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HORMONES

THE E XPL AINER

THE CHEMICAL REGULATORS THAT KEEP YOUR BODILY PROCESSES IN BALANCE

ILLUSTRATIONS: SAM FALCONER

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What do hormones do?

Hormones provide an internal

communication system between different
parts of the body. The majority of hormones
are produced and released by endocrine
glands, which monitor and maintain the
body’s internal environment – a process
known as homeostasis. When imbalances
in the body are detected, these glands
release hormones that travel in the
bloodstream carrying information to tell
other glands or organs what to do to bring
the body back into balance.
There are more than 200 hormones in the
body, each with its own unique function. For
example, after you eat a sweet treat, your
blood sugar levels rise. This is detected by
the pancreas, which responds by releasing
the hormone insulin to stimulate muscle
and fat cells to increase the absorption of
What are hormones? glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream.
Hormones also communicate with other
glands, telling them to increase or decrease
Hormones are chemical messengers optimal health. But sometimes, the release of certain hormones.
that travel throughout the body, telling hormones become imbalanced or lose We often associate hormones with things
our cells and organs what to do. They their ability to function effectively. This like puberty or periods, but they actually
regulate nearly all bodily processes can cause a number of serious negative play a major role in nearly all bodily
and affect every aspect of our daily impacts on our health. processes. You might not realise it, but
lives, influencing how we feel, what we In other words, hormones are of under the surface, hormones are
look like, and how we act, whether great importance to every one of us, so continuously working to maintain nearly
that’s hungry, hairy or happy. keeping them regulated and in balance every aspect of your health.
Crucially, hormones are responsible is vital, because they affect us when This complex network of glands,
for maintaining the body’s delicate they work, but they can have drastic hormones and organs is what’s known as
internal balance, which is required for impacts on us when they don’t. the endocrine system.

“Hormones regulate nearly every aspect of our

daily lives, influencing how we feel, what we look
like, and how we act, whether that’s hungry,
hairy or happy”

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HORMONES: NOT JUST

FOR PUBERTY…

1. OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus
in the brain and is secreted into the
bloodstream via the pituitary gland. It’s
responsible for facilitating childbirth, 3 1
stimulating lactation for breastfeeding, and
2
promoting human bonding.

2. SOMATOTROPIN
Also known as the growth hormone,
somatotropin is produced by the
pituitary gland. It supports growth and
development, and regulates normal body 5
structure, metabolism and blood sugar. 4

3. MELATONIN
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland
in the brain and is responsible for
regulating the sleep-wake cycle, by
stimulating feelings of sleepiness.

4. THYROXINE
Thyroxine is produced in the thyroid gland
and plays a role in regulating metabolism,
digestion, muscle and heart function, brain
development and bone health.

5. PARATHYROID HORMONE
The parathyroid hormone is produced in
the parathyroid gland in the neck (behind
the thyroid gland) and helps regulate
calcium levels in the body. This is 7
particularly important for nervous system 6 6
function and muscle and bone strength.

6. ADRENALINE
Adrenaline is released from the adrenal
glands, which are situated on top of the
kidneys. It helps prepare the body for the
effort of fleeing or defending itself, in
response to stress or danger.

7. INSULIN
Insulin is produced by the pancreas. It’s
responsible for regulating blood sugar
levels and the availability of glucose for
cells to use as energy.

8. TESTOSTERONE
In men, testosterone is produced by the
testes. It plays a key role in sperm
production, sex drive and the development
9 9
of male physical characteristics. It also
regulates bone mass, fat distribution and
muscle strength.

9. OESTROGEN
ILLUSTRATIONS: SAM FALCONER

In women, oestrogen is produced by the

ovaries. It’s responsible for the
development of female physical 8 8
characteristics and regulating the
menstrual cycle, fertility and bone
strength. Oestrogen also affects the
function of other parts of the body,
including the brain, heart and muscles.

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“Typically, endocrine disorders cause abnormally

high or low levels of hormones. They can also affect
the body’s ability to respond effectively to
certain hormones”

How do hormones
trigger changes in
the body?

When a hormone is released

from a gland, it travels in the
bloodstream through the body
in search of its target. Organs,
tissues and other glands in the
body have receptor sites that
hormones must bind to in order
to deliver their message and
cause an effect. But because
every hormone has its own
unique shape, they are highly
targeted and can only act on the
parts of the body that have a
receptor site with the
corresponding shape. This mode
of action can be likened to a
lock and key mechanism – if the
key doesn’t fit the lock, then What happens when hormones don’t function properly?
nothing will happen.
When a hormone binds to its
target, it sets off a cascade of Hormones are essential for our survival and gland doesn’t produce enough thyroxine.
other signalling pathways to support the everyday function of many This causes a range of symptoms including
create a change in the body. important bodily processes. But sometimes, fatigue, constipation, weight gain,
Once the desired effect has parts of the endocrine system don’t behave depression, and muscle weakness. Gigantism
taken place, this signal is fed as they should, resulting in a type of medical is another endocrine disorder, but in this
back to the glands to suppress condition called an endocrine disorder. instance the pituitary gland produces too
any further hormone release. Typically, endocrine disorders cause much growth hormone (somatotropin) in
This is what’s known as a abnormally high or low levels of hormones. children or adolescents, causing them to
feedback loop and, when it’s They can also affect the body’s ability to grow abnormally tall.
functioning correctly, it allows respond effectively to certain hormones. Endocrine disorders can arise for several
the endocrine system to ensure When this happens, our delicate internal reasons, such as a genetic disorder, problems
the conditions in your body balance becomes disrupted, and our health with the endocrine feedback system, injury
remain in balance. suffers. Think of it like a recipe for a cake – if to an endocrine gland, infections, or a
you add too much or too little of any one tumour on an endocrine gland. Most
ingredient, the final product is affected. hormonal conditions can’t be cured, but,
For example, hypothyroidism is an thankfully, they can be managed effectively
endocrine disorder in which the thyroid with medication.

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How do you keep

your hormones
balanced?

While hormone imbalances

are sometimes caused by
endocrine disorders, there are
other factors that influence
hormone health. Eating a
healthy, nutritious diet
supports good gut health, and
optimises the production and
function of hormones and
their signalling pathways.
Hormones love healthy fats,
fibre and protein, but they
aren’t so fond of sugar,
processed foods, or alcohol.
Alongside a healthy diet,
regular exercise also helps
keep hormones in check. This
is because physical activity
increases blood flow and
hormone receptor sensitivity,
How can you tell if you have a hormone imbalance? allowing hormones to deliver
their messages more
effectively.
Some hormones fluctuate naturally as you Other imbalances are related to sex Sleep is also important for
age, or because they’re part of a cycle, such hormones, which can cause a loss of libido, regulating hormone levels.
as the menstrual cycle. But for others, even loss or excessive growth of body hair, Not getting enough shut-eye
the slightest increase or decrease can cause infertility, menstrual cycle and vaginal at night can upset the balance
major changes and impact your health. changes, and erectile dysfunction. But all of of multiple hormones. For
Some of the most common signs of these symptoms can also be signs of other example, sleep deprivation
hormone imbalances are related to your medical conditions, making it difficult to tell increases levels of the stress
metabolism (the chemical reactions that if you have a hormone imbalance without hormone cortisol and
convert food into energy), including changes the help of a professional. If you experience decreases levels of the
to your heartbeat, weight, energy levels, any unusual changes in your body, always appetite-suppressing
bowel movements, skin and mood. seek medical advice. hormone leptin. As a result,
you might wake up the next
day feeling unusually stressed
and hungry.

“Sleep deprivation Stress is another factor that

may harm your hormones.
Generally, when you
increases levels of experience a stressful
situation, your body releases
the stress hormone stress hormones like cortisol
and adrenaline, which initiate
cortisol and a cascade of other effects in
the body. Once the stressor

decreases levels of has passed, the endocrine

HOLLY MCHUGH system’s feedback mechanism

suppresses the production of
the appetite- Holly is a freelance
health writer with a BSc
further hormones. However,
long-term stress prevents this
in biological sciences.
suppressing She specialises in writing
about hormones, nutrition,
from happening, meaning
your hormone levels aren’t
hormone leptin” women’s health, human
anatomy and physiology.
able to return to normal.

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 FIVE WAYS HORMONES CAN
INFLUENCE THE WAY WE FEEL

Mood Sleep Hunger Stress Love

Serotonin and dopamine Melatonin helps Ghrelin is an appetite- Cortisol is released by the Oxytocin is often referred
are two key players control your body’s stimulating hormone, adrenal glands in to as the ‘love hormone’
involved in regulating our natural sleep-wake mainly produced by the response to stress. It because it plays a role in
ILLUSTRATIONS: SAM FALCONER

emotions. These are often cycle. As night draws in stomach. When you helps the body prepare romantic attachment.
referred to as ‘happy and low light levels are haven’t eaten in a while for ‘fight-or-flight’ by Levels increase during
hormones’ as they detected by the eyes, and your stomach is making glucose and other physical intimacy, such as
promote feelings of melatonin production empty, ghrelin secretion nutrients more available, hugging and sex. It also
pleasure, positivity and, increases, telling the increases. This sends a while suppressing promotes parent-child
as the nickname body it’s time to go signal to your brain to tell non-essential bodily bonding and feelings of
suggests, happiness! to sleep. you that you’re hungry. processes like digestion. trust and empathy.

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