Understanding hormones can be so overwhelming. Particularly because there are hundreds of different hormones that your body secretes (yes, hundreds!). While they are all important and interesting, we believe it’s better to start with the basics.
In this blog post, we’re going to cover which hormones you should know about so that you can be aware of how they affect you, to be able to pick up and attribute any symptoms you may be experiencing. Let’s get started!
Sex hormones
Testosterone and estrogen are two of the most well-known hormones, partially due to their contribution to our sex drive and reproductive function. Both men and women have testosterone and estrogen, in varying quantities depending on the gender. Testosterone is secreted by the reproductive glands and plays a role in muscle growth, strength, brain function, sex drive, fat storage and reproduction.
Research shows that too much testosterone in women can cause acne, hair loss and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Too much estrogen in men can stimulate breast tissue growth, erectile dysfunction, depression or muscle catabolism. Low levels of sex hormones in both men and women, can weaken the immune system, increase fat storage, decrease sex drive, cause mood disturbances, interfere with sleep and even cause infertility.
Cortisol
Another well known hormone, cortisol is the stress hormone. This stress can be due to sensory overload, needing to meet a deadline, exercising too frequently, drinking too much coffee or not sleeping enough. Whatever is causing you stress, is causing a cortisol spike.
Cortisol stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism and storage, as an evolutionary adaptation to provide extra energy to handle the stressful event. However, this evolutionary adaptation has become maladaptive, because stress in the 21st century does not often require extra energy, so the extra energy is stored as fat.
Research shows that being able to maintain healthy levels of cortisol is integral to avoid weight gain, have a healthy insulin response, moderate food cravings, have energy when you wake up, and performing well during exercise.
Triiodothyronine/thyroxine
Your thyroid gland releases these two major hormones that play an important role in regulating your metabolism, heart rate, energy levels, body temperature and contributes to bone and skin maintenance.
When your thyroid hormone levels are low, your metabolic rate decreases causing weight gain, a cold body temperature, constipation, muscle weakness and water retention, this is known as hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism on the other hand, does the opposite.
Serotonin
Serotonin is your happy hormone. It is integral in your mood, social behavior, appetite, sleep, memory, sexual drive and digestion. Depleted serotonin levels can be characterized by low sex drive, digestive issues and poor cognitive performance, whereas excess serotonin can cause depression or anxiety.
Insulin
Insulin plays an essential role in metabolic functioning and anabolism. When we consume carbohydrates, they release into our bloodstream, prompting an insulin release to signal to the cells to store excess energy. When an individual becomes insulin resistant, they often develop obesity and type 2 diabetes, two of the most common diseases in the US today.
As you can see, your hormones can have a powerful effect on your body and mind! If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it might be time to get your hormones checked.
Meet Emilina
Emilina is a clinically trained nutritionist turned health writer who has worked with top health and wellness brands including the National Football League (NFL), Muscle & Strength, Breaking Muscle as well as manages written content for many professional athletes. She currently lives in Orange County, California.
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