Hormones play a very important role in various body processes. So what are hormones? Hormones are chemical substances that pass messages & coordinate between different parts of your body & control various functions of your body- be it metabolism, growth, fertility, sexual function, . If you feel energetic, it is the hormone that passes on the message. Right from mensuration, diabetes, thyroid, hormones play a vital role in body functioning. Different hormones have different impacts on the shape of your body. Some hormones work quickly to start or stop a process while others will continually work for a long period of time to perform the functions. So what happens to the body when particular hormones are less in excess of less quantity? Let us throw light of different types of hormones necessary for our body functions.
- Hormones of Thyroid: Thyroid basically releases 2 hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) that helps in regulating metabolism of our body. These hormones also impact our weight management, body temperature, energy level, skin, hair. Etc. T4 is produced by Thyroid gland under the regulation of hypothalamus & pituitary gland.The feedback loop signals to the hypothalamus in to release thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which then stimulates the pituitary gland to release the thyroid stimulating hormone. On the other hand T3 helps maintain muscle control, brain function, development & digestive mechanism. It is produced by thyroid gland but also found in other tissues. It also helps in maintenance of bone health & regulated body’s metabolic rate. We shall share more details about problems associated with Thyroid in a separate blog.
- Insulin: This hormone is released by the pancreas & allows the body to use sugar or glucose from carbohydrates in the food to generate energy or store glucose for future use. It helps in regulating blood sugar level & preventing it from becoming too high – hyperglycemia & or too low-hypoglycemia. It is important to note that sugar does not go into your cell directly. When you consume food(carbs) & your blood sugar level rises, cells( beta cells) release insulin in your bloodstream. Insulin then attached & signals to the cell to absorb sugar from the blood. Insulin is also referred to as muscle building &/or fat storage vehicle.
- Glucagon: It performs enabler function as does insulin. Insulin regulates the blood sugar level by supporting the body in taking/storing excess glucose. Glucagon on the other hand, helps in bringing stability in blood sugar level when sugar is low by increasing the supply of glucagon. This is done by breaking the glucose stored in the liver. Both Insulin & Glucagon are linked & both are produced in Pancreas.
- Testosterone: It is one of most important male sex hormone. It is also found in females, but in lesser quantities. Main role of testosterone is to promote male characteristics such as a deep voice, increased muscle mass, stronger bones, facial & body hair growth. These hormones also play a vital role in females.Its deficiency not only suppresses muscle growth but also leads to weight gain. Therefore some testosterone deficient male tend to gain weight/become fat more quickly than others. Muscles burn more calories than fat cells. Lack of muscles put you at risk of consuming too much calories & storing the excess calories as fat.On an average obese men have 30% less Testosterone than those who have normal weight. More than 70% of obese men suffer from Testosterone deficiency which can be reversed by weight loss. For more details on testosterone, please refer my blog on how to boost your testosterone levels.
- Progesterone: It is female sex hormone produced in ovaries, the placenta when the women gets pregnant & in adrenal glands. It regulates various functions & helps the body to prepare for contraception, pregnancy & regulates monthly cycles. When pregnancy does not happen, progesterone level drops & menstrual cycle occurs.
- Estrogen: It is female sex hormones produced by ovaries. It is responsible for reproduction, menstruation & menopause. Excess of Estrogen in the female body increases the risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, depression, mood swings etc. If Estrogen level are low, it leads to acne, skin lesions, thinning skin & hair loss
- Leptin: It is one of the most vital hormones of our body. It is like an indicator which tells our brain about the availability of foods & basis that our brain holds on to your body’s fat stores or goes easy on them to release them for energy. This directly impacts how your body controls & regulates metabolism. If you are in calorie deficit, your leptin level falls down – more when your diet lacks carbs. A well timed refeed/refueling helps you in better weight loss by raising your leptin levels after a small dieting phase.
- Ghrelin: This is also known as hunger hormone. It signals your body that you are hungry. When you are on a calorie deficit diet for long, this hormone level goes up. It does not mean that your energy or energy stores are exhausted( remember your body has fat which can be used as energy in case of low carbs), it is this hormone which comes into play.
- Cortisol: This hormone is produced by the adrenal gland. It helps you stay healthy & energetic. The main function of this hormone is to regulate your physical & physiological stress. In danger/risky conditions, it increases your heart rate, blood pressure level, temperature etc. Under stress conditions, the body secretes cortisol to cope up with the situation. High levels of Cortisol can lead to ulcer, high blood pressure & cholesterol & anxiety. On the other hand, low levels of Cortisol in the body causes alcoholism that is responsible for chronic fatigue syndrome. Besides, Cortisol also regulates metabolism of all three macronutrients & hence impact your fat loss goals as well.
- Growth Hormone: It is a protein hormone having 190 amino acids which is synthesized and secreted by the cells called somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary. It stimulates growth, cell reproduction, cell regeneration and in boosting metabolism.
- Adrenaline: Adrenaline hormone is secreted in the medulla in the adrenal gland as well as some of the central nervous system’s neurons. It is also known as an emergency hormone because it makes the individual to think and respond quickly to stress. It increases the metabolic rate & dilation of blood vessels going to the heart and the brain.
