Hormone Balance

What is a hormone?

A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by specialized cells, typically in an endocrine gland, that is secreted into the bloodstream to regulate the function of distant target cells or organs. Hormones travel throughout the body via the circulatory system, affecting a wide range of physiological processes.

Hormones are synthesized by endocrine cells and are released directly into the bloodstream. This distinguishes them from exocrine secretions (like sweat or digestive enzymes) that are released into a duct or onto a body surface.

Once in the blood, hormones circulate and can reach every cell in the body. When a hormone binds to its specific receptor on or inside a target cell, it triggers a cascade of events that leads to a specific physiological response.

Fun Fact:

Hormone vs Neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters are part of the nervous system. They are released from the terminal of a neuron and travel across a tiny gap called a synapse to a neighboring target cell. Their action is very localized and short-distance. Hormones are part of the endocrine system. They are produced in specialized glands and are secreted directly into the bloodstream. They travel through the circulatory system to reach distant target cells throughout the body.

It is possible for a chemical messenger to be both of these with a great example being dopamine. It is a neurotransmitter that is related to reward, memory and motivation whereas the same chemical is released in the bloodstream as a prolactin-inhibiting hormone.

Types of Hormone classes

1. Lipid-Derived Hormones (Steroid Hormones)

These hormones are fat-soluble and are synthesized from cholesterol. Because they are lipid-soluble, they can easily diffuse through the cell membrane and bind to intracellular receptors (receptors inside the cell). This binding leads to changes in gene expression, which in turn alters the cell's function. Examples: Sex hormones: Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone. Corticosteroids: Cortisol, aldosterone.

2. Amino Acid-Derived Hormones (Amine Hormones)

These are relatively small molecules derived from the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan. They are typically water-soluble, with a few exceptions like thyroid hormones which are lipid-soluble. They cannot cross the cell membrane, so they bind to receptors on the cell surface. Examples: Thyroid hormones, Melatonin

3. Peptide Hormones

These hormones are composed of polypeptide chains, which can be short chains (peptides) or longer chains that form proteins. They are water-soluble and, like most amino acid-derived hormones, they bind to receptors on the cell surface to initiate a cellular response.Examples:

Peptide hormones: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.

Protein hormones: Insulin, growth hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

What is hormonal imbalance?

Hormone balance refers to the state where the levels of hormones in the bloodstream circulaiton are within the normal ranges. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate during life stages like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, significant imbalances can lead to various health issues.

Hormone imbalance is a biochemical condition that requires clinical diagnosis, typically through blood tests, and should not be self-diagnosed

Where are hormones produced?

Testes:

Testerone hormones

Ovaries:

Estrogen

Progesterone

Testerone in small amonts

Pancreas:

Insulin

glucagon

Pituitary gland

Growth hormone (GH).

Prolactin

Folllicle stimulationg hormone

Luteinizing hormone

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Posterior pituitary:

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin).

Oxytocin.

Pineal gland:

Melatonin (helps control your sleep-wake cycle.)

Thyroid gland

Thyroid hormone

Adrenal glands

Cortisol.

Aldosterone.

DHEA and androgens.

Adrenaline (epinephrine).

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

Corticosteroidal Hormones

Cortisol

Plays a central role in the body’s response to stress such as fight or flight. It regulates metabolism, controls inflammation, support blood pressure and immune function.

Functions:

• Cortisol helps in responding and recovering from stress by increasing glucose availability to provide immediate energy and support the action of adrenaline

• Plays a key role in metabolism regulation by converting protein to fats then to glucose through gluconeogenisis. It helps break down muscle tissue to amino acid to make glucose more available in the blood stream. It helps store or release fat based on energy needs

• Helps in immune regulation and has anti inflammatory tendencies by blocking inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and cytokines. Cortisol suppresses the immune system to prevent overactive inflammatory response that could harm the body. This is important during stress as it helps the body relocate sources away from less immediate concerns like fighting pathogens, explaining weakened immunity.

• Regulates blood pressure by increasing sensitivity of blood vessels to vasoconstrictors (agents that cause narrowing of blood vessels which lead to increased blood pressure). This helps maintain blood volume and vascular tone and prevents low blood pressure during times of stress. Cortisol works with aldosterone to retain sodium and water.

Hypercortisolism

This when theres high levels of cortisol in the blood brought by prolonged stress which can seriously disrupt cortisol balance. This condition leads to:

• High blood sugar

• High blood pressure

• Muscle weakness due to atrophy(loss of muscle mass)

• Thin skin, easy bruising

• Weight gain (especially in the face and mid section)

• Immune supression leading to falling ill easily and frequently

Hypocortisolism

This is a condition where the body cannot produce enough cortisol, theres too little cortisol in the blood. A more common term for this condition is addisions disease. It is most commonly caused by autoimmine destruction of adrenal glands. Symptoms include:

• Low blood pressure

• Salt craving

• Weight loss

• Hyperpigmentation

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Its production is a key way the body responds to light and darkness.

It works in tandem with cortisol according to circadian rhythm, in the morning when you wake up cortisol levels rise to wake you up and get you alert for the day as melatonin levels lower. At night when its time to sleep, cortisol levels lower and melatonin levels rise to help you feel comfortable and aid in sleeping.

Functions of Melatonin

The primary function of melatonin is to signal to the body that it's time to sleep. However, its functions extend beyond just sleep regulation:

Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Melatonin helps control the timing of the body's internal 24-hour clock. The brain produces melatonin in response to darkness, with levels peaking during the night and decreasing with daylight. This rhythm helps regulate various bodily functions, including body temperature, blood pressure, and hormone production.

Antioxidant Properties: Melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is more effective than some other antioxidants and is highly concentrated in the mitochondria, the cell's energy-producing powerhouse. This is a very ancient and conserved function of melatonin throughout evolution.

Immune System Modulation: Melatonin has been shown to interact with the immune system, primarily by having an anti-inflammatory effect. It may also help stimulate the production of certain immune cells and cytokines.

Reproductive and Seasonal Rhythms: In many animals, melatonin is essential for regulating seasonal behaviors like reproduction, hibernation, and molting in response to changing day length. While its role in human reproduction is not fully understood, it may have a minor role in the timing of puberty and can influence the female menstrual cycle.

Insulin and Glucagon

Glucagon and insulin are hormones produced by the pancreas that work in opposition to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. They form a critical feedback loop to maintain glucose homeostasis, a stable and healthy blood sugar range.

Glucagon and insulin are not just simple hormones; they are the central players in a complex and tightly regulated system of energy balance. Their dynamic interplay is essential for the survival of the body, particularly the brain, which relies almost exclusively on glucose for fuel.

Functions:

Insulin act as a "key" that allows glucose to enter insulin-sensitive cells, primarily in the liver, muscle, and adipose (fat) tissue

Glycogen Synthesis (Glycogenesis): In the liver and muscle cells, insulin promotes the conversion of excess glucose into a storage polymer called glycogen. This process ensures that a readily available supply of glucose is maintained for future use

Fat Synthesis (Lipogenesis): When glycogen stores are full, insulin promotes the conversion of glucose into fatty acids in the liver and adipose tissue

Glycogen Breakdown (Glycogenolysis): Glucagon's main function is to raise blood glucose. It does this by signaling the liver to break down its stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This is a rapid response to a drop in blood sugar.

Glucose Creation (Gluconeogenesis): During prolonged fasting, when glycogen stores are depleted, glucagon stimulates the liver to produce new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, glycerol, and lactate. It also promotes the breakdown of fats (lipolysis) and proteins to provide substrates for gluconeogenesis.

When the delicate balance between glucagon and insulin is disrupted, a cascade of metabolic problems can occur, with diabetes mellitus being the most prominent.

Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin Deficiency

In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. This results in an absolute or near-total deficiency of insulin.

Hyperglycemia: Without insulin to allow glucose into cells, blood sugar levels rise dramatically (hyperglycemia).

Hyperglucagonemia: The lack of insulin also removes the suppressive signal on the alpha cells, leading to an overproduction of glucagon. This excessive glucagon further exacerbates the hyperglycemia by continuing to release glucose from the liver, even when blood sugar is already high.

Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Resistance and Relative Deficiency

Type 2 diabetes is more complex, involving both insulin resistance and a progressive decline in insulin secretion.

Insulin Resistance: Initially, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin (hyperinsulinemia) to keep blood sugar in check.

Beta-Cell Dysfunction: Over time, the beta cells become exhausted and can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. This leads to a relative insulin deficiency.

Impaired Glucagon Regulation: In Type 2 diabetes, the alpha cells also become resistant to insulin's suppressive effects. This means that after a meal, when glucagon should be suppressed, it remains inappropriately elevated, contributing to the persistent hyperglycemia.

Remedies Helpful for Managing Hormone Imbalance

Drug Remedies

• The most direct OTC remedy for a melatonin deficiency is a melatonin supplement. These supplements are a synthetic version of the hormone and are widely available in pharmacies and health food stores.

• Melatonin supplements work by directly increasing the levels of the hormone in your body, signaling to your brain that it's time to sleep. Antihistamine-based sleep aids work by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, which leads to a sedative effect

• Topical hydrocortisone cream or ointment, which is a low-potency steroid used to treat minor skin inflammation. For internal inflammation and pain, OTC options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen

• Insulin is a prescription-only medication, and a person with Type 1 diabetes cannot survive without it. individual with Type 1 diabetes has an immune system that has destroyed their insulin-producing cells, so they must take synthetic insulin to survive.

Lifestyle Remedies

1. Your diet is a powerful tool for hormone regulation, as the foods you eat directly impact hormone production, metabolism, and signaling. Prioritize healthy fats, eat enough protein and consume high fiber food. These are all prerequisites for stable hormonal balance.

2. Prioritize stress management, Chronic stress is a major disruptor of hormonal balance. Try practicing mindfulness and meditation as it can help calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels. Spending time in nature, whether it's a walk in the park or gardening, has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and engage in your favourite hobbies.

3. Sleep is a time for the body to repair and regulate itself, including its hormonal systems. Get quality and restorative sleep. Lack of sleep increases cortisol levels and disrupts the balance of leptin and ghrelin, leading to increased appetite and cravings.

4. Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for hormone regulation, but the type and intensity of exercise matter. Consistent, moderate exercise like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can help to lower cortisol and Building muscle mass through strength training (2-3 times per week) can improve insulin sensitivity and boost metabolism. However, Avoid Overtraining, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and prolonged strenuous exercise can temporarily increase cortisol levels. While beneficial in moderation, overtraining can keep cortisol elevated, leading to fatigue and hormonal disruption.

Key Takeaways

Hormone imbalances can have a wide range of negative health consequences, affecting various bodily systems.

• Physical risks such as metabolic issues brought by insulin and cortisol imbalance can lead to excessive weight gain due to high blood sugar. Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure can occur as well accompanied with a weakened Immune System as High cortisol can suppress the immune system, making a person more susceptible to falling ill frequently.

• Mental and emotional distress could be a health consequence of hormonal balance. Imbalances in melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, can lead to difficulty sleeping. This is often linked to disruptions in the cortisol-melatonin rhythm.

• It is important to practice a healthy, mindful and physical lifestyle in order for our bodies to establish homeostasis and operate optimally and live a happy life.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.