Did you know hormones control everything from mood and metabolism to growth and reproductive health? To help us better understand the significance of hormones and how to maintain their balance, local experts Jaiwant Rangi, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist (rangimd.com), and Pamela Connor, a functional medicine nutritionist at Connor Wellness Clinic (connorwellnessclinic.com), share what we need to know.

The Importance of Hormones

“Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body,” Dr. Rangi says. “[They] impact growth, metabolism, mood, sexual function, and reproductive health. Balanced hormones are essential for maintaining overall well-being, as imbalances can lead to a wide range of health issues, including mental health problems like depression and anxiety, as well as physical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis. Hormones are important from birth to death, not just as a ‘fountain of youth.’ They help us stay in the best shape—both physically and mentally—throughout our lives.”

Connor adds that hormones are critical regulators, ensuring the body’s systems work in harmony. “Hormones act as chemical messengers that communicate between different parts of the body. They each have specific and vital roles in maintaining homeostasis and overall health,” she says.

Key Hormones & Their Functions

Dr. Rangi says hormones can be categorized based on the organ systems they influence:

Reproductive Hormones

• Estrogen & Progesterone: These primary female sex hormones are produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is crucial for reproductive functions, menstrual cycles, and secondary sexual characteristics, while progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle and maintains pregnancy.

• Testosterone: Present in both men and women, testosterone is produced by the testes in men and ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It affects muscle mass, bone density, libido, and overall energy levels.

Metabolic Hormones

• Insulin: Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production. Imbalances can lead to diabetes.

• Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4): Produced by the thyroid gland, these hormones control metabolism, energy levels, and are crucial for growth and development. Imbalances can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

• Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and helps manage the body’s response to stress. It also plays a role in metabolism, inflammation, and blood sugar regulation.

• Glucagon: Produced by the pancreas, glucagon works in opposition to insulin. It raises blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver.

Calcium & Bone Regulation

• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Regulates calcium levels in the blood and is important for bone health.

• Calcitonin: Produced by the thyroid gland, it helps regulate calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption.

• Vitamin D: Although not a hormone per se, it functions similarly and is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.

Digestion & Metabolism

• Ghrelin: Produced in the stomach, it stimulates appetite and promotes fat storage.

• Leptin: Produced by adipose (fat) tissue, it helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger.

• Cholecystokinin (CCK): Produced in the small intestine, it stimulates the digestion of fat and protein.

Growth & Body Composition

• Growth Hormone: Produced by the pituitary gland, it stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. It’s crucial during childhood and adolescence but also plays a role in adult metabolism.

Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Both Connor and Dr. Rangi say symptoms of hormone imbalance can vary but commonly include unexplained weight gain or loss; fatigue and low energy levels; mood swings, anxiety, or depression; irregular menstrual cycles or fertility issues; changes in appetite and digestion; sleep disturbances; changes in libido or sexual function; and skin and hair changes, such as acne or hair loss.

Sometimes, tumors of endocrine glands can cause excessive hormone production, leading to significant health issues, Dr. Rangi says. “Proper diagnosis often requires working with specialists and may involve extensive testing to confirm hormonal imbalances,” she says. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the tumor and correct the hormone imbalance.

EFFECTS OF AGING

As we age, our hormone levels naturally decline, which can affect various aspects of our health. “Understanding these changes and proactively managing hormone health through lifestyle choices and medical interventions can significantly improve quality of life,” Dr. Rangi says.

For women, menopause marks a significant decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels, resulting in reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, decreased libido, and mood changes.

Growth hormone production also decreases with age, leading to changes in body composition, including increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass, as well as reduced skin elasticity and energy levels. Aging can also affect thyroid function, leading to a slower metabolism, weight gain, and changes in energy levels. Chronic stress and aging can elevate cortisol levels, contributing to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, and increasing the risk of chronic diseases.

Lifestyle & Environmental Impact 

Diet, physical activity, and environmental exposures play significant roles in maintaining hormonal balance. “A balanced diet rich in whole foods helps support hormonal health,” Dr. Rangi says. “Reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products is also important.”

Regular exercise helps regulate hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone, contributing to overall well-being. Chronic stress management (meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep) is also crucial, as elevated cortisol levels can negatively impact other hormone levels and overall health.

“Hormone balance is like conducting a perfect orchestra, where each hormone must be in the right ratio to work harmoniously,” Dr. Rangi says. “Regular check-ups and monitoring can help identify imbalances early, allowing for timely intervention. Educating oneself about the role of hormones and being proactive about health can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.” 

by KOURTNEY JASON
Photo Kenishirotie - stock.adobe.com.