List Of Hormones And Their Functions

What are hormones

The endocrine system, which is made up of glands, is responsible for the production and secretion of hormones. Hormones are powerful messengers in the body and critical for good health. While some hormones are present at birth, others are produced throughout life and decline with age. They regulate our metabolism, moods, growth, sexual development, and more.¹

List of hormones and their functions

There are various hormones in the body, each with a different role. Understanding the various hormones and their functions is essential to maintaining optimal health. Hormones derived from water-soluble amino acids are amine, peptide, or protein hormones. In contrast, those derived from lipids (oil-soluble) include steroid hormones.

The most important hormones are the endocrine hormones produced in the endocrine glands,  and they are delivered to target organs and tissues by the blood. Other hormones, such as catecholamines, are autonomic and produced outside the endocrine system.¹

The endocrine system is made up of six hormone-producing six glands; below are the glands, their hormones and functions: ^1,2,3,4

Organs outside the endocrine system (called the exocrine system) which produce hormones include: 

• The pancreas which has both endocrine and exocrine glands produces insulin to regulate glucose levels and glucagon to increase glucose levels

• Ovaries produce the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. The placenta also produces these during pregnancy.

• Testes produce the male sex hormone testosterone.

• The gut also produces somatostatin. Ghrelin which controls hunger and fullness, and Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which enhances insulin and regulates glucagon, are also produced by the gut.

• The liver produces insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which regulates growth hormones and angiotensinogen that performs the same functions as aldosterone.

• The kidney produces erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production, renin which controls blood pressure by regulating sodium and potassium levels, and the active form of vitamin D (a prohormone that our body converts to a hormone) for good bone health.

• The adipose (fat) tissue produces leptin for appetite regulation, adiponectin to regulate glucose and insulin sensitivity, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 for blood clotting, and angiotensin to maintain fluid balance and blood pressure. It also produces oestrogen.

FAQs

What diseases are caused by hormone issues?

Hormonal issues arise from hormonal imbalance when your body produces very little or too much of one or more hormones. According to the Endocrine Society, hormone balance depends on many factors, such as genetics, age, diet, lifestyle, stress, pregnancy, and environment. 

Certain illnesses and therapies, such as naturopathic medicine, herbal supplements, and prescription drugs like opioids or steroids, can also cause endocrine disorders.

Endocrine disorders include:^1,5,6,7

• PCOS, amenorrhea - irregular or missing periods, and anovulation - when an egg is not released by the fallopian tubes into the ovaries for fertilisation
• Diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (caused by pregnancy)
• Thyroid diseases including hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) and Grave's Disease or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid or high thyroid levels)
• Pituitary diseases 
• Male and female infertility
• Cushing's syndrome
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Breast cancer
• Prostate and ovarian cancer
• Parkinson's disease

What are the signs of hormonal imbalance?

Hormone imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the hormonal gland that is affected. Some symptoms include:⁷

• Fatigue
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis
• Sweating
• Irregular menstruation
• Decreased sex drive
• Body odour
• Headaches

Can I treat hormonal issues and imbalances at home?

The adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" may be true regarding hormone balance. Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes or supplements depending on your symptoms. Some herbal remedies supporting hormone balance include ginseng, sage, and holy basil. 

You may take hormone supplements orally; however, you should seek the advice of a trained and certified health practitioner, as the FDA does not regulate them. Some supplements that help with hormone balance include calcium, Vitamin D, B vitamins, Magnesium and Zinc. 

Lifestyle changes for hormonal issues are:

• Diet: A diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates is ideal 

• Exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain healthy hormone levels and reduce symptoms of hormone imbalance

• Stress management: Hormones are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary. Chronic stress can overwork these glands leading to low levels of critical hormones⁵

• Get enough sleep: A good night's sleep is vital for your overall health and well-being and ensures adequate melatonin and growth hormone production

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough fluids provides optimal fluid levels, enabling hormones to be delivered to the targeted cells

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor when lifestyle changes do not seem to work or if you notice more severe symptoms such as hair loss, missed periods, or drastic weight changes. It could be a symptom of menopause, hypogonadism, or an endocrine disorder, which may require hormone therapy or other diseases unrelated to hormones. 

Summary

Hormones are essential for good health, but they are delicate and easily affected by several factors within and around us. This article explored the different types of hormones, their roles in the body, and how our lifestyle choices affect their production. With this information, you can better recognise the signs of hormone imbalance and make informed decisions about managing your health and when to seek medical attention.