Hormones and health: A complete overview

Key Hormones and Their Roles

Hormones are chemical messengers that help different parts of the body communicate. They influence metabolism, mood, sleep, energy, growth, and reproductive health. When hormone levels fall out of balance, even slightly, it can affect how you feel and how your body functions. Below are some of the most important hormones and what they do.

1. Insulin

Insulin controls how your body uses and stores glucose. It helps move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where it’s used for energy.

When insulin is too low, blood sugar rises, which can lead to diabetes. When it’s too high, it may cause weight gain, fatigue, and increased hunger. Balanced insulin levels are essential for stable energy and healthy metabolism.

2. Cortisol

Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it increases during physical or emotional stress. It helps regulate mood, blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation.

Short-term cortisol is helpful, but chronic stress keeps it elevated for long periods. This can affect sleep, weaken immunity, cause weight gain, and increase inflammation throughout the body..

3. Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4)

These hormones control how quickly your body burns energy. They influence heart rate, digestion, brain function, and temperature regulation.

Low thyroid levels may cause weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, and cold sensitivity. High levels can lead to weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance. Balanced thyroid function is essential for overall energy and metabolism.

4. Estrogen

Estrogen is important for reproductive health but also supports bone density, mood, heart function, and skin health.

Imbalances can cause irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, weight changes, or reduced bone strength. Estrogen plays a key role throughout a woman’s life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

5. Progesterone

Progesterone works closely with estrogen to regulate menstrual cycles and support pregnancy. It helps prepare the uterus for implantation and maintains pregnancy in its early stages.

Low levels may lead to mood changes, irregular cycles, anxiety, and sleep problems. Balanced progesterone helps stabilize emotions and supports reproductive health.

6. Testosterone

Testosterone affects both men and women, although men produce much more. It helps build muscle, maintain bone density, support libido, and promote mental focus.

Low levels can cause fatigue, reduced strength, mood changes, and lower sexual desire. High levels may contribute to acne, excess hair growth, or aggression. Maintaining the right balance is important for physical and mental well-being.

7. Melatonin

Melatonin controls your internal clock, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. It rises in the evening and drops in the morning.

Imbalanced melatonin can lead to insomnia, irregular sleep cycles, or poor sleep quality. Healthy sleep habits, light exposure, and nighttime routines help regulate melatonin naturally.

8. Serotonin

Serotonin plays a major role in mood, digestion, sleep, and overall emotional well-being. Low serotonin is linked to depression, anxiety, cravings, and digestive issues.

Balanced serotonin levels contribute to stable mood, healthy appetite, calmness, and restful sleep.

9. Growth Hormone

Growth hormone helps repair tissues, build muscle, and regulate metabolism. It supports healthy development in children and maintains cell repair in adults.

Low levels may cause fatigue, poor exercise recovery, weight gain, and reduced muscle mass. Proper sleep, exercise, and balanced nutrition help support healthy growth hormone production.