Hormone

Hormones play an integral role in the body's internal communication network. Hormones are transported in the bloodstream as chemical messengers to target specific organs and tissues to trigger various natural maintenance mechanisms. The primary functions hormones have in the body include:

• Growth and development
• Metabolism
• Sexual function
• Reproduction
• Emotions and mood
• Stress and injury recovery
• Blood pressure and blood sugar

For instance, hormones like cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,” help the body respond to stressful situations by increasing glucose in the bloodstream and constricting blood vessels to boost blood pressure while curbing functions that would be non-essential in a fight-or-flight situation. Or, consider the role of follicle-stimulating hormones in the reproductive system. This stimulating hormone helps control the menstrual cycle, which means that follicle-stimulating hormones are crucial for reproduction.

Hormones are often vital for maintaining health and serve as the messengers that cause the body’s natural repair mechanisms to take action. These processes often balance each other, such as hormones that cause stress and those that enable rest. For this reason, hormonal imbalances may lead to various health complications. If you suspect you may be experiencing hormonal imbalances or related challenges, you might seek professional medical advice from your primary care physician or another doctor.

Hormone levels in the body are not entirely dictated by biological makeup. Environmental and lifestyle factors may also influence hormones. For example, exposure to certain environmental chemicals and pollutants may disrupt endocrine function, leading to an imbalance in hormone levels. Stress is another factor that may cause hormone levels to fluctuate.

Moreover, eating nutrient-dense foods and getting regular physical activity can be beneficial for maintaining hormonal balance, while habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption may have a negative impact. In general, the body strives to maintain balance, and lifestyle choices can be vital in supporting or undermining this natural equilibrium.

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

There are over 50 types of hormones in the human body, which perform a wide array of functions. These chemical messengers are classified into three broad categories:

• Peptide hormones. These hormones are composed of amino acids and include insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, and the growth hormone, sometimes called the human growth hormone, which influences growth and development, similar to growth factors.
• Steroid hormones. Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and include cortisol, which manages the stress response, and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which regulate reproductive functions. Another type, called luteinizing hormone, is what triggers the production of steroid hormones.
• Amine hormones. Derived from single amino acids, these include hormones like adrenaline, which readies the body for the fight-or-flight response, and thyroxine, which regulates metabolism.

Examples of hormones in the body include the following. 

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the body's blood sugar levels. It signals cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy, maintaining a balance of blood sugar levels. Insulin insufficiency may lead to diabetes as sugar levels in the blood continually build up. People with type I diabetes have low or no levels of insulin produced by the pancreas. 

Cortisol

Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone,” helps the body respond to stressful situations. It regulates the body's response to stress by increasing sugars in the bloodstream, constricting blood vessels and diverting more blood to muscles and the brain so that individuals can take action, such as running away or fighting back. Elevated levels of cortisol can remain in the body over the long term in the case of chronic¹ stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

DHEA

DHEA, produced in the adrenal glands, acts as a counterbalance to cortisol. Elevated levels of DHEA may reduce stress, improve mood, support a healthy immune system, and promote enhanced digestion.

Growth hormone

Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, plays a vital role in the body's growth and development. It stimulates cell regeneration, aids in the maintenance of healthy bodily tissues, and contributes to proper metabolic function. This hormone is integral to the healthy development of children and adolescents and helps maintain healthy bones and tissues in adults.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, fear, or excitement. This fight-or-flight hormone increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies, preparing the body for immediate physical action.

Thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones govern essential functions related to metabolism, growth, and development. Thyroid hormones aid in regulating the body's temperature, heart rate, and the pace at which calories are burned, directly influencing energy levels and the amount of sugars and fats stored versus excreted.

Hormones are pivotal in how the body functions and are intricately linked to mental and physical health. However, hormonal composition may vary between individuals, influenced by factors such as age, sex, body composition, and health status. These differences can impact growth and development, metabolism, and emotional health.

Differences in hormone levels are particularly pronounced between those with gynecological reproductive systems and andrological reproductive systems due to the unique roles hormones play in sexual development and reproductive health. For instance, while all body types produce hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, the amounts and timing of production and release vary.

People with andrological systems, for example, have higher levels of testosterone. These levels influence muscle mass, body hair, and sexual function. Moreover, those with a gynecological system produce more estrogen and progesterone, hormones crucial for menstrual cycle regulation and pregnancy.

These hormonal differences extend beyond sex hormones. The thyroid hormone, responsible for regulating metabolism, is another example of sex differences. People assigned female at birth are more prone to conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism than people assigned male at birth. Furthermore, stress hormones show differences in their release patterns between sexes.  

Hormones can play a significant role in mental health. Levels of hormones directly impact mood, stress levels, and overall emotional well-being. Serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone," can play a vital role in regulating mood, combating depression, and promoting well-being. Low levels of serotonin may lead to anxiety and depression in some people. 

Cortisol, the “stress hormone," is another factor in this complex interplay. Under regular circumstances, cortisol helps the body respond to stressful situations by inducing the fight-or-flight response. However, prolonged high levels of cortisol due to chronic stress can lead to chronic inflammation and difficulty turning off the stress response, resulting in a higher risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and other health concerns.

The link between hormones and mental health is not straightforward. Instead, it involves a nuanced relationship between a multitude of hormones, each contributing a piece to the intricate puzzle of mental health. Abnormalities in the production or functioning of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones can potentially lead to a higher risk of developing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

However, such challenges may not be entirely caused by a single hormone type. Understanding the link between mental health and hormones often requires medical providers to look at the entire hormonal system and how it works together rather than focusing on a single chemical.

Maintaining a balanced hormonal state can be crucial for mental health. Experiencing mood fluctuations can be a normal part of life, but prolonged patterns of low energy, anxiety, or depression may indicate the presence of hormonal imbalances. Habits like eating nutritious foods, exercising, and engaging in mindfulness activities may foster a harmonious hormonal balance, potentially promoting mental well-being, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall emotional resilience.  

To learn more about your hormones and endocrine system, consider contacting your primary care provider for an initial consultation and a potential referral to an endocrinologist.