral balance, mood, and immunity.

Why the Name Is a Misfit

The word “vitamin” comes from Latin: vita (life) and amine (a type of compound).
Early scientists assumed all vitamins were nitrogen-based. They weren’t. Vitamin D has no nitrogen at all.
So the name stuck, even though the function doesn’t match.
If discovered today, vitamin D would probably be labeled a hormone or prohormone, not a vitamin.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin D is misnamed. It’s not just a nutrient—it’s a hormone your body makes from sunshine.

It plays a central role in bone health, immune response, and cellular function.
Deficiency doesn’t just mean you’re a little off—it can lead to weakened bones, poor immunity, and disrupted mood.
If you live in a northern area like Bend, Oregon, where UVB rays drop in fall and winter, you may need to supplement or adjust your sun habits to stay in balance.

Vitamin D isn’t just good for you. It’s foundational.
And it’s not just a vitamin. It’s a hormone hiding in plain sight.

Why Hormones Matter

Hormones

Why can the slightest chemical whisper make your heart race, your waistline creep, or your mood swing from sunrise‑bright to midnight‑blue? Because those whispers are hormones—molecules so potent that micrograms decide whether you store fat or burn it, fight infection or fan inflammation, fall asleep or stare at the ceiling.

The word “hormone” comes from a Greek term meaning “to set in motion.” When hormones speak, entire organ systems snap to attention. A few billionths of a gram can create dramatic changes in the way you feel and look.

Yet most of us treat hormones like background noise—noticed only when something goes haywire. That’s a costly oversight. Understanding how these messengers work—and what scrambles their signals—may be the fastest route to better energy, clearer thinking, and healthy longevity.

Four hormone roles that define life as we know it

Metabolism

Glucose too high? Insulin ushers sugar into muscle and liver. Skip lunch? Glucagon taps stored glycogen, raising glucose so you stay sharp. Meanwhile, thyroid hormones set the resting throttle on every cell’s engine. Tip that balance and you drift toward diabetes or sluggish fatigue.

Growth & repair

Deep sleep or lifting a heavy weight cues the pituitary to pulse growth hormone (GH). GH nudges the liver to release IGF‑1, telling muscles to rebuild, bones to thicken, cartilage to patch. Sex steroids—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone—take the baton for puberty, fertility, and lifelong tissue maintenance. When they fade ungracefully, we see muscle loss, slow healing, and brittle bones.

Stress & survival

Perceive threat, real or imagined, and the HPA axis fires. Corticotropin‑releasing hormone (CRH) → ACTH → cortisol → glucose flood, immune suppression, narrow focus. Great for outrunning a bear—not for arguing on Twitter four hours a day. Chronic cortisol overload shifts fat to the belly, thins skin, and steals sleep.

Reproduction

Monthly surges of estrogen and progesterone prepare the womb and influence everything from mood to memory. Testosterone fuels libido, motivation, and red‑blood‑cell production in men and women. Fertility clinics prove how delicately this dance is timed; a mistimed cue can close the window for conception in a single cycle.

Five actions to fine‑tune hormones

Protein‑rich sunrise meal
⁃ 25‑30 g of high‑quality protein (eggs + Greek yogurt or lentil hash) blunts the cortisol‑glucose spike and keeps insulin in the Goldilocks zone.
Lift heavy things—twice a week minimum
⁃ Resistance training boosts insulin sensitivity, raises GH and testosterone, and tells bones, “Stay dense. We’re still in the game.”
Guard your circadian rhythm
⁃ Morning sunlight sets melatonin’s dimmer switch. Two hours before bed, shut down blue‑light screens so melatonin can rise, cortisol can fall, and repair hormones can clock in.
Micronutrient security
⁃ Zinc (oysters, pumpkin seeds), magnesium (leafy greens, cacao), iodine (seaweed, iodized salt), selenium (Brazil nuts) are co‑factors in thyroid, sex‑steroid, and insulin signaling. A multivitamin is insurance—real food is the policy.
Stress‑circuit breakers
⁃ Breath prayer, box breathing, or five mindful minutes in nature boosts oxytocin, the “bond” hormone that lowers cortisol and blood pressure. I call it holy hush—the pause that refreshes body and soul.

Testing and tracking—know your numbers

You don’t need a lab draw for every twitch, but persistent fatigue, unexplained weight shift, or mood roller‑coasters merit a peek under the hood.

Ask your physician about:

Metabolic panel: fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides.
Thyroid suite: TSH, free T4, free T3, optionally thyroid antibodies.
Adrenal snapshot: morning cortisol and DHEA‑S.
Sex‑steroid profile: total and free testosterone, estradiol, progesterone (timed to cycle in women).
Inflammatory clues: hs‑CRP, ferritin, homocysteine.

Treat a single lab like a Polaroid—useful, but limited. Trends over time give you the flip‑book that shows motion. To find out how to get tested, check our HOP program.

Best practice follows the rule “test, don’t guess,” matching evidence‑based therapies—nutritional shifts, targeted supplements, or bio‑identical hormones—to documented need. Self‑dosing from internet chat rooms is like rewiring a breaker panel in the dark: possible, but the sparks can fly.

Hormones and healthy aging—decline is not destiny

Yes, hormone levels drift with time, but lifestyle can steepen or soften that slope. People in their 70s who lift weights, eat protein at each meal, and sleep like it’s part of their job often carry GH, IGF‑1, and testosterone numbers that rival folks decades younger.

Balanced estradiol protects women’s hearts and bones after menopause; adequate DHEA and melatonin support brain resilience in both sexes. Hormone harmony correlates with lower all‑cause mortality and sharper cognition—proof that the inside story writes the outside ending.

Hormones … bringing it home

Hormones aren’t mysterious puppeteers pulling strings behind the curtain; they’re messengers delivering the consequences of yesterday’s choices and today’s environment. We can ignore them and hope for mercy, or—better—steward them. Scripture frames stewardship as wise management of what’s entrusted to us. If a few billionths of a gram can “set in motion” our vitality, isn’t that a trust worth guarding?

Three‑point action plan for the week ahead:

Audit your sleep—lights out by 10:30 p.m., screens off at 8.
Add two resistance sessions—body‑weight circuits if no gym.
Swap refined carbs for fiber‑rich whole foods—watch energy steady.

Small levers, huge payoff. Tame the whispers, and watch your body—and perhaps even your spirit—stand at renewed attention. To get started, check our Hormone Optimization Plan.

Tired of Feeling Tired? Here’s How to Get Your Energy Back Naturally

Hormones, Testosterone

Most people don’t need another energy drink or magic supplement. They need to stop doing the stuff that drains them and start doing what works. Real energy doesn’t come from a can or a pill. It comes from how you live.

Let’s break this down in plain terms. Seven areas. All of them matter.

1. Sleep Is the Foundation

If you’re dragging through your days, look at your nights. Are you sleeping deep and long enough—or just laying there?

Set a bedtime and stick to it.
Cut the screens an hour before you crash.
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Try magnesium or a simple herbal tea if your mind won’t slow down.

You don’t have to chase perfect sleep, but you do need real rest. It’s where your body repairs and resets.

2. Move Daily, Not Desperately

You don’t have to join a gym or punish your joints to feel better. Walking gets the job done, especially in the morning sun.

Get outside and move—daily if you can.
Add a bit of resistance (bands, dumbbells, bodyweight).
Breathe while you move. Don’t rush it.

Your body was made to move. Energy comes from circulation. You don’t need a six-pack. You need flow.

3. Eat Food That Fuels, Not Fools

A lot of what we call food these days is just chemistry in a box. No wonder we’re tired.

Eat real stuff: eggs, greens, beans, berries, good meat, olive oil, nuts.
Drink water. Add a pinch of sea salt to help your body absorb it.
Go easy on sugar, white flour, seed oils, and processed snacks.

That morning shot of lemon water with turmeric, ginger, cayenne, and cinnamon? It’s not magic, but it sure beats coffee on an empty stomach.

4. Breathe Like You Mean It

Most of us breathe up in our chests, like we’re always bracing for something. That shallow, fast breathing triggers stress.

Slow it down.

Breathe in through your nose. Let your belly rise.
Hold it for a second or two.
Exhale slower than you inhaled.

Do that a few times a day. It resets your nervous system. Costs nothing. Works every time.

5. Identify What’s Draining You

Energy leaks aren’t always physical. They come from clutter, noise, unresolved problems, and trying to be everything to everyone.

Take a step back.

What’s giving you life?
What’s sucking the life out of you?
What can you release, right now?

You might be carrying more than you need to. Let some of it go.

6. Support Your Hormones

If you’re doing most things right and still feel flat, get your hormones checked—especially after age 50.

Low thyroid, cortisol issues, low testosterone (in men or women) can drag you down.
Strength training helps.
Herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola might give you a lift, but they’re not a replacement for real help.

You don’t have to guess. Test, then address. Check our HOP offer for help figuring out what’s draining your energy.

7. Reconnect with What Matters

One reason people feel tired is they’ve stopped doing anything that lights them up inside.

You don’t just need rest. You need meaning.

What makes you feel alive?
What would you do if no one paid you?
Where can you serve?

Find your “why” again. That’s where the real energy lives.

The Bottom Line for Energy Restoration

Getting your energy back naturally isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what works. Eat right. Sleep deep. Move with purpose. Breathe. Cut the noise. And lean into what gives you joy.

Don’t wait to feel ready. Start now. Small steps lead to big changes. You were made for more than just getting through the day.

For deep dive hormone testing, check our Hormone Optimization Plan here: https://bendvitalityclinic.com/hormone-health-plan/

Stronger Bones, Sharper Mind: How Hormones Influence Longevity

Hormones

Despite all our healthy habits and best intentions, there’s one crucial element we often overlook: our hormones. These powerful chemical messengers quietly influence everything from our energy levels and mood to bone density and brain function.

Understanding the Hormonal Connection

Hormones act like the body’s internal communication system, directing critical processes that keep us healthy. Key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and growth hormone significantly impact our vitality. As we age, however, the production and balance of these hormones often change dramatically, leading to noticeable shifts in our physical and mental well-being.

Estrogen and progesterone, primarily recognized for their roles in women’s health, play a significant part in maintaining bone strength and cardiovascular health.
Testosterone, often associated with men’s health, is equally crucial for women, influencing muscle mass, mood, energy, and cognitive function.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy, and mental clarity, while growth hormone promotes cell regeneration, tissue repair, and overall vitality.

Hormones and Bone Health

Healthy bones depend heavily on balanced hormones. Estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormone each play a pivotal role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis—a condition marked by brittle, fragile bones. Menopause and andropause (the male equivalent) sharply decrease these essential hormones, making bones weaker and more prone to fractures.

Bone tissue continually renews itself throughout our lives in a process known as remodeling. This process requires precise hormonal signaling to ensure that bones stay dense and robust. With declining hormone levels, this delicate balance is disrupted, accelerating bone loss and significantly increasing fracture risk.

If you’ve noticed frequent injuries, unexplained back pain, changes in posture, or even shrinking height, hormonal imbalance might be the hidden culprit. Loss of height often occurs gradually, sometimes unnoticed until it becomes pronounced. This phenomenon is a red flag signaling the weakening of spinal bones.

Studies consistently support the idea that restoring hormone balance through targeted therapy can dramatically slow bone density loss and, in many cases, even reverse it. For example, numerous research projects have shown that women who receive bioidentical estrogen therapy experience significantly fewer fractures and maintain stronger bone density over time compared to those who do not.

Hormones and Cognitive Function

Just as hormones influence our bones, they also profoundly affect our brains. Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol are vital to maintaining a sharp mind. Imbalances can manifest in troubling ways—brain fog, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and declining memory.

Estrogen has neuroprotective properties, enhancing memory, concentration, and mood by improving blood flow to the brain and supporting neuron communication. Testosterone is equally critical, affecting cognitive sharpness, mood regulation, and energy levels, all essential for mental agility.

Thyroid hormones, meanwhile, regulate brain metabolism and neural development. Even minor thyroid imbalances can significantly impact cognitive performance, leading to slowed thought processes and reduced memory function. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can also impair cognitive function, promoting inflammation and neuronal damage over time.

Research clearly demonstrates that individuals who restore optimal hormone levels often experience significant improvements in mental clarity, memory retention, and cognitive speed. Balanced hormones can be the difference between feeling mentally sluggish and staying sharp and engaged in your daily activities.

Protecting Your Bones and Brain Through Hormone Optimization

The good news is you don’t have to accept declining bone strength and cognitive health as inevitable parts of aging. Here’s how you can proactively protect yourself:

Get regular hormone screenings: Routine blood tests can detect imbalances early, providing vital information for timely interventions.

Lifestyle Adjustments: A diet rich in nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly support hormone health. Regular weight-bearing exercises, strength training, and prioritizing restful sleep are essential lifestyle modifications.

Personalized Hormone Therapy: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), guided by an experienced physician, can restore hormone balance safely and effectively. BHRT precisely matches your body’s natural hormones, minimizing side effects and maximizing benefits.

Real-Life Success Stories

Consider Jane, 58, who felt mentally foggy and suffered a minor wrist fracture from a simple fall. Within months of beginning hormone therapy, her bone density improved noticeably, and she regained mental clarity, making everyday tasks enjoyable again. Jane’s experience is not isolated; many patients experience remarkable transformations once hormonal balance is restored.

Or Mark, 63, who struggled with concentration and constant fatigue. Hormone optimization revitalized him—he reports feeling ten years younger, active, and mentally alert again. Mark resumed activities he once thought he had to abandon, like cycling, traveling, and engaging in hobbies requiring sharp cognitive function.

Another notable story is Susan, 75, who was troubled by frequent forgetfulness and anxiety over her declining bone density after her sister experienced a debilitating hip fracture. After starting personalized BHRT, Susan not only regained confidence in her bone health but also noticed dramatic improvements in memory, focus, and emotional stability.

Take Control of Your Longevity

Your hormones significantly impact your quality of life as you age. Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to ensure your bones remain strong and your mind stays sharp. Modern advancements in hormone therapy and individualized care make it entirely possible to age with vitality, enthusiasm, and optimism.

Aging well is not about reversing the clock, but about maximizing your body’s natural potential at any stage in life. Restoring hormonal balance is among the most effective strategies to achieve this goal, allowing you to maintain independence, reduce health risks, and enjoy life more fully.

Don’t settle for less than your best health. Schedule a personalized hormone consultation today and start your journey toward stronger bones, enhanced cognitive function, and a brighter, healthier future.

To get started with hormone optimization, see our special HOP offer here: https://bendvitalityclinic.com/hormone-health-plan/

Why Do Some Women Grow Facial Hair?

Hormones, Testosterone

Noticing facial hair growth can be unsettling for many women, prompting questions about its cause and significance. The real story usually involves hormones — especially testosterone — but it’s not always that straightforward.

Typically, unwanted facial hair appears when the balance between estrogen and testosterone shifts, allowing male hormones to take the lead. Although all women naturally produce testosterone in small amounts, even slight increases or increased follicle sensitivity can trigger noticeable hair growth.

Common Causes of Facial Hair Growth for Women

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This common hormonal disorder affects roughly 10% of women during their reproductive years. Signs include irregular menstrual cycles, acne flare-ups, and more noticeable facial or body hair.

Menopausal Hormonal Changes: As estrogen decreases during menopause, testosterone levels become relatively higher, potentially causing facial hair to appear or become more prominent.

Adrenal Issues: Conditions such as adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia can elevate androgen levels, leading to facial hair growth.

Medication Effects: Certain medications—like steroids or hormone-based therapies—can result in increased hair growth.

Genetics and Sensitivity: Sometimes, it’s simply genetics. Some women inherit hair follicles that respond strongly even to normal hormone levels.

When Should You Consult a Doctor About Facial Hair Growth?

Facial hair itself isn’t usually harmful, but sudden or rapid growth, especially when paired with irregular periods, severe acne, deepening voice, or unexpected weight gain, warrants a doctor’s evaluation. Your physician might suggest hormone testing or imaging studies to pinpoint underlying issues.

Practical Solutions and Treatment Options

Thankfully, managing facial hair growth is achievable through several approaches:

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can significantly help regulate hormone levels, particularly beneficial in managing PCOS.

Hormonal Treatment: Oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications can effectively manage excessive facial hair caused by hormonal imbalances.

Cosmetic Hair Removal: Laser treatments, electrolysis, waxing, threading, and topical creams offer immediate, practical options to handle unwanted hair.

Facial hair growth in women is surprisingly common and typically manageable once you understand its hormonal roots. If this issue affects you personally, remember that a proactive conversation with your healthcare provider is a helpful and reassuring step toward finding a solution.

For more information, call Bend Vitality Clinic at (541) 749-4247.

Why Get Hormone Imbalance Testing?

Hormones

It is normal to notice shifts in energy, mood, sleep patterns, and overall well-being as you age. A lot of these changes can be tied—at least partially—to hormonal fluctuations. And the way to find out is through hormone imbalance testing.

Standard blood tests measure general markers—like cholesterol, blood cells, or basic thyroid function—but they don’t dive into the specifics of how your hormones are behaving.

A more detailed hormone panel can help identify subtle imbalances that regular tests might miss. Here are a few reasons why getting your hormones tested:

Catching Early or Subtle Issues
Even if your labs look “normal,” your thyroid hormones, sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone), or cortisol might be on the edge of abnormal. Delving into free T3, free T4, DHEA, and more can reveal emerging problems before they escalate.
Boosting Energy Levels
Hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormones heavily influence your daily energy and resilience. A deeper panel could pinpoint whether low-level adrenal or thyroid dysfunction is contributing to fatigue or that “sluggish” feeling you can’t seem to shake.
Supporting Weight Management
In midlife, metabolism and body composition often change, making weight loss or maintenance tougher. Checking detailed levels of insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones can show if your hormonal balance (or imbalance) is playing a role in stubborn weight gain.
Improving Mood and Clarity
Whether it’s new bouts of anxiety, mood swings, or “brain fog,” hormones can be key culprits. For example, minor dips in testosterone for men or fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone for women can influence mood, focus, and memory. A thorough test can catch these variations.
Addressing Sexual Health Concerns
Libido and sexual performance often shift in midlife. Many standard tests only measure total hormones and don’t always show how much of those hormones are truly “active.” A more comprehensive look may reveal deeper insights—like issues with free testosterone or estrogen metabolism.
Planning Ahead
Knowing your specific hormone levels opens the door to a personalized health plan—lifestyle changes, diet tweaks, stress management, or medication—aimed at maintaining vitality and reducing risks for age-related issues.
Quality of Life
Ultimately, a better grasp on your hormones can mean more energy and motivation to enjoy the things you love. If you catch and correct an imbalance early, you’ll likely maintain a stronger sense of well-being and feel ready for whatever midlife (and beyond) brings.

A Quick Rundown of What to Test
A deeper panel might involve:

Full Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)
Sex Hormones (Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, DHEA)

If you’re curious, calling Bend Vitality Clinic is a smart move. We will interpret your results in the context of “optimal” levels, not just the broad standard ranges. With the right tests and interpretation, you can tackle small hormonal imbalances now—before they have a big impact on how you feel down the road.