Hormones are chemical messengers that travel throughout the body to control cells and coordinate organ function. They are part of the endocrine system (the system responsible for metabolism, energy levels, growth and development, reproduction, mood, stress response, and more), according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to perform their roles elsewhere in the body,” says Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist, chief medical officer of Found, and former medical director of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Hormones responsible for reproduction are also produced in the ovaries and testes.
Want to know more about how these important messengers work and what happens when things go wrong? Let's take a closer look at the hormonal system.
What are the main types of hormones?
The body produces at least 50 different types of hormones, but the main types are as follows, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:
- Cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that reduces inflammation, maintains blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and maintains salt and water balance. It is often called the “stress hormone” because it is released during times of stress.
- Estrogen and Progesterone: A hormone produced by the ovaries. They promote sexual development and regulate the function of the uterus and breasts.
- Growth hormone: This hormone, also called GH for short, promotes growth and development. It is made in the pituitary gland.
- insulin: A hormone that brings sugar from the bloodstream into cells so they can be used for energy. It also stimulates fat and protein metabolism and is produced in the pancreas.
- Testosterone: A hormone produced by the testes that helps promote sexual development.
- Thyroxine: It is a hormone produced by the thyroid and pituitary glands. Regulates metabolism and nervous system activity.
Other types include melatonin (for sleep), epinephrine and norepinephrine (for heart rate and blood pressure), and oxytocin and prolactin (for breast milk or breast feeding), according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
How does the hormonal system work?
Now that you know what hormones are, you might be wondering what they do. The hormonal or endocrine system is a group of glands and organs that regulate hormone production. They continuously monitor how much of a particular hormone is currently in your bloodstream and release more as needed, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, structurally, the endocrine system consists of:
- check
- Adipose tissue (body fat)
- hypothalamus
- ovary
- kidneys
- pineal gland
- pituitary
- balls
- Thyroid and parathyroid glands
These glands and organs release hormones throughout the body to help maintain certain body processes, such as digestion, blood sugar levels, reproduction, and more.
What diseases affect hormones?
Health problems can occur when the body undergoes certain hormonal changes, meaning it begins producing too much or too little of certain hormones. “The hormones may not be doing their job properly, or they may be doing too much and underreacting or overreacting, causing symptoms,” says Dr. Kumar.
Although it is normal for your hormones to fluctuate under certain circumstances (e.g. menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, etc.), persistent hormonal imbalances may indicate a health problem.
There are literally dozens of hormone-related diseases and conditions. Here is a brief summary of some of the most common diseases, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
- Thyroid problems: Hyperthyroidism (when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone) are among the most common hormonal problems, says Dr. Kumar. Excessive or underactive thyroid can cause unexpected weight changes, feeling lethargic or restless, problems maintaining body temperature, and other symptoms.
- diabetes: This condition occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. This causes too much blood sugar to build up in the bloodstream.
- Cushing's Syndrome: If your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, you may develop Cushing syndrome. Symptoms tend to appear gradually and may include unintentional weight gain, a round face, easy bruising, or increased fat around the neck or shoulders.
- Infertility problems: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when the ovaries or adrenal glands produce too much androgen hormones, which can lead to irregular periods and excessive facial hair. Estrogen and progesterone imbalances can also affect the menstrual cycle and make it difficult to get pregnant.
Hormonal disorders are usually diagnosed by an endocrinologist. “The tricky thing about hormonal imbalances is that the symptoms can mimic a variety of conditions. You need a hormone specialist to find the root cause,” says Dr. Kumar. Your endocrinologist will consider your symptoms and medical history and may order certain tests (such as blood tests) to check your hormone levels and find out what's going on.
How to Treat Hormonal Problems
If you have a hormonal disorder causing your symptoms, you and your endocrinologist can determine the best way to treat it. Of course, specific treatment depends on the diagnosis. But treatment typically involves returning hormones to a normal range, says Dr. Kumar. These may include:
- Medicines, also known as hormone replacement therapy (in pill or injection form)
- surgery
- radiotherapeutics
Mild hormonal imbalances do not always need to be treated right away. “If something is slightly out of bounds, it can be monitored or addressed with lifestyle interventions,” says Dr. Kumar. This means she's actually doubling down on basic healthy habits like:
- Eat a healthy diet: Simply eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is enough. Don’t believe all the hype about “hormone balancing diets” you see on social media! If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
- Getting regular exercise: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day can have a positive effect on your hormonal health and overall health.
- Limit alcohol intake: According to the CDC, one drink (or less) per day is considered moderate. Typically, less is best.
- Getting enough sleep: Aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, according to the CDC.
- Stress Management: Find a relaxing activity you enjoy, such as meditation, yoga, or journaling.
- Limit exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals (e.g. endocrine disruptors): According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, these substances can be found in certain cleaning products, cosmetics, pesticides and plastics.
“Doing these things will help your body maintain a daily rhythm that it recognizes as normal, so your hormones will signal at optimal levels,” she adds.
Keep in mind that some hormonal problems can be resolved by addressing the specific issues that may be causing the problem. Stress is the biggest issue, but long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids, can also play a role, says the Cleveland Clinic.
When to See a Doctor
Symptoms of hormonal problems are often vague and tend to grow over time (such as subtle weight changes or feeling like you don't have as much energy as you used to). Whenever you notice a change in your “normal” state, keep an eye on where it goes. “If your symptoms persist for weeks or months despite making some lifestyle adjustments, you should see a specialist,” recommends Dr. Kumar.
You should also see your doctor if you have sudden symptoms, such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, new or worsening pain, or significant changes in your period or weight.
frequently asked questions
What hormones are secreted during sex?
The hypothalamus (a small gland in the brain) secretes oxytocin when you are excited or orgasmic (even when hugging or cuddling). According to Harvard Health Publishing, it's an immediate mood booster that promotes relaxation and trust, which is one of the reasons you typically feel connected to your partner after sex. Oxytocin is considered a happiness hormone, along with dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
What are biohormones?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, bio or bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that resemble the hormones your body produces naturally. It is often used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of certain hormones, such as hypothyroidism.
What hormones are secreted during exercise?
Exercising increases endorphin levels in your body. Produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, this hormone is secreted in response to pain or stress (such as when you push yourself hard while running), helping you feel better, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is why exercise makes you feel better!