Hormones Role & Effects

Some of the most important endocrine glands in women are the hypothalamus; pineal body, adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands; thymus; pancreas; and the ovaries.
Keeping this in mind, the main role of hormones produced by said glands is to serve as an internal communication system between them and their target organs. By doing so, hormones are able to positively impact every aspect of the body’s functioning on a daily basis, from energy levels and metabolism to growth, development, and response to stressors.

The biochemical functions of hormones in women include, but are not limited to:
• Supporting the health of the female reproductive system
• Guiding the menstrual cycle on a monthly basis
• Bringing a pregnancy to term
• Encouraging sexual health
• Regulating respiratory function
• Protecting bone density
• Sustaining cognitive ability
• Controlling mood and behavioral patterns
• Moderating metabolism
• Promoting cardiovascular health
• Handling overall growth and development

Respiratory system:

Research has found that a number of sex hormones are involved in the regulation and adjustment of breathing by possessing either depressing or stimulating effects. Some hormones have been shown to have local effects on the lungs and airways.

Bones:
Numerous hormones – including sex, growth, and parathyroid hormones – positively affect the skeletal system by enhancing mineralization, improving bone density, stimulating bone growth, encouraging absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting osteoclast activity, promoting osteoblastic activity, and more.
Brain:
Hormones are intricately linked with our emotions. Ovarian hormone receptors, especially those of estrogen and progesterone, have been found in many brain regions, including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. They have modulatory effects on synaptic communication, principally influencing the systems involved in healthy emotional and cognitive control.
Metabolism:
While many of the biological effects of growth hormone (GH) are still to be discovered, what is known about this anabolic hormone is that it helps moderate metabolism and energy homeostasis. Leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, and resistin are also all intricately involved with healthy energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and more.
Cardiovascular system:
As a whole, hormones play a leading role in heart health, directly impacting the heart, blood vessels, and cardiovascular system as a whole. For instance, in women, estrogen has been found to promote healthy cholesterol levels, encourage blood clot formation, destroy artery-damaging free radicals, and more.
Nevertheless, women whose hormone levels are abnormal, either due to over-secretion or under-secretion of a particular hormone, may experience health problems. Discover more below.

Bones :

Conversely, it has been reported that excess levels of parathyroid hormones (from an enlarged gland) or thyroid hormones (from hyperthyroidism or medication) can cause fragile bones and eventually lead to osteoporosis. The same is true – yet less common – with high cortisol levels, a stress hormone created by the adrenal glands.

Brain:

Over-secretion of stress hormones, like glucocorticoids, has been scientifically found to impair memory ability due to altering the brain circuit responsible for memory consolidation and storage. High levels of cortisol, a class of glucocorticoid hormone, brought on by chronic stress also decrease the number of neurons in the hippocampus, thus lessening brain activity.

Metabolism:

Overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, as is the case with hyperthyroidism, can accelerate metabolism and cause unintended weight loss even when a woman’s appetite and food intake do not change.

Reproductive tract:
On the other hand, low hormone levels in the body can also lead to menstrual irregularities, including anovulation and irregular periods, as well as pregnancy complications, such as infertility, miscarriage, and more.
Vagina:
Poor vaginal lubrication and decreased genital sensation are associated with decreased estrogen levels, especially during menopause. Furthermore, research suggests that low levels of the sex hormone testosterone also contribute to a decline in sexual arousal, genital sensation, and the ability to experience orgasms.
Respiratory system:
Decreased hormone levels, specifically those of estrogen and progesterone during menopause, have been linked to the development of respiratory disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, as well as increased upper airway resistance.
Bones:
When there is a sharp decrease in reproductive hormones with menopause, namely estrogen, bone production is affected significantly. This is why the risk of developing osteoporosis – a degenerative bone disease – increases as women reach the end of their fertile years.12
Brain:
Conversely, just as low levels of stress hormones can negatively alter intellectual abilities, the opposite has also been found true. Moreover, low testosterone levels can reduce cognitive function as well, and research is developing showing a close link between decreased estrogen and mood disorders, such as unipolar depression.
Metabolism:
It has been found that the decreased secretion of GH, a hormone important in metabolism, is characteristic in obese individuals. Its low levels also contribute to the accumulation of abdominal fat and may contribute to other associated metabolic abnormalities.
Cardiovascular system:
Low levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol, thyroid hormones, or GH, can cause hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood sugar levels are too low. Some cardiovascular symptoms of hypoglycemia include an increased heart rate and systolic blood pressure as well as decreased central blood pressure.
Having discussed the various roles and effects that hormones have on the body, continue reading to find out about detecting hormonal imbalance using hormone tests.