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Diet & Lifestyle
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Hormones 101: What Are Hormones and How Do They Affect Us?

November 1, 2021
Fact checked
Written by Peri Gutman, CNC
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Peter Woznik, ND, MSc
  1. Wellness blog
  2. Hormones 101: What Are Hormones and How Do They...

We often talk about hormones causing different changes in our bodies, but what are hormones and how do they function? To put it simply, hormones are produced by the endocrine glands and carried through the bloodstream to other parts of the body to deliver chemical messages. There are stress hormones, pregnancy hormones, thyroid hormones, peptide hormones, and others that carry their specific messages and help the human body function properly throughout the life cycle.

Hormonal systems must be well regulated or a person may experience hormonal imbalance symptoms. Individuals, whether male or female, will each experience these symptoms differently. Let’s explore the amazing hormonal system, some signs of hormonal imbalance, and supplements to balance hormones.

In this article, you’ll learn what hormones do and how to balance hormones.

What do hormones do?

You’re sitting at the table and there’s lots of food. You want to eat everything in sight, but you know you shouldn’t. Neither your mother nor your doctor is there to tell you when to stop. What else can signal to you that you’ve had enough? The answer of course is hormones. In this example, ghrelin is a digestive hormone that controls appetite.

Hormones also regulate many other body functions. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production and is comprised of different organs and glands that produce and secrete all the hormones your body needs. From these glands, hormones are delivered to different organs and tissues in the body via the bloodstream. Hormones are produced in the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, pancreas, ovaries, and other parts of the body and control everything from blood sugar levels, blood pressure, sleep, inflammation, metabolism, growth, and more. (4)

Women are intimately familiar with their monthly hormonal cycle which controls not just menstruation but also the related functions such as sex drive and reproduction. (22) Hormonal levels in one body system can have an effect on other body systems. We’ll discuss that in more detail when we look at the signs of hormonal imbalance.

The table below provides an overview of the various hormones, where they are produced, and the messages they send in your body.

Hormones and their functions

Some of the glands outlined in this table produce additional hormones, and other organs and glands also produce hormones. The role of many hormones overlap, yet each hormone is necessary for that function. (4)(21)

There are other groups of hormones. Pituitary hormones, produced by the “master” pituitary gland, play a role in growth and reproductive function and control other hormone-producing glands and organs. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate, muscle function, and development of the brain and contribute to bone health maintenance. (5)(21)

There are specialty hormones, like pregnancy hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, human placental lactogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin hormone all help produce and maintain a healthy pregnancy. (21)

Signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormones must be in precise balance for optimal function. If one hormone is off balance, all the others can be affected. Some signs of hormonal imbalance or dysfunction include:

  • Acne and/or oily skin (7)
  • Change in sex drive
  • Changes in appetite (26)
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches, including migraines
  • Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Infertility
  • Inflammation
  • Menstrual changes
  • Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
  • Pain or swelling in joints
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Stress
  • Weight loss or gain (10)(11)(13)(14)

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions and are not always signs that the hormones are not balanced. However, if you experience several of these symptoms, especially if they are constant or cyclic, you should see a healthcare provider and discuss it.

How to balance hormones

Hormonal imbalance has become more prevalent today because of the choices many of us make, reflecting our fast-paced, modern lifestyle. In addition, as people age, certain hormones decline naturally, which may cause hormones to fall out of balance. However, a nutritious diet, lifestyle changes, and certain supplements can help improve hormonal health so that you stay healthy and continue to feel your best.

Engage in physical exercise

One of the simplest ways to balance hormonal health is to engage in regular physical exercise. Exercise has been found to control insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and regulate metabolism. (2) Activity can also boost levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and growth hormones. (17)(20) Daily walks have also had other positive benefits such as improvement in skeletal muscle mass, especially in older people. (25)

Eat a balanced diet

Increasing protein intake and limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can optimize hormone function. Eating protein can decrease levels of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” whereas large amounts of carbohydrates and sugar can increase levels of insulin. Both of these can also affect weight gain or loss and the resulting hormonal changes. (12)

It is also important not to eat too much or too little. Much of the metabolic and digestive system is dependent on hormone production. Consuming too much or too little can cause damage to the hormonal system, such as insulin resistance in fat cells or overproduction of cortisol. (6)(23) Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables and high-quality sources of protein can be beneficial for hormonal health. These food groups can help trigger a healthy gastric hormonal response, making you feel fuller faster and for a longer time. (3)(19)

Manage stress

Managing stress can help balance hormones. The stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline play a necessary role in the stress response, which is evoked when a person faces immediate dangers such as wild animals or other perceived threats. Our high-stress lives today often cause chronically elevated levels of the stress hormones, which can contribute to high blood pressure, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and overeating. On the other hand, managing stress, whether by listening to calming music, getting a massage, and practicing meditation and deep breathing can help lower stress levels and keep these and other hormones balanced. (1)(24)

Learn more about the strategies you can use to balance hormones naturally on the Fullscript blog.

Consider supplements

Natural supplements can also be helpful when it comes to balancing hormones.

  • Green tea has many health benefits, and research suggests that it may increase insulin sensitivity, lower insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. (1)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats can have positive effects on insulin resistance. (18)
  • Probiotics, which support the gut flora or good bacteria in the digestive tract, play an important role in digestion and metabolism, as well as reduce inflammation. (9)
  • Vitamin B6 and magnesium work well together to reduce stress and improve symptoms of PMS, among other benefits. (8)
  • Vitamin C is involved in the production of cortisol, and a study on rats suggests that this nutrient becomes depleted in times of high stress. (15)

The bottom line

Hormones, produced by the endocrine system, are key players in your overall health. Stress, mood, reproduction, digestion, bone health, and your general health can all be affected by your hormones. It’s important to keep hormonal levels balanced, and the best ways to do so are by making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices. Certain natural supplements may also be beneficial for hormonal health when directed by your practitioner. Remember that if you experience chronic symptoms or health challenges, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider.

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Disclosure: This article was written in partnership with Advanced Nutrition. All supplier partnerships have been approved by doctors on our Integrative Medical Advisory team, and this content adheres to all guidelines outlined in our content philosophy. Fullscript has not been compensated financially for the publication of this article.
References
  1. Bogdanski, P., Suliburska, J., Szulinska, M., Stepien, M., Pupek-Musialik, D., & Jablecka, A. (2012). Green tea extract reduces blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress and improves parameters associated with insulin resistance in obese, hypertensive patients. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 32(6), 421–427.
  2. Borghouts, L. B., & Keizer, H. A. (2000). Exercise and insulin sensitivity: a review. International journal of sports medicine, 21(1), 1–12.
  3. Burton-Freeman B. (2000). Dietary fiber and energy regulation. The Journal of nutrition, 130(2S Suppl), 272S–275S.
  4. Campbell M, Jialal I. Physiology, Endocrine Hormones. . In: StatPearls . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538498/
  5. Carmichael, J. D. (2021). Overview of the pituitary gland. Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
  6. Danielsson, A., Fagerholm, S., Ost, A., Franck, N., Kjolhede, P., Nystrom, F. H., & Strålfors, P. (2009). Short-term overeating induces insulin resistance in fat cells in lean human subjects. Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.), 15(7-8), 228–234.
  7. Elsaie M. L. (2016). Hormonal treatment of acne vulgaris: an update. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 9, 241–248.
  8. Fathizadeh, N., Ebrahimi, E., Valiani, M., Tavakoli, N., & Yar, M. H. (2010). Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research, 15(Suppl 1), 401–405.
  9. Hemarajata, P., & Versalovic, J. (2012). Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: Mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 6(1), 39–51.
  10. Jia, H., Sullivan, C. T., McCoy, S. C., Yarrow, J. F., Morrow, M., & Borst, S. E. (2015). Review of health risks of low testosterone and testosterone administration. World journal of clinical cases, 3(4), 338–344.
  11. Jung, B. H., Jeon, M. J., & Bai, S. W. (2008). Hormone-dependent aging problems in women. Yonsei medical journal, 49(3), 345–351.
  12. Lomenick, J. P., Melguizo, M. S., Mitchell, S. L., Summar, M. L., & Anderson, J. W. (2009). Effects of meals high in carbohydrate, protein, and fat on ghrelin and peptide YY secretion in prepubertal children. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 94(11), 4463–4471.
  13. MedlinePlus. (2021). Estrogen levels test. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/estrogen-levels-test/
  14. Melish JS. Thyroid Disease. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 135. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK241/
  15. Nakano, K., & Suzuki, S. (1984). Stress-induced change in tissue levels of ascorbic acid and histamine in rats. The Journal of nutrition, 114(9), 1602–1608.
  16. Nielsen, F. H., Johnson, L. K., & Zeng, H. (2010). Magnesium supplementation improves indicators of low magnesium status and inflammatory stress in adults older than 51 years with poor quality sleep. Magnesium research, 23(4), 158–168.
  17. Pritzlaff, C. J., Wideman, L., Weltman, J. Y., Abbott, R. D., Gutgesell, M. E., Hartman, M. L., Veldhuis, J. D., & Weltman, A. (1999). Impact of acute exercise intensity on pulsatile growth hormone release in men. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 87(2), 498–504.
  18. Ramel, A., Martinéz, A., Kiely, M., Morais, G., Bandarra, N. M., & Thorsdottir, I. (2008). Beneficial effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids included in an energy-restricted diet on insulin resistance in overweight and obese European young adults. Diabetologia, 51(7), 1261–1268.
  19. Ratliff, J., Leite, J. O., de Ogburn, R., Puglisi, M. J., VanHeest, J., & Fernandez, M. L. (2010). Consuming eggs for breakfast influences plasma glucose and ghrelin, while reducing energy intake during the next 24 hours in adult men. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 30(2), 96–103.
  20. Seo, D. I., Jun, T. W., Park, K. S., Chang, H., So, W. Y., & Song, W. (2010). 12 weeks of combined exercise is better than aerobic exercise for increasing growth hormone in middle-aged women. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 20(1), 21–26.
  21. Soma-Pillay, P., Nelson-Piercy, C., Tolppanen, H., & Mebazaa, A. (2016). Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, 27(2), 89–94.
  22. Toffoletto, S., Lanzenberger, R., Gingnell, M., Sundström-Poromaa, I., & Comasco, E. (2014). Emotional and cognitive functional imaging of estrogen and progesterone effects in the female human brain: a systematic review. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 50, 28–52.
  23. Tomiyama, A. J., Mann, T., Vinas, D., Hunger, J. M., Dejager, J., & Taylor, S. E. (2010). Low calorie dieting increases cortisol. Psychosomatic medicine, 72(4), 357–364.
  24. Vicennati, V., Pasqui, F., Cavazza, C., Pagotto, U., & Pasquali, R. (2009). Stress-related development of obesity and cortisol in women. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 17(9), 1678–1683.
  25. Yamada, M., Nishiguchi, S., Fukutani, N., Aoyama, T., & Arai, H. (2015). Mail-Based Intervention for Sarcopenia Prevention Increased Anabolic Hormone and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults: The INE (Intervention by Nutrition and Exercise) Study. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(8), 654–660.
  26. Yeung AY, Tadi P. Physiology, Obesity Neurohormonal Appetite And Satiety Control. . In: StatPearls . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555906/

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Disclaimer

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

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