Have you ever wondered what internal processes occur in your body to keep you healthy and functional?
Sure, your body is made up of cells, and your brain is the control center that sends orders to your organs and muscles. But what makes these processes possible, and how do major organs communicate with one another?
This is where hormones come in. Today’s guide will teach you everything you need to know about hormones and how they impact your health.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate crucial aspects of health: your appetite, energy levels, mood, metabolism, physical development, and countless other things (1).
Glands are organs that produce organs, among other things (2). For instance, the thyroid gland produces the two thyroid hormones: T3 and T4 (2). These play a crucial role in development, metabolism, thermal regulation, bone health, and more (3).
What Are Sex Hormones, And How do They Differ?
Sex hormones serve the same function as normal hormones. These are chemical messengers that dictate specific actions in the body. The primary difference is that sex hormones are primarily unique to males and females (4). For example, testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men.
The testicles produce sex hormones in men and the ovaries in women. The adrenal glands also produce small amounts of several hormones in both genders.
The primary functions of sex hormones relate to gene expression, including growth, the development of specific characteristics, sexual health, and more (4). For instance, testosterone is necessary for developing male features like broad shoulders, a deeper voice, facial hair, etc. (5). Similarly, estrogen plays a massive role in feminine traits, reproductive health, and more.
Aside from their gender-specific roles, sex hormones are crucial because they are linked to various aspects of health (4):
The Essential Sex Hormones And How Each Impacts Your Health and Well-Being
1. Testosterone
Testosterone is perhaps the most popular hormone and the dominant force regulating many processes inside the male body. As discussed above, the hormone is primarily produced inside the testicles by Leydig cells (5).
Some of the hormone’s functions relate to physical size and development (5). On average, men are larger and stronger than women, primarily thanks to testosterone (5). Men also have more bone mass and are more aggressive.
Testosterone is also crucial for mental health. Men with lower testosterone levels are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, low motivation, and similar (6).
The hormone is necessary for sexual health and regulates sperm production in men. A drop in testosterone production can impair sperm quality, sex drive, and erectile function (7).
Despite being primarily known for its functions in men’s health, testosterone is also crucial for women as it influences metabolic health, bone mineral density, sex drive, and more (8).
2. Estrogen
Just as testosterone is the best-known sex hormone in men, estrogen is among the primary hormones in women (9). The hormone comes in three forms: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Among the three, estradiol is the most potent form and the one typically measured during tests.
The ovaries produce most of the estrogen in women, with the adrenal glands and certain fat cells synthesizing small amounts (9).
Along with progesterone, estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle in women, and its gradual decline eventually leads to menopause (10). Estrogen is necessary for growth and development, sexual health, and bone formation. The hormone also influences the cardiovascular, immune, and neuroendocrine systems (11).
According to data, estrogen has crucial cardioprotective effects and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis––a build-up of fatty substances along the internal walls of arteries (11). These effects are likely why women are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular issues before menopause (12).
The same paper notes that young women with endogenous estrogen deficiency are seven times more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease (12).
Estrogen is also essential for men. This hormone is primarily produced by the adrenal glands and through conversion from testosterone. It plays a role in sexual health, sperm production, and more.
3. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone precursor your body produces in the adrenal glands. Unlike hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and insulin, DHEA primarily serves as a precursor for other hormones (13).
In other words, DHEA’s functions in the body are limited, and the substance is primarily responsible for supporting testosterone production in men and estrogen in women.
As a hormone, DHEA has functions related to the stress response and can influence certain nervous system processes.
Some researchers see DHEA as a reservoir for primary sex hormones. If production drops to some degree, DHEA lends itself to speed up the production, bringing the sex hormone levels in a healthy range.
4. Progesterone
Progesterone is a female hormone produced and released by the corpus luteum––a collection of cells in the ovaries (14). The corpus luteum is a type of healthy cyst that forms every month after the egg leaves the ovary, triggering ovulation.
One of the hormone’s primary functions relates to regulating the menstrual cycle in women of childbearing age. Progesterone creates a healthy environment for a fertilized egg.
If the egg isn’t fertilized within a specific period, the corpus luteum breaks down, leading to a drop in progesterone and triggering a menstrual cycle.
Progesterone is also crucial during early pregnancy (14). When the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum doesn’t break down and continues to produce the hormone which is necessary for developing the placenta, among other things.
Levels of the hormone continue to be elevated throughout the pregnancy. Progesterone is necessary for preventing new eggs from forming during the pregnancy and triggers lactation, usually within 12 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.
In men, progesterone is released by the adrenal gland and aids sperm production.
Conclusion
Hormones are chemical messengers that dictate various essential processes in the body. Sex hormones are a class of chemicals with gender-specific functions related to sexual health, sperm production, pregnancy, overall development, and more.
Coach Michael
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