Hormones 360: Types, Roles, and Balance

1.28.2023 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

The human endocrine system is one of the most important of our internal systems. Its job is essential because it’s the system responsible for creating a lot of fascinating—and incredibly important—hormones.

Hormones control how your body functions. They regulate everything from metabolism to growth, sexual function , and reproduction.

The human body produces a lot of hormones, far too many for us to dive into in just one post. However, below, we’re going to take a much closer look at the most important hormones and find out where they’re created and what aspects of your body they control.

What Are Hormones?

Hormones are, simply put, chemical messengers that relay signals to your organs and tissues telling them what to do and how to function.

They coordinate your body’s processes, including:

• Glucose metabolism;
• Reproduction;
• Growth;
• Development;
• Stress response, and others.

If your body can produce hormones at sufficient levels, everything functions properly. Hormones help maintain homeostasis.

However, if your endocrine (hormone) balance is out of whack—with some too high and others too low—that’s when you start to see problems, as you’ll see below.

That’s why it’s so important to maintain a healthy endocrine system and be aware of any hormonal issues before they grow series (a subject we’ll explore further later in this post).

Key Hormones and Their Roles

In the next sections, we’ll explore some of the key hormones in the human body and explain the role they play for your health and well-being.

Testosterone and Progesterone 

These are two of the most important hormones in the human body because of the role they play in reproduction.

Testosterone is produced in the testicles, and progesterone in the ovaries. They’re sometimes called the "male" and "female" sex hormones, or steroid hormones because they trigger growth.

Testosterone contributes to the production of muscle tissue. It helps the male reproductive tissues develop and promotes secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair growth and voice deepening. In addition, it strengthens the bones.

Progesterone plays a role in maintaining pregnancy and prepares the body for conception. It also regulates the monthly menstrual cycle, and contributes to the regulation of sexual desire.

Low progesterone levels can cause sleep loss, mood swings, headaches, and irregular menstrual cycles.

Low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, hair loss, muscle mass loss, and a low sex drive, among other symptoms.

Estrogen 

Estrogen is a hormone critical to the healthy functioning of the body (in both males and females), though women tend to have much higher levels of estrogen.

Produced in the ovaries, estrogen plays a role in bone health, female reproduction, female development (of the hips, breasts, and pubic hair), blood clotting, and the menstrual cycle.

As women age, their bodies produce less and less estrogen. Over time, this can lead to frailer and more fragile bones, as well as osteoporosis. Other side effects of low estrogen include depression, hot flashes, weight gain, low libido, and mood swings.

Melatonin 

Melatonin is one of the hormones responsible for regulating your sleep cycle. Produced in your pineal gland (located in your brain), it controls your internal body clock.

Exposure to daylight decreases melatonin production, while prolonged darkness will increase melatonin production—essentially helping you fall asleep and wake up.

Interruptions to your natural sleep rhythm can impair melatonin production. Exposure to bright light (such as TV screens, computer screens, and other artificial light sources) at night can also interrupt the release of melatonin, making it more difficult for you to fall asleep.

T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormones

Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) are produced in the thyroid gland. These hormones regulate energy levels (metabolic rate), body weight, and temperature. They also affect skin and hair health, appetite, and digestion.

Excessive production of these hormones is called hyperthyroidism, while insufficient production (the more common condition of the two) is called hypothyroidism.

Both conditions can lead to a wide range of health problems, including metabolic issues, weight gain/loss, and fluctuating energy levels.

Insulin 

Insulin is an essential hormone that regulates blood sugar. The pancreas releases insulin to encourage your liver, organs, and adipose tissue to absorb glucose from your bloodstream in order to prevent a glucose excess.

Typically, "healthy" people are sensitive enough to insulin that the body responds quickly to its presence and absorbs the glucose as intended. However, the modern high-sugar diet can often lead to insulin resistance.

The reason is that there is so much sugar in the bloodstream that the pancreas is constantly releasing insulin, and the body becomes less sensitive to it over time. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, and is a main contributor to pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Insufficient insulin production can also be a contributor to diabetes. If something stops the pancreas from producing enough insulin, that can lead to higher-than-normal (or healthy) levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

Cortisol 

Cortisol is the "stress hormone" because when your body is stressed (in a situation where it feels under threat or in danger), it triggers a release of cortisol (along with adrenaline).

Cortisol raises glucose levels in the bloodstream, improves the brain’s ability to use that glucose, and ensures the body has enough nutrients and hormones to repair tissue. These actions prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, which is vital for survival. Cortisol functions as a core survival mechanism.

Unfortunately, long-term stress (a common problem in our modern lives) can lead to chronically high levels of cortisol. This, in turn, can lead to an elevated risk of health problems like depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

If your body is "stuck" in the "fight or flight mode", it won’t function normally, and this dysfunction can contribute to chronic health conditions.

Adrenaline 

Adrenaline works with cortisol to facilitate the "fight or flight" response. In cases of emergency (or high activity), it is secreted by the adrenal gland (located in the medulla) and certain neurons in order to initiate a rapid response by the brain and body.

Adrenaline helps you think fast. Your metabolism speeds up to make more energy available. Blood vessels widen so circulation improves. At the same time, your stress response kicks into high gear.

Typically, adrenaline levels will spike during periods of exercise, as well as any stressful or dangerous situations. After the danger has passed or the exercise has finished, adrenaline levels return to normal—or, in some cases, will even "crash", leaving you feeling tired and drained.

Serotonin 

Serotonin is called a "feel-good chemical" because of the effect that it has on the human brain. It’s critical for regulating—and elevating—mood, and plays a role in sleep, learning, memory, and even digestion and some muscle functions.

Sadly, in our modern lives with such high cortisol levels, the brain doesn’t typically produce enough serotonin. This can lead to migraine headaches, cravings, insomnia, and weight gain.

Human Growth Hormone 

Human growth hormone, or HGH, is produced in the pituitary gland for the express purpose of helping the human body to grow. It’s critical for the production and regeneration of cells, and plays a role in metabolic health.

Typically, HGH production is at its highest among children and adolescents, and decreases as you reach adulthood. However, some HGH is critical for the maintenance of healthy muscle, bone, and tissue cells.

Insufficient HGH in children and adolescents can lead to stunted growth. Insufficient HGH among adults can lead to wasting of the bones and muscles.

Thankfully, in addition to HGH injections (medically recommended for children and teenagers failing to produce HGH), HGH can be naturally increased by exercise, diet, and healthy lifestyle.

Oxytocin: The Bonding Hormone

Oxytocin is produced by the posterior pituitary gland in the brain. It acts as a chemical messenger that regulates both female and male reproductive systems. It plays a role in sexual arousal and affects everything from social recognition to relationship formation, even emotional attachment.

On a physiological level, oxytocin increases contractions to induce labor, and after childbirth, stimulates the release of milk from the breasts.

Low levels of oxytocin can stop uterine contractions and affect the birthing process, as well as reduce the amount of milk available for nursing an infant. It can also lead to irritability, reduced affectionate feelings, higher anxiety, sleep difficulties, and difficulties achieving orgasm.

Prolactin: Milk Production and Beyond

The pituitary gland releases prolactin to regulate milk production during breastfeeding and facilitate breast tissue development.

Prolactin levels rise during pregnancy to prepare (along with estrogen and progesterone) the mother’s body for the growing infant, but remains high after childbirth to facilitate feeding of the newborn.

Low levels of prolactin following childbirth can impair the breastfeeding process.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) 

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced in your pituitary gland and released to facilitate sexual reproduction.

In men, LH works hand-in-hand with testosterone to ensure libido remains constant and the testes continue to secrete normal levels of hormones. In women, LH is typically released during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. The release of LH stimulates the production of progesterone in the ovaries.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) works closely with LH to regulate the female menstrual cycle, as well as to stimulate follicles in the ovaries to prepare eggs for ovulation. It facilitates the release of estrogen and progesterone to promote a healthy menstrual cycle.

In men, FSH stimulates the production of sperm in the testes.

Glucagon: Blood Sugar Regulator 

Glucagon is produced in your pancreas and released to control glucose levels in your bloodstream. While insulin lowers blood sugar, glucagon increases it and keeps it from dropping too low.

Glucagon causes your liver to convert glycogen (stored glucose) into a form that can be released into the bloodstream and absorbed into your cells. It stops the liver from absorbing more glucose to ensure it stays in your bloodstream to be used by the rest of your body.

Diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic tumors can all impair the natural production of glucagon, which in turn can lead to lower-than-usual blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia).

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, chills, shaking, dizziness, accelerated heart rate, hunger, and confusion.

Thymosin: Immune System Support 

Thymosin is a hormone produced by the thymus gland to stimulate the development of the T cells that are crucial for your body’s immune defenses.

T cells are white blood cells that fight germs and protect you from disease by sending signals out through the body to call other immune cells to fight infection. They’re produced in the bone marrow but its thanks to thymosin that they mature sufficiently to provide immunity.

Thymosin also has anti-inflammatory, immunoregulating, and neuroprotective effects, particularly in your central nervous system (your brain and spine).

Epinephrine vs. Norepinephrine 

Epinephrine (also called "adrenaline") and norepinephrine (also called "noradrenaline") are hormones released by your adrenal glands. They are both hormones and neurotransmitters, meaning they have both immediate, short-term and delayed, long-term effects on your body.

Both epinephrine and norepinephrine play a role in your body’s danger or stress response, also called your "fight or flight response". These two hormones (along with dopamine) rise as a reaction to stressful situations and increase alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to your brain.

Epinephrine also decreases your pain sensation and provides a temporary strength boost, while norepinephrine regulates organ function in stressful situations and ensures your blood vessels dilate in case you need to flee or fight.

Anxiety, headaches, depression, poor sleep, ADHD, and low blood sugar are side effects of low epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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Others

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH signals the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4 hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. TSH secretion is controlled by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus.
• Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) – Released by the hypothalamus, TRH prompts the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH. Together, TRH and TSH form a regulatory feedback loop that maintains proper thyroid function and metabolic balance.
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) – Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other glucocorticoids. ACTH release is triggered by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, especially during stress.
• Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) – Produced by the hypothalamus, CRH is a primary regulator of the stress response. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH, which in turn increases cortisol production in the adrenal glands.
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) – Also released by the hypothalamus, GnRH controls reproductive function by stimulating the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones regulate fertility and sexual development in both sexes.
• Aldosterone – Produced in the adrenal cortex, aldosterone helps maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. It signals the kidneys to retain sodium and excrete potassium, which increases water retention and stabilizes blood volume.
• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) – Secreted by the parathyroid glands, PTH regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. It increases calcium release from bones, improves calcium absorption in the intestines, and reduces calcium loss through urine.
• Calcitonin – Produced by the thyroid gland, calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting calcium storage in bones. It works in opposition to PTH to maintain calcium homeostasis.
• Leptin – Secreted by fat cells, leptin informs the hypothalamus of the body’s energy status. It reduces appetite and promotes energy expenditure, but its effectiveness can decline in individuals with obesity due to leptin resistance.
• Ghrelin – Known as the "hunger hormone," ghrelin is produced mainly in the stomach. It stimulates appetite, promotes fat storage, and increases before meals to encourage eating.
• Vasopressin (Antidiuretic Hormone or ADH) – Made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary, vasopressin controls water retention in the kidneys. It reduces urine output and helps regulate blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance.
• Histamine – A hormone and neurotransmitter released during allergic reactions. It promotes inflammation, increases stomach acid production, and also helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle in the brain.
• Renin – An enzyme released by the kidneys that initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Renin increases blood pressure by promoting the formation of angiotensin, which constricts blood vessels and stimulates aldosterone release.

The human body produces more than 50 hormones, each with a precise function that supports balance and survival. While distinct in function, hormones operate as part of an integrated system that adjusts continuously to the body’s needs.

What Happens When Hormones Are Imbalanced? 

Hormonal imbalances occur when the endocrine glands cease to function and secrete hormones properly. This may result in either a deficiency or excess of those hormones.

Hormonal imbalances may also occur when the body’s sensitivity to hormones decreases, meaning that though the body still produces hormones in the same amount, they have a lesser effect.

They may be caused by a number of things:

• Puberty;
• Menstruation;
• Pregnancy;
• Menopause;
• Medications;
• Lifestyle factors.

However, some natural fluctuations in hormone secretion are expected, and may contribute to temporary hormonal imbalances.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance 

The most common symptoms of hormonal imbalances are:

• Heavy or painful periods;
• Unexplained weight gain or increase of fat tissue;
• Headaches;
• Mood swings;
• Poor sleep quality;
• Insomnia;
• Weak or brittle bones;
• Low sex drive or libido;
• Vaginal dryness;
• Skin problems;
• Fertility issues, and others.

These symptoms may be caused by certain hormone issues ranging from hypothyroidism to Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to adrenal insufficiency.

Tips for Maintaining Hormonal Balance

While many hormonal imbalance issues can arise from health problems or medical conditions, many of them are tied to lifestyle habits. A few simple changes to your life can do wonders to improve hormone release.

Try the following:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Providing your body with plenty of micronutrients from fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, and whole grains will ensure your endocrine organs and glands have what they need to produce enough hormones. Hormone-balancing foods will also combat obesity, which is one of the most common causes behind hormonal imbalances.
• Exercise daily. Exercise triggers an increase in the production of crucial hormones (particularly testosterone), but also does wonders to curb over-production of other hormones (such as cortisol). Daily exercise—be it light, moderate, or vigorous—will be one of the most effective ways you can help maintain a good hormonal balance.
• Sleep better and manage stress. Sleep disturbances and high stress levels can impair the production of crucial hormones. Stress, too, will elevate your production of cortisol, which will suppress other hormones. Sleeping more and managing your stress (via meditation, mindfulness, Yoga, and relaxing activities) will restore your body to homeostasis and facilitate a good hormonal balance.

Last but not leave – hydrate. Dehydration has been linked to hormonal problems [1]. Drinking more water (3 to 5 liters per day) will not only improve hormone production, but also optimize physical and mental performance across the board.

When to Seek Help for Hormonal Issues 

If the symptoms of hormonal issues persist or grow serious, it’s a good idea to seek medical help.

People who suffer from excessive or heavy bleeding during their periods, who have fertility issues, who persistently have acne, or are frequently fatigued and headachy should consider getting checked out by a doctor.

Simple tests—such as a blood test or glucose tolerance test—can easily identify hormone problems, and with the help of a medical professional, you can address the issues directly.

Conclusion 

The hormones listed above are the ones most critical to the healthy functioning of your body.

It’s worth being aware of these hormones, understanding what they do and how they affect your human physiology, so that you can be watching for the signs that any hormone levels are dropping.

Endocrine problems can have widespread and lasting consequences, so if you experience any, it’s worth seeking treatment as soon as possible.

And by maintaining a healthy hormone balance using the tips shared above, you can maintain homeostasis and promote optimal internal function.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my hormones are off?

The most common symptoms of hormone imbalances are fatigue, depression, anxiety, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, gastrointestinal tract issues (constipation or diarrhea), skin and hair changes (drying out, growing coarse, excessive oil production, thinning, etc.), hair loss, heavy periods, hot flashes, infertility, irregular periods, and low sex drive or loss of interest in sex.

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is a form of acne caused by changes in your hormone levels. Typically, it occurs in adulthood (not during puberty, when hormone fluctuations are more common) and can lead to the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and even cysts forming due to an excessive production of sebum caused by hormonal changes.

What is a hormonal belly?

Hormonal belly is weight gain or bloating around the midsection caused by hormone imbalances—not just overeating. High cortisol, insulin resistance, or shifts in estrogen and thyroid levels can all play a role. If your belly fat sticks around despite a healthy lifestyle, hormones might be the reason.

Is coffee bad for hormones?

Coffee can raise cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood changes. It can also affect estrogen production, either increasing or decreasing it (results will vary from person to person). However, no negative long-term effects of caffeine on the immune system have been identified by medical research.

Resources

Oxytocin

Physiology, Prolactin

Luteinizing Hormone

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Glucagon

Thymosin

Norepinephrine vs. Epinephrine

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