Hormones are chemical compounds produced by the body that control the activity of every cell in the body. The production of hormones is stimulated by a variety of factors and stimuli, which can be external or internal. The endocrine system is made up of many different organs, glands and structures that have different functions. Hormones can be found in the blood, urine and saliva and are essential for regulating growth, metabolism and various other bodily functions and for maintaining life. Hormones can affect the body in many ways. They can control mood, energy levels, metabolism (what is metabolism read here) and various other physiological processes. They can also be responsible for changes in body composition, such as changes in body fat and muscle mass. Hormones are dynamic and constantly changing and can therefore have a significant impact on the functioning of the body. Understanding how hormones work and how they can affect the body is essential for optimal health and well-being.

 

What are hormones?

Hormones are substances secreted by organs or tissues, which are carried in the bloodstream and cause certain metabolic effects. They are the chemical messengers of the endocrine system and play an essential role in regulating metabolism, growth and development and maintaining homeostasis (a steady state when the whole body works in a balanced way with the help of hormones and the central nervous system, read more about it here). Hormones can be natural or synthetic. Natural hormones are produced by the body, while synthetic hormones are man-made substances that mimic the effects of natural hormones. Hormones are secreted by various glands, including the endocrine glands, ovaries, testes, thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid, adrenal glands and pituitary gland. The blood carries them to tissues or organs where they act through receptors. They are then inactivated and excreted in the urine or converted into other hormones.

 

Types of hormones

Steroids. These are the most widely known type of hormones, and include cholesterol and sex hormones (e.g. androgens (male sex hormones), oestrogens (female sex hormones) and progesterone (steroid hormone)).

 

Protein hormones. These hormones are made up of proteins. They include insulin (a hormone produced in the pancreas) and gastrin (a hormone produced in the pylorus of the stomach). 

 

Peptide hormones. These are small compounds made up of amino acids. They include oxytocin (mammalian hormone), secretin (gastrointestinal hormone), endorphins (polypeptide neuromodulators) and vasopressin (produced by the hypothalamus). 

 

Minerals and vitamins. These have a small hormone-like effect. E.g. zinc, iron, etc.

 

How do hormones affect the body?

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating most of the body's functions. It includes growth and development, metabolism, mood and sleep cycles, immune function and reproduction. (Read more about the endocrine system here) All of these processes and functions require hormones for optimal health. Although the body produces these substances naturally, they can also be taken externally in the form of supplements. For example, Melatonin supplements can help improve the quality of sleep, Cordyceps capsules or powders can support the normal functioning of the immune system as they contain many of the vitamins the human body needs. Hormones are the keys that unlock the body's basic functions, from physical appearance to metabolism. This means that when the body does not produce enough hormones, these processes can become sluggish or malfunction. For example: 

- growth and development may be impaired;

- metabolism can slow down so much that weight gain can occur;

- mood and sleep cycles may be disrupted, leading to insomnia or extreme irritability;

- the immune system may be compromised, making the person more susceptible to disease.

 

Hormone production is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These two glands produce releasing hormones that activate other endocrine glands and make them release their own hormones. The hormones travel through the bloodstream and reach all parts of the body, including the liver, fat, muscles and skin. They can bind to receptors in these areas. The binding of the hormone to the receptor is an irreversible process and leads to the activation of the cell. The activated cells can then produce effects in different parts of the body.

 

Types of hormones

The endocrine system produces many different hormones, each of which plays a different role and affects the body in different ways.

 

Androgens. For example: testosterone (read more about what testosterone is here),  dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione. They are usually associated with male characteristics, but are also produced by women. Androgens are responsible for regulating metabolism, the immune system and sexual function.

 

Estrogen. Women produce larger amounts of this hormone during menstruation. It is important for reproductive health, and also regulates fat and calcium levels in the body. Read more about the estrogen hormone here.

 

Cortisol. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and is commonly associated with stress. It is useful in the short term and excessive levels can be harmful.

 

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). It is the precursor of oestrogen and testosterone, i.e. it is processed in the body into one of these hormones. It is produced by the adrenal glands and the brain. Read more about DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) here.

 

HGH (human growth hormone). This hormone is also produced by the pituitary gland (post-brain gland) and is essential for growth and development.

 

Insulin. This hormone is produced by the pancreas. It regulates blood sugar levels. Read more about what insulin hormone is here.

 

Melatonin. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland (otherwise - the pineal gland, read more about it here) and is important for regulating the sleep cycle and other metabolic processes in the body. Read more about the melatonin hormone here.

 

Prolactin. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is important for male and female reproductive health.

 

Thyroid hormones (thyroidins). These hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and are important for metabolic regulation. Read more about the thyroid here.

 

What is a hormone imbalance?

Hormone imbalance occurs when there is an excess or deficiency of hormones, or when hormone levels are out of balance with other bodily functions. Hormone imbalances can occur in people of all ages, but are most common in younger people. The most common hormonal imbalances are caused by imbalances in the estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and thyroid hormones. These imbalances can lead to a variety of symptoms.

 

Factors influencing hormone levels:

- Age: as we get older, hormone levels naturally decrease. 

- Exercise: Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on hormone levels and can be very beneficial for overall hormonal health. 

- Nutrition: diet has been shown to be very important for optimal hormone status and has a significant impact on hormone levels. 

- Sleep: is very important for the body and has a significant impact on hormone levels.

- Stress: can be very detrimental to hormone health and has been shown to lower hormone levels.

- Genetics: while the above factors can affect hormone levels, genetics is also very important.

 

What happens when hormones are out of balance?

If hormones are out of balance, any of the following symptoms may occur:

- Mood swings: this is one of the most common signs of hormone imbalance, especially in women. It can be a sign of progesterone deficiency.

- Irregular menstrual periods: may be a sign of estrogen deficiency or an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone.

- Unexpected weight gain: may be a sign of an overactive thyroid or insulin resistance.

- PMS and cramps: may be a sign of progesterone deficiency.

- Acne: may be a sign of excess male hormones such as testosterone.

 

The most common hormone disorders:

Excess estrogens. This can be caused by overactive ovaries, polycystic ovary syndrome, fatty foods, low physical activity or other factors. Estrogen can also be converted into other types of hormones, including androgens. Excess androgens in women can cause male-pattern hair growth, acne and other symptoms.

 

Progesterone deficiency. This can be caused by underactive ovaries, uterine fibroids, fatty foods, low physical activity or other factors. Progesterone is essential for the development of the foetus and placenta, and a deficiency can increase the risk of miscarriage. 

 

Excess testosterone. This can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, overactive adrenal glands, low physical activity or other factors. In both men and women, testosterone can be converted into oestrogen, which can cause symptoms such as increased fat, mood swings and breast growth.

 

Thyroid hormone deficiency. This can be caused by autoimmune diseases, low-calorie diets or other factors. Thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to weight gain, reduced energy, metabolic disorders, impaired well-being and other symptoms.

 

How to balance hormones naturally?

Eat healthy foods that are low in fat and refined sugar. Avoiding these types of foods can help reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, which can help reduce the symptoms of excess estrogen.

 

Make sure you get enough exercise each week. This can help regulate hormone levels, as exercising releases certain hormones and reduces the production of others.

 

Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. This can help regulate the production of melatonin and cortisol, two hormones that are important for regulating metabolism and mood.

 

Reduce stress levels. This can help reduce cortisol levels in the body, which can help regulate metabolism, fat and sugar levels.

 

Try some relaxation techniques to help calm the body.

 

All systems of the human body are interconnected. This is especially true for the endocrine system. Imbalances in one hormone can cause or contribute to imbalances in other hormones, so it is important to monitor your hormone levels. Hormone imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, exercise and stress. It is therefore important to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent and manage imbalances. If you think you may have a hormone imbalance, you should consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and have blood tests to check your hormone levels.