The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology stresses that hormones keep you healthy. Your body secretes these substances so that the different parts of your body can function well. Research reveals that hormones affect your general health and well-being. Understanding how this happens will allow you to appreciate hormones better. Here are the details.

What Hormones Do

Studies show that hormones take part in most functions of your body. They allow the proper transmission of messages to and from your brain. Hormones also make sure that your body gets proper nutrition and sleep. They can also help control your thinking, movement, and mood. Making sure that your hormones are at the right levels can help you lead a fruitful life. The following are the main hormones and what they do in your body.

Cortisol

Scientists state that this hormone responds to stress. Cortisol levels go up when you experience stressful situations. The response allows you to have an energy boost. Cortisol can also control the way your body transforms nutrients into energy. Adrenal glands produce cortisol. 

Estrogen

The ovaries produce this hormone. Studies show that estrogen is important in the development of the female reproductive system. It can help regulate the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years. Men have small amounts of estrogen. Their bodies convert testosterone into estradiol. Estrogen is important in maintaining bone health and cholesterol levels. It also helps regulate many metabolic processes. 

Serotonin

This hormone also functions as a neurotransmitter. Research shows that serotonin can help regulate your mood. A deficiency of this hormone can result in mental disorders. Serotonin can control digestion, appetite, and sex. It gives way to melatonin, which is a chemical that participates in the sleep-wake cycle. 

Testosterone

Male puberty is possible through normal amounts of testosterone. Clinical data show that this hormone gives way to the male physical characteristics. Deep voice, facial hair, muscle mass, and body hair are possible with testosterone. Women have small amounts of this hormone. Testosterone helps regulate bone strength, sex drive, and ovarian function. 

Progesterone

Research shows that this hormone makes conception and pregnancy possible. It prepares the uterus to accept and sustain a developing fertilized egg. Nonpregnant women produce it through the ovaries. Women produce high amounts of progesterone through the placenta. It causes the female body to stop ovulating. It then prepares the breasts to produce nourishing milk for the coming baby. 

Dopamine

Studies show that dopamine is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. Its main purpose is to coordinate and control movement. Low levels of dopamine result in Parkinson’s disease. Researchers state that dopamine reduces insulin production. This hormone also widens your blood vessels and makes you urinate more. 
 

Hormones affect your general health and well-being, which is why it is important to keep them well-balanced. At Full Life, we help our patients achieve a good quality of life through our safe and effective therapies. Feel free to visit our facility in Nashville, Tennessee, for an in-person consultation. Please call 615-805-5600 to set an appointment or learn more about our hormone therapy packages.