Resistance
When cells stop listening. Resistance occurs when cells become insensitive to hormonal signals. Insulin resistance is most famous, but leptin, thyroid, and cortisol resistance follow similar patterns. The body produces more hormone to compensate, but the signal gets weaker. Breaking resistance cycles is key to metabolic health.
Types of Resistance
Insulin Resistance
Cells don't respond to insulin. Blood sugar stays high. Pancreas makes more. Prediabetes.
Leptin Resistance
Brain ignores "full" signal. High leptin but still hungry. Weight gain cycle.
Thyroid Hormone Resistance
Cells don't respond to T3. Labs look normal but symptoms persist.
Cortisol Resistance
Cells numb to cortisol. Inflammation not controlled. Chronic stress pattern.
GH Resistance
Growth hormone receptor issues. Affects metabolism and body composition.
Androgen Resistance
Testosterone not working at receptor. Can have high T with low effect.
How Resistance Develops
Receptor Downregulation
Constant exposure = fewer receptors. Cell protects itself from overload.
Post-Receptor Defects
Signaling cascade disrupted. Receptor works but downstream broken.
Inflammation
Inflammatory cytokines interfere with receptor signaling. Key driver.
Oxidative Stress
Damages receptors and signaling molecules. Mitochondrial dysfunction.
Membrane Composition
Seed oils change membrane fluidity. Receptors don't work properly.
Circadian Disruption
Hormone rhythms off. Receptors don't cycle properly.
Breaking Resistance
Reduce Exposure
Lower the hormone. Fasting reduces insulin. Weight loss reduces leptin.
Address Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory diet. Omega-3s. Reduce seed oils. Fix gut.
Exercise
Improves insulin sensitivity directly. Muscle is insulin-sensitive tissue.
Sleep
Poor sleep worsens all types of resistance. Restore circadian rhythm.
Time
Receptors need time to upregulate. Consistency matters. Patience required.
Cycling
Intermittent exposure helps. Fasting/feeding cycles. Variation beneficial.