We all know that hormones have a huge role to play in our everyday life. This is true whether it’s emotions, health or any form of wellbeing. Perimenopausal ladies will find they need to pay particular attention to hormones.
Here are the 6 fundamental compounds that are running our body, mood and health. At their optimum, these can make us feel unbeatable but, one small imbalance can cause an avalanche of side effects.
1. OESTROGEN
We are all familiar with this one. Oestrogen is responsible for the growth and development of female sex characteristics such as reproduction and sexual behaviour.
As we know, Oestrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenals and adipose tissue. It controls the cells that break down our bones (osteoclasts). When we pass menopause these cells can break down bone without being controlled, hence osteoporosis is a big risk. High levels of Oestrogen can be found in ovarian cysts as well as severe liver disease. They have a powerful suppressing effect on the female psyche.
One of the main reasons for the tendency of increased Oestrogen levels in the body is and lack of detoxification. Another is the presence of so-called xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens circulate in the bloodstream and bind to the Oestrogenic receptors of cells and tissues. This affects not only the breast and uterus but also the brain, bone, liver, and heart.
Oestrogen determines the growth of the lining of the uterus during the first part of the menstrual cycle. It causes changes in the breast during adolescence and pregnancy. It also regulates various other metabolic processes, including bone growth and cholesterol levels.
2. XENOESTROGENS
“Xeno” means “foreign”, “external”, and xenoestrogens means “external estrogens”. It is believed we live in an era of estrogen dominance.
Xenoestrogens, estrogen and the surrounding environment are endocrine disruptors. The most common sources of xenoestrogens are the various derivatives of petrochemicals. Petrochemicals are solvents and adhesives, pesticides, some heavy metals and medicines, almost all plastics, cosmetics due to parabens. The animals bred for meat are often given estrogen (for a quicker growth cycle).
According to some scientists, all synthetic xenoestrogens are toxic and block the normal functions of hormones in the female body. This can lead to an epidemic of hormonal imbalances, issues with fertility, menstrual cycle instabilities and skin breakouts and acne.
3. PROGESTERONE
Reducing the exposure to xenoestrogens is desirable but very difficult in today’s world. An important way to save yourself from Oestrogen dominance is to increase the amount of Progesterone in the body. Removing processed foods and sugars from the diet and improving your liver detoxification also helps.
Progesterone plays a crucial role in the normal monthly cycle and pregnancy.
Progesterone is also thought to be used in the body to produce other hormones, such as oestrogen and cortisol. Recent studies indicate that it has an effect on the process of bone-building by stimulating osteoblasts (cells that build bone). As well as having an effect on our behaviour, concentration, attention, and relaxation. It can even be related to our choice of music. It is no coincidence that they call it the hormone of romance.
4. OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is produced in the posterior pituitary gland and to some extent in the brain and adrenal glands. The highest amounts are excreted in the blood during the second half of birth and immediately after birth, as the uterus contracts. Scientists have found that Oxytocin is also present in the brain, heart, and digestive tract. It reduces anxiety and acts as a natural painkiller.
The hormone of love, care, affection and attention to others, Oxytocin unlocks the quest for child protection. It provokes the desire of the woman to have a family. The deficiency of this hormone leads to constant irritability and sometimes depression.
5. PROLACTIN
Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for the function of promoting milk production during breastfeeding. In addition, it has been shown to have more than 300 other functions in the body. Some of these include reproductive, metabolic, immune and behavioural functions.
Excess prolactin can be caused by pregnancy. It can also be caused by medicines that reduce the effects of dopamine in the body. Thyroid problems, or benign pituitary tumours can also be factors. Symptoms may include galactorrhea (unwanted milk production), disorders of the menstrual cycle and the exchange of sex hormones.
6. TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands of women. A relatively small amount is required for a female to function normally. Excessive amounts of testosterone in the female body causes undesired hair growth (mostly on face and hands).
Testosterone is also responsible for muscle growth and also can cause aggression. Skin can become oily and rough and is also the reason for adult acne. High levels of testosterone are also seen in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Other important hormones for the body include thyroxine which regulates metabolism and weight. Noradrenaline is the hormone of digestion. Insulin is the hormone responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates and the transfer of glucose to cells. Somatotropin is a hormone of growth calcitonin, which are involved in bone turnover and others.
