What are hormones?
Hormones are powerful biological signals which help to integrate the various organ systems in the body. Often the effect of a hormone can be seen with a hormone imbalance.
Important hormones include:
- Thyroid hormone – increases protein synthesis and oxygen consumption;
- ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) – helps in stress management by stimulating cortisol production;
- Growth hormone – promotes growth in younger years and maintains blood glucose levels in periods of fasting;
- ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) – promotes water conservation in kidney;
- Cortisol – helps maintain blood pressure and cardiac output in response to stress;
- Aldosterone; causes sodium retention and potassium loss by the kidneys. Also helps maintain blood pressure;
- Epinephrine (adrenaline) – raises blood pressure, makes heart beat faster, opens up small bronchial tubes, and increases the blood sugar level;
- Estrogens – stimulates ovaries, lubricates the vagina, builds up lining in the uterus, stimulates breast growth and female body build; and
- Testosterone – responsible for male build and muscle power, and also stimulate sex drive.
What are hormone problems?
Hormone problems occur when there is a change in the naturally occurring feedback cycle within the body. Hormones are regulated by the body and an increase or decrease in hormone production is typically done correctly. It is when the body signals for an inappropriate increase or decrease of hormone production that problems can occur.
Hormone problems include:
