Hormones
These are the chemical messengers that travel around our bodies, to our tissues and our organs. They can affect our
health in many different ways. The 10 main hormones that I think most of us would have heard of are as follows, with a
very basic description of them and their functions.
Estrogen
This is one of the main female sex hormones. It is responsible for ovulation, breast development, menstruation, and
increasing the density of bone and cartilage. Too much can increase the risk of certain cancers and can also be linked
to weight gain, sleeping issues, depression, menstrual problems and anxiety. Too little can cause fertility issues,
osteoporosis (weakened bones), and menopausal problems.
Progesterone
This is also linked with the female reproductive system, helping and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Low levels can
cause heavy periods and fertility problems. In very low levels it can occasionally cause miscarriage or premature
labour. Too much of this hormone though, can sometimes be associated with breast cancer.
Testosterone
This is an androgen, which is a type of hormone associated with male reproduction. Women do also produce testosterone
and other androgens, and this hormone contributes to muscle strength, red cell production, fat distribution in men and
women. Too much of it in women can cause excess body hair, irregular periods and fertility problems.
Insulin
This is produced by our pancreas, and it’s main function is to convert glucose (sugar) from our food, into a form we can
use for energy, and to regulate our blood sugar level. When the body isn’t able to do this effectively, it can lead to
diabetes, which then needs to be controlled by diet or injections.
Cortisol
This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, and is mainly responsible for regulating our blood pressure and our
metabolism. Sometimes called the ‘stress hormone’, due to higher levels of it being released when we are under pressure.
Too much of it for too long can cause high blood pressure, sleep loss, autoimmune problems and anxiety. Too little can
cause weakness, fatigue and low blood pressure.
Growth Hormone
This is usually referred to as HGH. It is produced by the pituitary gland, and it is mainly associated with our growth
and development as the name suggests. It stimulates cell regeneration, growth and reproduction, and also helps to boost
our metabolism.
Adrenaline
This is also known as a ‘stress hormone’, and is primarily used to prepare us for the ‘flight or fight’ response, when
we have to make quick decisions to do with our safety, in stressful or potentially dangerous situations. It is produced
as the name suggests in the adrenal glands, as well as some cells of the central nervous system. Too much of it can lead
to high blood pressure, dizziness, anxiety, irritability and rapid heartbeat.
Thyroid Hormones
As the name would suggest, these are produced in the thyroid gland. They crucially regulate our metabolism. This is a
vital service to the body, as an imbalance of these hormones can lead to many serious conditions such as Graves or
Hashimoto’s disease which cause issues with our energy levels and weight management.
Dopamine
This is a type of neurohormone and neurotransmitter, which is made in our brains (released by the hypothalamus) which is
responsible for many body functions including memory, motivation, mood, movement, pleasurable reward and attention. The
nervous system uses it to send messages between our nerve cells. It is often called the ‘feel-good’ hormone.
Melatonin
This is a hormone produced by our pineal gland in the brain at night, and is responsible for control of our sleep-wake
cycle. It can also be used as a dietary supplement and medication, to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia.
There are many hormones that keep us in optimal health – and when they are all balanced we feel great!
