To Your Health
June, 2009 (Vol. 03, Issue 06) |
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Key Hormones: What They Do and What Happens When They're Unbalanced
Estrogen
What It Does: Responsible for female characteristics and sexual functions. Also present in men, but at much lower levels.
When Unbalanced: Low estrogen levels are the primary culprit in hot flashes, night sweating, dryness, loss of sex drive, and mood swings associated with menopause. Low levels can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and bone fractures.
Progesterone
What It Does: Important for ovulation and menstruation.
When Unbalanced: Low progesterone levels can lead to insomnia, foggy thinking, mood changes, joint and muscle pain, and weight gain.
Testosterone
What It Does: Responsible for male characteristics and sex drive. Also found in low levels in women.
When Unbalanced: Lower sex drive, decreased muscle mass, increased risk of heart disease. Lethargy and weight gain can also accompany low levels.
Thyroid
What It Does: A group of three hormones produced by the thyroid gland control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy), a critical function in the human body.
When Unbalanced: Fatigue, apathy, short-term memory problems, depression, and in extreme cases, hallucinations.
Insulin
What It Does: Regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels.
When Unbalanced: Cells cannot absorb glucose molecules well when insulin is too low or when there is resistance to insulin. Without treatment, effects on the body are catastrophic.
Adrenaline
What It Does: Increases blood flow and heart activity, making the body ready for extra exertion and energy.
When Unbalanced: Often caused by undue stress, high adrenaline levels result in anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight disorders, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and shortness of breath.
Cortisol
What It Does: Helps regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function, as well as the body's use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
When Unbalanced: Stress can cause high cortisol levels which can lead to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and lowered libido.
Ramon (Bud) McLeod, editor in chief of To Your Health, is the former editor of PCWorld.com and has more than 25 years experience in journalism as an editor and reporter for major newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle and the Cincinnati Post.
