National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: What scientists say about hormonal imbalances; how to influence your hunger hormones; the real health benefits of joy; the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S.; how AI is improving women's health; what happens to your body on an airplane.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SEVENTYFOUR IMAGES/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Are your hormones unbalanced—and what does that even mean?

Acne, fatigue, and weight gain are among the most frequent symptoms attributed to a "hormonal imbalance." But health experts are skeptical that your hormones are to blame. The beauty of hormones, experts say, is that they exist to keep the body in balance. If you're feeling off-kilter, here's what you can do instead.

HOW HORMONES WORK

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN FINKE, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

These 7 hormones influence how much—or how little—you eat. Can you control them?

New medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic, can boost the effects of these hormones. But how we eat, exercise, and manage stress also play a big role in whether we gain or lose weight.

WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Read more:

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Can supplements really 'boost' your immune system?

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How to fight off stress? Eat the right mix of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and proteins.

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Your body clock controls everything from mood to sexual desire. Here's how.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID GUTTENFELDER, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Can laughter strengthen your immune system? Here's what the science says.

From reduced inflammation to pain relief to increased levels of dopamine, there really are tangible benefits behind emotions like curiosity and amusement. Here's what years of research tell us.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WONDER AND JOY

RELATED: Nature really is good medicine. Science can explain why. +

MICROGRAPH BY STEVE GSCHMEISSNER, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Is malaria making a comeback in the U.S.?

The recent cases of malaria in Florida and Texas may have you wondering if the U.S. is turning into a paradise for tropical diseases typically associated with foreign travel. How vulnerable are we to malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

RELATED: You really are a mosquito magnet. Here's what you can do about it. +

CAN AI HELP SAVE WOMEN'S LIVES?

PHOTOGRAPH BY AKOS STILLER, THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX

Research on the major conditions affecting women's health have long lagged that of men. To combat that, scientists are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence—which is yielding new insights into pregnancy complications, endometriosis, maternal mortality, breast and cervical cancers, and more.

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Is it possible to cure hot flashes? We may be getting closer.

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What happens during menopause? Science is finally piecing it together.

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Endometriosis is common, incredibly painful—and often misdiagnosed. Why?

HOW AIR TRAVEL AFFECTS YOUR BODY

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES

From dehydration to deep vein thrombosis, there is a human cost to being able to jet off at will. But there are some things you can do to counteract those effects.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

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What causes motion sickness—and how can you prevent it?

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How to cope with jet lag—or avoid it altogether

THE NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALICE PROUJANSKY, THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX

A blood pressure disorder that can develop after week 20 of pregnancy has long been one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. A new blood test, recently approved by the FDA, helps predict which patients are most at risk for developing pre-eclampsia.

HOW THE NEW TEST WORKS

RELATED: Maternal mortality is shockingly high in the U.S.—especially if you're Black +

How 'everywhere chemicals' help uterine fibroids grow

What BPA can do to our bodies—and how to limit your exposure

Food allergies are on the rise—but new treatments are on the horizon

Low-calorie sweeteners might not be as good for us as we thought

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