How Hormones Affect the Entire Body
Let’s face it: hormones have a pretty bad rap. They’re most often associated with puberty, stress and the ails of women, but if you’re an adult male thinking you’re immune to hormonal struggles, think again. Hormones impact every cell, organ and function in the human body–and everyone has them.
What are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that carry instructions and data between groups of cells. They determine your growth, metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, the way your body processes food, your moods and your body’s response to emergencies. These far-reaching hormonal effects in the body are a result of the extensive reach of your endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating body activity and employing powerful hormones in areas such as the:
- Stomach: Leptin, Ghrelin and Serotonin
- Brain: Melatonin, Cortisol and Oxytocin
- Thyroid: Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Ovaries (In Women): Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone
How Hormones Affect Your Stomach
Leptin and Ghrelin
These hunger hormones have long been recognized for their role in energy balance. Ghrelin sends signals to your brain when your stomach is empty while leptin activates appetite-suppressing hormones when you’ve eaten enough. Sugar can disrupt the roles of these two hormones by changing leptin production. When this occurs, ghrelin sends out unnecessary hunger signals. As a result, you may feel like eating even when you’re already full. This hormonal balance disruption can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.
Serotonin
Ninety-five% of all serotonin in the body is found in the stomach, where it activates digestion. Nerve cells in the stomach use serotonin to transmit signals back to the brain. This information helps you differentiate what you should eat and what you shouldn’t. Serotonin is also linked with mood and memory. It’s most commonly referred to as the “feel-good hormone” or neurotransmitter. Along with the functions mentioned, it also helps you multitask. Serotonin imbalances are associated with depression and obsessive behavior. You can keep serotonin levels where they’re needed by seeking low-carb choices and eating foods like yogurt and bananas.
How Hormones Affect Your Brain
Melatonin
Where serotonin helps you multitask during waking hours, melatonin helps regulate sleep and wake cycles in your brain’s pineal gland. The production of melatonin is directly related to the amount of light you’re exposed to. Your body produces more melatonin in the dark than in bright light. It’s an important hormone because it neutralizes stress and serves as a powerful antioxidant against free radicals. Low melatonin levels have been associated with obesity, cancer and diabetes.
Cortisol
Cortisol is often referred to as “the stress hormone” because it’s secreted in higher levels during the body’s fight or flight response to stress and is linked to several stress-related changes in the body. Stress puts your hypothalamus into overdrive. Some of the effects of cortisol are helpful when you need it. It delivers more oxygen to your brain, increases your heart rate, and releases energy from your fat and glucose stores. But continuous stress can diminish your cortisol stores and leave you feeling worn out and tired. Short, intense exercise once a week can significantly reduce cortisol levels.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is one of the most talked about hormones and is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” because human bonding, snuggling, sex, childbirth and breastfeeding trigger its release. High levels of oxytocin can improve sex drive, diminish stress, increase trust and lower blood pressure. Estrogen boosts the effects of oxytocin, increasing bonding between individuals.
How Hormones Affect Your Thyroid
Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
The hormones of the thyroid gland act as your body’s internal thermostat. They also play a significant role in balancing your metabolism and energy levels. Certain nutritional deficiencies, inflammation or extreme stress can cause serious thyroid hormone imbalances with too many or too little operating in your body. Then T4 and T3 are not balanced, you can suffer from fatigue, constipation, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight and an inability to regulate your body’s temperature.
How Hormones Affect Women’s Ovaries
Estrogen and Progesterone
Female ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone to keep the reproductive system functioning. Weight gain, extreme stress or toxic chemicals like BPA can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. It’s important to have your estrogen levels monitored to combat problems such as migraines, depression, decreased libido, extreme PMS and reproductive problems. Paying attention to your nutrition can help combat hormone imbalances. Extra body fat secretes extra estrogen, so strive to maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that by adding more cruciferous vegetables to your diet, you can take a more active role in maintaining proper estrogen levels.
Testosterone
The “male hormone” is not only found in males. Even though female ovaries and adrenal glands produce only 10% of the testosterone found in a male’s body, it plays the same role. Its job is to contribute to increased muscle strength, bone density, a healthy metabolism and increased libido. Without proper testosterone levels, women are left feeling fatigued and depressed. On the other hand, women with too much testosterone can suffer from facial hair, acne and other physical challenges.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Hormones affect us all, both male and female. Imbalances can cause unnecessary side effects that can seriously impact your quality of life. If you suspect you may be suffering from hormonal imbalances, head to our New Haven office for assistance. Our team can give you the tools you need for a healthier, happier you.
Call (260) 493-6565 now for a free consultation or contact us online.
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