Lipids or fats include the sterols which are compounds with a multiple ring structure and among the sterols are hormones made from cholesterol. Hormone lipids perform vitally important roles that affect the reproductive system, the fight or flight response, the immune system, the bones and the digestive system.
Sex Hormones
Testosterone promotes the development and maintenance of all tissues involved in male sexuality. According to Eleanor Whitney and Sharon Rolfes in the text “Understanding Nutrition” testosterone is a sterol, a type of lipid with a multiple ring structure. Luteinizing hormone initiates the production and release of testosterone by the testicles.
The ovaries release estrogens in response to follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Estrogens control the menstrual cycle and female characteristics.
Progesterone released from the corpus luteum of the ovary and from the placenta prepares the uterus for pregnancy and the mammary glands for lactation. Progesterone is the hormone of gestation.
Cortisol
Cortisol, a sterol hormone produced in the adrenal glands, is released in response to stress, fasting, food, exercising and psychosocial stressors. Cortisol helps to regulate energy to meet demands placed on the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic the adrenal glands release cortisol and other hormones in response to stress. Cortisol raises the level of glucose in the blood and helps the brain use glucose. It decreases functions less important during fight or flight situations. For instance it suppresses the digestive and reproductive systems and alters the immune system response. Cortisol also affects mood, motivation and fear.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, technically a hormone rather than a vitamin, is essential for normal growth and development. It helps maintain bones and teeth and influences the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. With the help of sunlight, the body can synthesize vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin. Vitamin D qualifies as a hormone because it is manufactured in one part of the body, travels to another part of the body and causes it to respond.
The primary target organs for vitamin D are the intestines, kidneys and bones. These organs respond to the influence of vitamin D by making calcium available for bone growth. Vitamin D is needed to make the protein that binds calcium in the intestinal cells. So a deficiency of vitamin D creates a calcium deficiency too since calcium absorption is hindered without vitamin D.
Vitamin D also targets the brain and nervous system, pancreas, reproductive organs and muscles. This suggests vitamin D may play other roles as well.
References
- “Understanding Nutrition, Ninth Edition”, Eleanor Noss Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes (2002)
- “Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy, 10th Edition”. Mahan and Escott-Stump. (2000).
- Mayo Clinic: Stress: Win control over the stress in your life
- University of New Mexico: Cortisol Connection: Tips on Managing Stress and Weight
