Hormones at a glance
Whilst over 50 different hormones have been identified in the body – all of which have an important purpose – we have provided a snapshot of the key hormones essential for achieving optimal health and wellbeing, and the role they play in the body, below.
Oestrogen: responsible for female sexual development and reproduction. Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone typically produced by the ovaries. Oestrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the breasts for milk production. Oestrogen has been found to have protective effects for the brain and the heart.
Progesterone: a hormone that plays a major role in regulating the menstrual cycle and female reproduction in the second half of a woman’s cycle. Progesterone, along with oestrogen, prepares the uterus (womb) for a possible pregnancy each month, and has also been found to have protective effects over the brain.
Testosterone: an androgen or male sex hormone, which is produced by the testicles from the start of puberty, and can be found in small amounts in women. Testosterone is responsible for normal growth and development of the male sex and reproductive organs, affecting bone mass, fat distribution, muscle, energy levels, sexual desire, erection, fertility and mood. In women, it can cause unwanted facial hair and the development of some other male characteristics.
Thyroid hormones: hormones produced by the thyroid gland, which help control metabolism, body temperature, and the rate of function of many other bodily systems. Thyroid hormones are needed for normal development of the brain, especially during the first three years of life. The two thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Melatonin: a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body’s circadian rhythm, which is an internal 24-hour “clock” that plays a critical role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Melatonin also helps control the timing and release of female reproductive hormones and helps to determine when a woman starts to menstruate, the frequency and duration of menstrual cycles, and when a woman stops menstruating (menopause).
Serotonin: a hormone produced by the brain, which acts as a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger, sending nerve signals between nerve cells. A decline or increase in serotonin levels may have an effect on mood, sleep and memory.
Cortisol: a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands to help with proper glucose metabolism, regulate blood pressure, maintain insulin release for blood sugar levels, immune functions and inflammatory responses both internally and externally.
Adrenaline: a hormone released in response to physical or mental stress. When triggered, adrenaline increases the rate and strength of the heartbeat (higher blood pressure), reduces the time it takes for blood to clot, increases the metabolic rate, raises blood sugar levels, dilates pupils and causes hair to stand on end or “gooseflesh.”
You may want to consider Hormone Testing from a qualified health practitioner.
