Meet your hormones: 7 hormones you need to know

how well do you know your hormones?

I believe that knowing our own body is so important because no one knows it as well as we do. And the more informed you are, the more you can advocate for yourself and take action towards feeling your best!

Here are 7 important hormones you need to know:

1.  Estrogen

Produced in the ovaries, and to a degree in the adrenals (and fat tissue) this essential hormone is responsible for ovulation, menstruation and increasing bone density.

Excess estrogen (common in PCOS and perimenopause) can result in symptoms such as breast tenderness, irregular or heavy periods, bloating, headaches, hot flashes, sleep issues.

If estrogen is low this can cause low libido, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, low bone density.

2. Progesterone

Another key player in keeping your menstrual cycle regular, progesterone also helps prepare the body for pregnancy and helps us feel calm.

Signs of low progesterone include heavy and irregular menstrual periods, low libido, migraines or headaches, low moods or anxiety, hot flashes or fertility issues

Progesterone levels increase naturally during pregnancy.

3. Testosterone

Yes, women produce testosterone too! A type of androgen, this hormone contributes to libido, muscle strength, bone density and red blood cell production.

Symptoms of excess testosterone in women include: facial hair, acne, increased body fat, low libido, thinning hair. Irregular periods and fertility issues are also possible. Excess androgens is one symptom of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

4. Insulin

Produced in the pancreas, its’ main function is to convert glucose (sugar) in foods into a form the body can use for energy. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar.

When the body cannot produce of process insulin properly, it can lead to insulin resistance. If this continues for a prolonged period, it can lead to diabetes.

 What most people don’t realise is that insulin resistance is extremely common and in women, is often an underlying factor or cause of weight gain, polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause symptoms and more health issues.

5. Cortisol

A type of steroid hormone made by our adrenals. Cortisol has many functions including: regulating metabolism, blood pressure and immune function.

 This is also our ‘stress hormone’ – the body produces more cortisol as a reaction to stress.

Having too much cortisol for extended periods of time can lead to anxiety, sleep troubles, high blood pressure, weight gain and even heart disease.

6. Adrenaline

Similar to cortisol, adrenaline is a ‘stress hormone’ also made in the adrenal glands. It works to increase heart rate, blood pressure and boosts energy.

Similarly to cortisol, prolonged excess adrenaline is not a good thing and can cause anxiety, fast heartbeat, palpitations, irritability and dizziness.

7. Thyroid hormones

There are several important hormones produced in the thyroid gland. Though not as often talked about as some of the hormones mentioned above, thyroid hormones play a critical role in regulating metabolism, body temperature and even your bowel movements (which is why an underactive thyroid commonly leads to constipation).

A range of symptoms can signify imbalance, such as weight changes, sleep issues, anxiety, hair loss, constipation, low mood and memory disturbances. An imbalance of the thyroid hormones is commonly (but not always) a sign of autoimmune disease.

If you think you’re suffering from a hormone imbalance and you’d love to get back to feeling your best, get in touch.

I offer a free (absolutely no obligation) 10 minute chat which is an opportunity to talk about your health, what you’ve tried so far, what you’d love to improve and to find out about how we could work together.

Book your free chat here.