A little hormone 101!

Written By Kristy Smith

If you were like me you probably grew up knowing very little about hormones, I understood that they helped make babies, caused the boys at school to act a little weird but my knowledge ended there.

I was fascinated to learn that hormones affect every tissue and organ in the body,  they impact everything from bone health, gut function, muscle growth and recovery and brain function to name a few. Their role is to act as messengers throughout the body to help regulate vital processes including metabolism, growth, sleep and reproduction.

So what do they do in the body and why should we work to keep them in balance? Here is a quick overview of some of the major hormones in our body.

ESTROGEN  |

What does it do? It is mainly known for the role it plays in the female body in regards to the regulation of the menstrual cycle and reproductive system and female secondary sexual traits such as breasts and pubic hair, however, it also helps to regulate

  • cholesterol

  • the urinary tract

  • brain health function

  • breast health

  • hair and skin

  • mucous membranes

  • heart and blood vessels

  • pelvic muscles

  • bone health

PROGESTERONE  |

So this could be called more of our 'keep calm and carry on' hormone. It is produced in the ovaries in the second half of the menstrual cycle and one of its most important functions is to prepare and 'thicken' the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy should there be one. Some of it's other roles include 

  • helping to protect the brain from damage

  • helping to repair the brain after injury (by promoting the growth of the myelin sheath)

  • breast health

  • mood regulation

  • cardiovascular health

  • health of the nervous system

  • brain health

  • eases anxiety

  • helps facilitate memory

  • promotes sleep

  • relaxation

TESTOSTERONE  |

Testosterone plays an important role in both men and women. In men, it helps to regulate sex drive, bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Adequate levels of testosterone in women help

  • spark sex drive

  • turn fat into muscle

  • keep skin supple

  • increase bone density

  • boost mood

  • manage stress

  • support cognitive function

  • signals body to produce new blood cells

  • supports bone growth maintenance

  • gives a sense of power, motivation and assertiveness

 

PREGNENOLONE  |

Pregnenolone, a steroidal hormone, is sometimes referred to as the 'master hormone' or grandfather hormone as it acts as a precursor from which almost all other steroid hormones are made including progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, DHEA and cortisol. Pregnenolone also 

  • protects neurons from damage

  • protects myelin sheath and repair

  • enhances memory, motivation and mood

  • improves sleep quality

  • reduces PMS symptoms and menopausal symptoms

  • improves immunity

Pregnenolone supplements are commonly used to relieve neuro-psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression.

 

THYROID T3 & T4  |

The thyroid gland produces 2 main hormones, Triiodothyronine T3 and Thyroxine T4. These can be thought of as your 'go go go' hormones, keeping you energetic and upbeat. They are important in helping you stay slender, prevent brain fog and keep you feeling happy. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the lower neck and helps regulate vital functions in the body such as

  • metabolism

  • heart function

  • digestion

  • breathing

  • muscle control

  • body temperature

  • menstrual cycles

  • brain development

  • bone maintenance

  • cholesterol

The thyroid gland uses iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to function, these are critical micronutrients for the balance and the effectiveness of the thyroid gland. 

As you can see, finding balance and keeping the beautiful dance of our hormones in rhythm is essential to good physical and mental health. One hormone I have not mentioned here is cortisol as I will write more on this later. Many lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption and stress can tip your hormones out of balance and even having one hormone out of whack can throw off the entire endocrine system. However there are many gentle and natural ways to balance your hormones, but as always if you feel like you are suffering from hormonal imbalance please see your doctor.

Kristy Smith
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