HORMONES

Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body's cells. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the foods you eat to make two main hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroxine (T4)

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance.

When your thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, it can cause imbalances that are associated with a host of symptoms.

Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) symptoms

1.      Fatigue

2.      Irritability

3.      Depression

4.      Slow heart rate, movements and speech

5.      Constipation

6.      Pins and needles

7.      Joint and muscle pain, cramps and weakness

8.      Weight gain

9.      Dry skin

10.  Weakness

11.  Puffy face, feet and hands

12.  High cholesterol

13.  Insomnia

14.  Balance and coordination issues

15.  Loss of libido

16.  Recurrent urinary and respiratory tract infections

17.  Anaemia

Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) symptoms and signs

·         Excessive sweating.

·         Heat intolerance.

·         Increased bowel movements.

·         Tremor (usually fine shaking)

·         Nervousness, agitation, anxiety.

·         Rapid heart rate, palpitations, irregular heart rate.

·         Weight loss.

·         Fatigue, weakness.

Adrenal Hormones

Instead of examining every one of the many hormones produced by the adrenals, we will be taking a closer look at some of the most important and prominent. Perhaps the most well-recognized and significant hormones produced by the adrenals are cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, and pregnenolone. The impact of these hormones exemplifies the importance of healthy adrenal activity.

Adrenal fatigue

The adrenals are located just above the kidneys and are responsible for producing over 150 different hormones. Many of these hormones are used to maintain and regulate different functions in the body including blood sugar levels, anti-inflammatory responses, immune system function, and blood pressure. Other hormones produced by the adrenals that you may recognize are adrenaline, estrogen, and progesterone. Because it plays a role in so many bodily functions it is important that the adrenals are given proper care.

Perhaps the most prominent function of the adrenals is its influence on stress. Cortisol, sometimes referred to as the “stress hormone” or the “fight or flight” hormone, is the primary anti-stress hormone produced by the adrenals. When we experience stress, real or imagined, cortisol is secreted to trigger our natural stress response. Chronic or continuous stress causes the adrenals to constantly release cortisol, which keeps the body in a state of alertness. Furthermore, persistent stress puts a lot of pressure on the adrenals to continually produce, which ultimately causes fatigue and they become unable to provide the hormones needed for other bodily processes. Cortisol is also a key component in motivating the body in the morning. As we awaken, the body releases cortisol to activate the body and mind to make us alert and ready to face the day. In the presence of adrenal dysfunction, an individual may lose out on the morning release of cortisol to get them going. Alternatively, the individual may experience a cortisol high in the evening that keeps them from falling asleep. Both scenarios inhibit the body’s ability to achieve quality rest, which negatively impacts the entire body.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Identifying adrenal fatigue can be difficult because the symptoms often sneak into our lives and progressively get worse. For example, if you notice that your sleep cycle is slightly off, but rather than investigate you simply ignore it, you will become accustomed to it and begin living with unnecessary hardship. Many of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue begin small but continue to increase in severity when left unanswered.

If you experience multiple of the following symptoms, it is beneficial to investigate the presence of adrenal fatigue.

·         Decreased sex drive

·         Insomnia

·         Poor cognitive function or “brain fog”

·         Irritability

·         Dizziness

·         Reduced ability to handle stress or extreme responses to stress

·         Anxiety

·         Chronic fatigue not resolved by rest

·         Muscle weakness or stiffness

·         Weight loss and/or loss of appetite

·         Depression

·         Recurring infections

·         Difficulty getting up in the morning

·         Shaking and/or trembling

·         Headaches

·         Craving salty foods

·         Needing caffeinated or sugary drinks to stay awake (coffee, energy drinks etc.)

Perhaps the most common identifier of adrenal fatigue is feeling wide awake but physically exhausted. When an individual feels overly tired and goes to bed just to be met with a racing mind and inability to sleep, it is likely due to adrenal fatigue. Fatigue-related symptoms, like those listed above, coupled with sleep difficulties is a major signal that the body is experiencing adrenal fatigue. Realizing that you have a dysfunction is only the first step. You must also identify the source of your stressors.

Cortisol

Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it is a critical part of the body’s stress response. When the body experiences stress, cortisol is released to help regulate blood pressure, support cardiovascular activity, and combat infection. These effects allow the body to continue through times of high stress without slowing down.

Cortisol is also involved in other important bodily functions including metabolism and the conversion of macronutrients like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into usable energy. When the adrenals are working properly, cortisol is released in the morning to energize both the body and mind. This action helps the body wake up fully energized and ready to go. If cortisol is deficient, the body may feel sluggish and jittery in the morning and throughout the day.

In the presence of adrenal fatigue others issue may develop including:

·         Chronic infections

·         Difficulty waking up

·         Dizziness or feeling light-headed

·         Fatigue

·         Inability to handle stress

·         Low blood sugar

Alternatively, too much cortisol can keep the body in a heightened state of alert leading to symptoms such as anxiety, weight gain, and insomnia.

Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a regulatory mineralocorticoid, a class of corticosteroid, that influences body fluid and mineral levels. This important substance also plays a role in the body’s ability to retain salt, allowing for better fluid and mineral control.

Without adequate aldosterone, the body may suffer from poor blood pressure regulation resulting in a variety of symptoms including:

·         Brain fog

·         Cravings for salt

·         Dizziness after standing

·         Fatigue

·         Frequent urination

·         Thirst

Reduced levels of aldosterone may also negatively impact the kidneys, causing them to lose necessary salt and water. This promotes kidney dehydration and limits detoxification.

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone, more commonly known as DHEA, is an important part of not only adrenal function, but overall health. This powerful hormone is a prominent precursor to all the major sex hormones including estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. Partially, because of its influence on these significant hormones, DHEA aids in skin hydration, collagen thickness, and supports healthy energy levels, strength, and libido.

Further benefits of DHEA include greater immune function, stress reduction, improved hormone balance, and circulatory support. DHEA is also associated with increased levels of IGF-1, which is a marker for human growth hormone. This hormone is essential for early development and also promotes physical wellness in the form of bone strength, hair growth, and physical performance.

Unfortunately, DHEA levels and production plateau between the ages of 20 and 30. The following years involve a significant and rapid decrease in DHEA levels. This sudden shift can cause low DHEA levels resulting in symptoms such as malaise, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances.

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is often called the mother of hormones because it is the precursor to nearly all steroidal hormones including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, and cortisol. In addition to its key role in the production of hormones, pregnenolone also benefits many other areas of health including memory, cellular repair (specifically nerve tissue and the brain), mood regulation, hormone function, energy level, and enzyme activity.

Reduced levels of pregnenolone can have a cascading effect of dysfunction because it is needed for the synthesis of other important hormones. Pregnenolone deficiency is a common issue among those with adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms of poor pregnenolone levels include:

·         Difficulty focusing

·         Fatigue

·         Insomnia

·         Loss of libido

·         Muscle weakness

·         Poor memory

·         Reduced cognitive function

·         Weight gain