Hormones 101

Your hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by endocrine glands. These messengers travel in the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body to impact menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy.

"Hormones are very powerful things. We are helpless in their wake" - Meg Cabot 

Estrogen stimulates the growth of tissue. Development of the breast and reproductive organs, and ensures their function. In the brain, it boosts the synthesis and function of neurotransmitters that affect sleep, mood, memory, libido, and cognitive factors.

Estrogen decreases the perception of pain, preserves bone mass, and increases HDL – the good cholesterol. It also keeps the elasticity and moisture content of the skin, dilates blood vessels, and prevents plaque formation in blood vessel walls.

Estradiol

The most potent form of estrogen made by the ovaries, adrenals and fat cells when older. Estradiol affects most of the body’s organs.

Estriol

The weakest and least active form of estrogen primarily functioning during pregnancy.

Estrone

The primary estrogen after menopause produced mostly by fat cells.

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds from plants, which are similar to estradiol. Flax seeds and sesame seeds are excellent sources of phytoestrogens to help boost those estrogen levels. 

In women, androgens are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. In fact, women may produce too much or too little of these hormones. The principal androgens are testosterone and androstenedione In women, androgens play a key role in the hormonal cascade that kick-starts puberty, stimulating hair growth in the pubic and underarm areas. In adult women, androgens are necessary for estrogen synthesis

Ginger enhances testosterone production mainly by increasing LH production. Also by increasing the level of cholesterol in testes, reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation , enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and normalizing blood glucose. If we need to increase those androgens reach from some nice warm lemon ginger water, or add a 1' peice to your rice while cooking.

Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. It regulates the immune response, stimulates the production of glucose, aids short-term memory, and helps the body adapt to stress, this is typically known as your “fight or flight” response hormone. The level of cortisol increases early in the morning to prepare to meet the demands of the day. It decreases throughout the day and reaches its lowest point late in the evening.

Foods that are promoted on the Mediterranean diet are the same foods that are good to eat when you’re stressed: fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. B Vitamins particularly vitamin B12, which can help with metabolism of cortisol Foods high in omega 3s reduce inflammation. Magnesium is hugely beneficial when it comes to reducing inflammation, metabolizing cortisol and relaxing the body and mind,

The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4), which is a mostly inactive prohormone. The active hormone is triiodothyronine (T3).Together, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are referred to as the thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones affect virtually all organ systems in the body, the thyroid even helps control your menstrual cycle

The thyroid needs iodine to prevent its glands from becoming enlarged. 2 Brazil nuts a day provides enough selenium for the thyroid to function. An excellent source of iodine is seaweed , Umm sushi anyone?

Progesterone is made primarily by the ovaries. Other glands produce lesser amounts. Progesterone ensures the development and function of the breasts and female reproductive tract. Progesterone binds to certain receptors to exert a calming, sedating effect. Progesterone is also a diuretic. It enhances the sensitivity of the body to insulin and the function of the thyroid hormones. Progesterone also can increase libido and contribute to the efficient use of fat as a source of energy.

Eating foods rich in magnesium, like nuts and seeds, can boost your progesterone levels. Lean towards sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to provide the body with essentail nutrients to create the hormone progesterone.