Hormones are produced by several glands throughout the body that make up the endocrine system. The chemicals or hormones that the glands produce are messengers that work outside the basic structures of the cells. Hormones are responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. They are also responsible for growth and development of new tissue. Hormone imbalances can be the result of a variety of factors.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of glands located throughout the body that produce various chemical messengers. The pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream that affect growth, metabolism and energy levels. They also help to control heart rate, breathing and other bodily functions necessary to sustain life.
The ovaries and testes produce hormones that affect the way a body functions sexually. The ovaries produce hormones that regulate menstruation, pregnancy and the ability of the body to carry a child to term, while testes produce the male reproductive hormones that allow for fertilization of the female egg.
Glands in the digestive tract produce hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and enzymes that aid in the digestion of food. The pancreas produces insulin, which keeps the body's glucose levels in balance.
How Hormones Work
Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and circulate through the body. Each type of hormone serves a purpose and interacts with "target" cells to bring about a specific reaction. Reproductive hormones work to regulate sexual function, elicit sexual responses and aid in maintaining viable pregnancies. Growth hormones are released to aid in the development of tissues that foster growth. Adrenaline and noradrenaline affect energy levels and are responsible for the "fight or flight" response that occurs when a person is in danger or under stress.
Too Many Hormones
When too many hormones are present, the state of homeostasis is interrupted and an imbalance occurs. Depending on how severe the imbalance is will determine how it affects the body. Imbalances can be caused by medications, stress or illness.
Acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children are two possible outcomes of excess amounts of growth hormones, according to The Hormone Foundation. An overabundance of insulin can be a factor in diabetes. An overabundance of thyroid hormones can result in the body not being able to maintain a healthy weight, insomnia, and higher than normal heart rate.
Not Enough Hormones
When too few hormones are produced, the body struggles to function. The state of balance is interrupted in much the same way as if too many hormones are produced. The lack of sufficient amounts of hormones can cause symptoms that range from the mild to severe.
If too few reproductive hormones are produced, sterility may occur. Loss of libido or sex drive is another possible result. When the production of thyroid hormones decreases, fatigue and exhaustion are possible. When hormone levels are slow to reach desired levels, puberty may be delayed in growing adolescents.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormone levels can be affected by illness or other changes in the body. Menopause, puberty and high levels of stress can contribute to fluctuations in the amount of hormones the body produces.
Because hormones are chemical messengers, their production and viability may be affected by medications. If hormone deficiencies are suspected, consulting a physician to find possible drug interactions is suggested. Synthetic alternatives are available when natural hormone levels cannot be achieved by the body on its own.
References
- The Hormone Foundation: Endocrine Disorders
- Hudson's FTM Resource Guide: Hormone Basics
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Balch; 2006
