Hormone Guide
From our biorhythms to our moods, hormones produced and running throughout our bodies affect us all. Here is the list of their roles and signs of imbalances.
| Hormone Name | Body Functions | Symptoms of Imbalances |
|---|---|---|
Adrenaline
Triggers fight-or-flight response by increasing heart rate and energy availability
Excess: anxiety, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat. Deficiency: fatigue, depression
Aldosterone
Regulates salt and water balance in the body.Excess: high BP, swelling
Excess: high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Deficiency: low blood pressure, fatigue and high potassium levels
Cortisol
Regulates stress response, metabolism, and immune response
Excess: Cushing’s syndrome weight gain, high Blood Pressure. Deficiency: Addison’s disease (fatigue, low blood pressure)
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow
Excess: high red blood cell count, risk of blood clots Deficiency: anemia, fatigue, and reduced oxygen delivery
Estrogen
Regulates female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics
Excess: weight gain, menstrual issues. Deficiency: hot flashes, osteoporosis
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Regulates growth of ovarian follicles and sperm production.Imbalance: infertility, menstrual irregularities
Irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, low libido, and early or delayed puberty
Glucagon
Stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream by breaking down glycogen in the liver. Low glucagon: hypoglycaemia
Imbalances: unstable blood sugar levels, fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and difficulty maintaining energy
Growth Hormone (GH)
Stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and repair
Excess: include abnormal growth and joint pain, Deficiency: stunted growth, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and increased body fat
Insulin
Regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular glucose uptake.
Imbalance can lead to diabetes (high glucose) or hypoglycaemia (low glucose)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Regulates sex hormone production and ovulation/sperm production
Imbalance: infertility, menstrual irregularities, low testosterone
Melatonin
Regulates sleep-wake cycles
Imbalance: sleep disorders, fatigue, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Oxytocin
Promotes bonding, childbirth, and lactation
Excess: emotional hypersensitivity. Deficiency: reduced milk release during breastfeeding
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Regulates calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism
Excess: osteoporosis, kidney stones. Deficiency: muscle cramps, tetany
Progesterone
Prepares uterus for pregnancy and regulates menstrual cycle
Imbalance: irregular periods, infertility, mood swings
Prolactin
Promotes milk production in lactating females
Excess: infertility, low libido. Deficiency: insufficient milk production
Testosterone
Regulates male reproductive system, muscle mass, and libido
Excess: aggression, acne. Deficiency: fatigue, reduced libido, muscle loss
Thymosin
Stimulates T-cell production for immune function
Excess: potential autoimmune reactions. Deficiency: weakened immune function, increased susceptibility to infections
Thyroxine (T4)
Controls metabolism, energy production, and growth
Excess Thyroxine (T4) causes weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heart rate, while deficiency leads to weight gain, fatigue, and depression
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Works alongside T4 to regulate metabolism
Same as T4 imbalances: fatigue, weight issues, and metabolic disturbances
Vasopressin (ADH)
Regulates water balance by controlling kidney absorption
Excess (ADH) causes water retention and low sodium levels, while deficiency leads to dehydration and excessive urination
General Disclaimer for Hormone Guide
Hormone Guide
The information provided in this Hormone Guide by The Real Wellbeing authors is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical guidance.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or an endocrinologist before making significant changes to your diet, starting a new supplement regimen, or addressing specific health concerns. Individual needs and conditions vary, and what may work for one person may not be suitable for another.
This guide is for educational purposes and does not intend to cure, prevent, or treat any medical condition.
By using this website and guide, you agree that The Real Wellbeing and its authors, contributors, and publishers are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Always prioritize professional advice for your health and well-being.