The
most well-known female hormones are progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone
regulates the monthly menstrual cycle from puberty until menopause. Estrogen is
responsible for reproduction and physical features among women. There are three
different types of estrogen, but estradiol is the most prevalent. The other key
hormones related to women's reproductive health are luteinizing hormone (LH)
and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Additionally, a pregnancy test checks
for HcG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone, which rises during the early
stage of pregnancy.
Estrogen
is also found in men, but at much lower levels. A rise in estrogen levels among
men is observed with age, increase in weight, and is associated with women-like
features.
Among
men, testosterone is the most commonly known male hormone. As estrogen is
associated with women, testosterone is associated with men, their manliness and
other physical features. It is crucial for building strong bone and muscles.
Testosterone levels change throughout the life, peaking in early twenties and
then slowly declining with age. This age-related decline has made testosterone
supplementation a hotly debated topic, with wide variety of products available
that are used by millions of Americans. Many doping scandals include
testosterone, since it helps in healing the damage caused by the physical
demands of sports.
Although
women also produce testosterone, levels are about one-tenth of men and often
contribute to infertility when found in excess. High testosterone hormones in
women are also associated with men-like features.
DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone) is one of the main precursors to many of these men's
and women's hormones and plays an important role reproductive health.
Beyond
the hormones associated with gender and reproduction, there are many hormones
that control our health on daily basis.
Cortisol
is the stress hormone well known for the fear and flight mode. Cortisol levels
rise during signals of fear and anxiety, e.g., public speaking or examination
or during fear of physical attack. In that sense, cortisol behaves like
adrenaline, another important hormone known to give sudden boosts of energy.
Cortisol
has a 24-hr cyclic rhythm that matches with our daily circadian rhythm. Levels
shoot up in the morning right after waking up, but then slowly decline. This
morning rise relates to the early morning boost in energy. Cortisol release is
tightly controlled by another hormone in the brain, called adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH). In the night, levels of yet another hormone, called melatonin,
rise during sleep when cortisol is at its lowest. Melatonin release is
controlled by pineal gland in the brain, and strictly follows the sleep cycle.
Insulin
is one of the most well know hormone, and is the key to our metabolism. It
helps lever digest the food and provides the energy needed for body to
function. Insulin resistance, resulting in diabetes, is one of the biggest challenges
facing the world today.
The
thyroid hormones are crucial for metabolism, development of babies before
birth, and play a crucial role in maintaining body temperature. The T3 and T4
hormones are released by the butterfly shaped thyroid gland in the throat, but
their levels are carefully controlled by the thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH)
from the hypothalamus in the brain.
A
parathyroid hormone, which is also released by a tiny gland in the throat,
plays important role in bone development through the control of calcium and
phosphorus absorption.
The
human hormone production and release are controlled by a highly complex system
of organs and glands in the body. These include, hypothalamus and pituitary
glands in the brain, thyroid gland in throat, lever, kidneys, testes and
ovaries. Most tissues in the body have hormone binding receptors, and play
important roles in balancing the levels for a well-functioning body.
Hormone
testing is a fairly common and is a very well researched field. Often, a simple
saliva sample might be sufficient to check the levels, making it easy to
collect, ship, and test for various hormone levels.
A
male health test checks for testosterone, cortisol, DHEA and estrogen in men.
Besides these, a female health test checks for progesterone as well. Depending
on the gender, different ranges are carefully checked to ensure the levels are
within healthy levels for the specific gender.
Despite
the name, Vitamin D is also a hormone that is produced by the body on exposure
to sun. Vitamin D test checks for optimal levels, which are essential for heart
health, bone density, and mental health.
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