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Hormones Primer

Hormone Primer

The following types of hormones are key players in how your body functions and can affect your health in multiple ways.

What is Hormone Primer?

Hormones play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions and processes, and imbalances or dysregulation in hormone levels can have significant effects on health. Here’s an overview of how eight different types of hormones can impact your health:

Insulin:

Balancing Blood Sugar for Optimal Health

Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar and body fat levels. Insulin level corresponds with fat content in the body. The Insufficient insulin production like in Diabetes type 1 or reduced sensitivity to insulin in Diabetes type 2 result in high blood sugar levels and potential complications affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Insulin level corresponds with fat content of the body, the higher percentage of fat the higher the insulin level.

Thyroid Hormones:

Regulating Metabolism and Energy

Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) speed up chemical reactions in the body. They are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Hypothyroidism, characterized by low thyroid hormone levels, can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, and depression. Hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, can cause weight loss, increased heart rate, menstrual irregularities and anxiety.

Cortisol:

Managing Stress and Body's Response

Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone”. It would be more correct to call it the “defense hormone”. Cortisol is essentially long acting version of Adrenalin. It helps to mobilize all body resources necessary to survive in adverse environment. Chronic stress (the one that is not necessary for survival) and elevated cortisol levels can lead to issues such as elevated blood pressure and blood sugar, weakened immune function, increased risk of infections, impaired cognitive function, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and mood disorders. On the other hand, when Cortisol levels are too low a person develops multiple allergies, whole body inflammation, debilitating lack of energy, low blood pressure and blood sugar and inability to handle stress.

Estrogen and Progesterone:

Influencing Reproductive and Overall Health

These hormones are primarily involved in the menstrual cycle and reproductive function in women. Imbalances or fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can contribute to menstrual irregularities, infertility, mood swings, hot flashes, and other symptoms associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause. They also play important role in men affecting libido and fat distribution (breasts and hips).
In both sexes, Estradiol is protective for bone strength and has potent action on the brain, especially memory. Progesterone is potent Neurosteroid which has calming and sleep-inducing action, as well as being the material most of steroid hormones in the body are made from.

Testosterone:

Essential for Male and Female Health

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, but it is also present in females at lower levels. In men, low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) can lead to reduced libido, fatigue, muscle weakness, depression and erectile dysfunction. In women, low
testosterone levels are manifested by lack of sexual desire, lack of energy, fatigue, depression and muscle weakness.

Growth Hormone:

Supporting Growth and Cellular Repair

Growth hormone (GH) is crucial for growth, tissue repair, muscle development, and fat metabolism. Deficiencies in growth hormone during childhood can result in growth disorders like short stature. In adults, growth hormone deficiencies can contribute to reduced
muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone density.

Melatonin:

Regulating Sleep-Wake Cycles for Well-Being

Melatonin is a hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake and other cycles in the body. Disruptions in melatonin production or imbalances can lead to sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.

DHEA

Anti-aging hormone

The most abundant hormone. Exact function, however, is unknown.
It is an important anti-aging hormone, which has anti-cancer action, provides some protection from developing dementia, mitigates effects of stress, helps controlling blood pressure and blood sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are peptide hormones different from steroid hormones?

Peptide hormones are composed of chains of amino acids and typically bind to receptors on the surface of target cells, initiating signaling cascades. Steroid hormones, on the other hand, are derived from cholesterol and are lipid-soluble, allowing them to pass through cell membranes and bind to receptors inside target cells, influencing gene expression.

What is the role of thyroid hormones in the body?

Thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are produced by the thyroid gland and play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development throughout the body. They affect the functioning of almost every organ system.

How do growth factors affect the body?

Growth factors are proteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. They play critical roles in embryonic development, wound healing, tissue repair, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Examples include insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta).

Can hormonal imbalances occur within these hormone types?

Yes, hormonal imbalances can occur within each hormone type. Factors such as genetics, medical conditions, lifestyle, and external influences can disrupt hormone production, receptor sensitivity, or feedback mechanisms, leading to imbalances and associated health issues.

How are hormonal imbalances treated?

Treatment for hormonal imbalances caused by aging, may involve hormone replacement therapy, medications to regulate hormone levels, lifestyle modifications, supportive nutrition and supplements. Treatment plans are typically personalized based on individual needs.

Serving Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin Counties

Dr. Mikhail Berman is a fully trained medical doctor that has studied the human body, its systems and how to heal them, for over 30 years. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey.