By Eloise King | First published August 21, 2011
body+soul, The Sunday Telegraph
body+soul’s Eloise King gives a quick rundown of the main hormones and what they do for you.
Hormones. You can’t see, touch, taste or hear them, but they are arguably the most powerful factors influencing your health, mood and general wellbeing. Here is a selection of the main ones.
Oestrogen – The main female hormone
What does it do?
Oestrogen is the main female hormone, together with progesterone. It is responsible for reproduction, breast tissue and regulating menstruation and menopause. Progesterone is primarily a fertility and pregnancy hormone. Oestrogen is also responsible for skin thickness and blood flow, collagen and water content. It lowers levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increases levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL). It is also an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Signs it’s out of balance:
External signs of low levels of oestrogen include low energy levels, thin, sagging skin, wrinkles and hair loss. Internally, it leads to bone weakness. High levels of oestrogen are much rarer. Breast lumps and painful breasts are signs.
What to do?
Low oestrogen levels can be redressed by taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in consultation with a health professional. High levels of oestrogen need further investigation.
Thyroid – The metabolism hormones
What do they do?
The thyroid hormones, of which the main ones are thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine, produced by the thyroid gland, regulate your metabolism and energy production.
Signs they are out of balance:
Dr Michael Elstein, from Sydney’s Eternal Health Medical Centre, says low thyroid levels can be caused by genetics, bacteria, gastro-intestinal bugs or allergies to gluten. Signs are cold hands and feet, excess weight, hair loss and tiredness, especially in the latter part of the day. An overactive thyroid is less common. Signs may include anxiety, overheating, heart palpitations and hair loss.
What to do?
A blood test is the best way to test thyroid levels. Iodine supplements are often prescribed for an underactive thyroid as they help the body produce the thyroid hormones. Minerals such as zinc and selenium and a protein-rich diet are also helpful. An overactive thyroid requires further investigation to determine the best course of treatment.
DHEA – The anti-ageing hormone
What does it do?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced in the adrenal glands as well as other parts of the body. Dr Elstein says evidence suggests it boosts immunity, helps alleviate depression and regulates the effects of excess cortisol (see below), which in turn improves energy and vitality, sleep, premenstrual symptoms and mental clarity. Studies show DHEA helps bone density and can prevent or delay the onset of cancer, obesity and diabetes. It increases lean muscle mass while decreasing body fat.
Signs it’s out of balance:
Many diseases associated with ageing have been attributed to a decrease in DHEA. Symptoms of depression and weak immunity, such as recurring colds and flu, are also common.
What to do?
DHEA is produced in several parts of the body, so it’s difficult to get a true measure from a blood or urine test. Exercise, diet, stress management and nutrient supplements can increase the circulation of DHEA. DHEA supplements are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Cortisol – The blood sugar hormone
What does it do?
Glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen. Cortisol breaks down the glycogen so it is released into the bloodstream for the cells to use. Cortisol is commonly associated with stress, but is also the hormone that gets you up in the morning. Dr Elstein says:
“Cortisol raises blood sugar, which the cells start using for energy. As the day wears on, cortisol production lessens.”
Signs it’s out of balance:
Fatigue in the morning and trouble falling asleep are signs levels are out of balance. People who are particularly anxious or stressed could also be affected. “We stay up too late and sit in front of the computer or TV, which signals our body to produce more cortisol,” Dr Elstein says.
What to do?
Dr Ronald McCoy, spokesman for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, says a blood test from your GP is the most reliable measure of cortisol levels. If it shows you are low in cortisol, Dr Elstein suggests going to bed earlier and taking a herbal tonic with ginseng and withania to help produce more cortisol.
Melatonin – The sleep hormone
What does it do?
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland in the brain and is the hormone that helps you sleep. As the sun goes down, your cortisol levels should decrease, triggering your body to produce more melatonin. It is also an antioxidant which helps fight free radicals and is believed to help prevent cancer.
Signs it’s out of balance:
If you are struggling to sleep, not sleeping deeply or suffering from insomnia, you may have a melatonin imbalance. If you are producing too much cortisol, this will also affect the production of melatonin. “The later you stay awake and the longer you have the lights on at night, the less melatonin you make,” Dr Elstein says.
What to do?
“Assessment of problems with melatonin is based on patient symptoms,” Dr McCoy says. If you are low in melatonin, Dr Elstein suggests going to bed earlier or taking melatonin drops under the tongue or a melatonin tablet, which requires a doctor’s prescription.
Testosterone – The libido hormone
What does it do?
A product of DHEA and progesterone, testosterone governs the libido in both men and women. Testosterone also supports bones and muscle mass, as well as the cardiovascular system.
Signs it’s out of balance:
Poor erectile function in men and loss of desire. For both men and women, depression, muscle mass loss, an increase in fatty tissue and a general loss of drive and enthusiasm can also be signs of low testosterone levels.
What to do?
Have your levels tested by a doctor. Stress, obesity or excessive alcohol consumption can all lower testosterone levels. Exercise, diet and stress management will all help.