5 Hormones that Have a Big Effect on Your Health

Your body produces nearly 50 different types of hormones that can impact every bit of your health and overall existence. These tiny chemical messengers oversee your growth, mood, temperature, heart rate, sleep, metabolism, sex drive and so much more. Although every single one of your hormones is very important there are 5 hormones that have a big effect on your health that we would like to focus on. In this post we’re going to explain the function of these hormones, how they are created and some information on how to keep them balanced naturally. 

Serotonin

Serotonin is a mood-boosting hormone that is strongly associated with memory, learning, good sleep, digestion and even some muscular function. Serotonin is primarily made in the gut and recent research shows that this hormone combined with positive moods can increase your life span by as much as 10 years! If your serotonin levels are on the lower end however, you may experience migraines, depression, insomnia and carb cravings that lead to weight gain. 

Thyroid Hormones

Your thyroid gland is what keeps your metabolism under control by way of thyroid hormones, which are made by extracting iodine from your blood. The thyroid cells in your body are the only ones that can absorb and use iodine and they use it to create the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. In addition to helping you control your metabolism, thyroid hormones also work to maintain your energy levels, weight and temperature. If your thyroid hormone levels are off it can affect every cell in your body so you may experience hot flashes, dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, irritability, weight gain or weight loss and other unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, thyroid disorders that result from too little or too much thyroid hormone can turn into illnesses like Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease. 

Growth Hormone

The growth hormone, often referred to as HGH, is a protein that is produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell production, cell regeneration and also helps to boost your metabolism. The production of the growth hormone rises during your childhood years, is at its peak during adolescence and begins to decline once you reach your adult years. However, even once you have “finished” growing, you still need growth hormone in your system for healthy muscles, bones and fat tissues. 

Lack of growth hormone is more concerning in children, and those who don’t have a sufficient amount of it can receive prescription injections to boost production. There are natural ways to boost your body’s production of growth hormone through high-intensity interval training. 

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is released by your pancreas and it is a critical hormone that allows your body to utilize glucose or sugar from the carbs that you consume for energy. Insulin is integral to helping keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low, and if you have more sugar than you need then it will store it in your liver and release it at a later time when you need it for energy. Insulin is well-known for the role it plays in diabetes, but it’s important to note that is also very important to your metabolism. Besides mindful eating and limiting your sugar intake, exercise is one of the most powerful ways to decrease your chances of developing diabetes. A consistent workout routine can help your body to keep your blood sugar levels in check. 

Cortisol

The cortisol hormone is responsible to help you respond quickly when you are in danger, which ideally happens in short bursts. If you are experienced ongoing stress over a long period of time, then your body will continue to produce cortisol, which can lead to various health issues like high blood pressure, anxiety, increased cholesterol, ulcers and others. It’s important to learn how to manage your stress and keep your cortisol levels to a minimum by meditating, exercising and spending time socializing with friends and family. 

Too much or too little of any of these hormones can significantly impact the others. All of your hormones are generally created by your endocrine system, which includes the pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands. When all of these organs function and are healthy then they will produce the right amount of hormones your body needs to function smoothly. The best way to support hormone production and your body is with a proper and nutritious diet, a steady exercise regime and specific supplements to ensure overall health. If you need additional support and information on being the best and healthiest version of yourself, contact us and we’d be happy to meet with you for a consultation.