Important Hormones for Women

What is a hormone?

  • Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body. 

  • They are secreted from the specialized cells of endocrine glands  and travel  through the bloodstream to many parts of the body to affect many cellar processes.

  • The major endocrine glands of the body are the: pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries and pancreas. Adipose tissue, or fat, is increasingly being recognized as an endocrine organ.

  • Hormones are powerful substances, as small changes in hormone levels can lead to major changes in the function of the body.

Estrogen

  • A female sex hormone produced predominantly in the ovaries, but also produced to a much lesser extent in the adrenal glands and fat. This hormone is responsible for sexual and reproductive development in women. It is increasingly being recognized as being important on many other physiologic processes in the xx body. There are three types of estrogens, estradiol being the most prominent.

Testosterone

  • Although we typically think of testosterone as a male hormone, it is naturally found in women’s bodies. It is produced in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. Testosterone contributes to the healthy functioning of woman's reproductive tissues, muscle growth,  bone mass, and behaviors.

DHEA

  • DHEA  is produced in the adrenal gland, the ovaries and in the brain. It initiates production of male and female sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall with age.

Pregnenolone

  • Pregnenolone is a hormone naturally produced in the body by the adrenal gland. Pregnenolone is also made from cholesterol, and is the starting material in the production of testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen and other hormones

Progesterone

  • Progesterone is is predominantly produced in the ovaries, but also produced in the adrenal glands and the placenta of pregnancy. In reproduction, progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy and helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone also plays a role in bone formation, it is also active in neuro protection in the brain and peripheral nervous system, 

AMH

  • AMH is produced in the ovaries in post pubertal women. It helps in the early development of follicles. Follicles hold and support eggs before fertilization. It is commonly used to estimate “ovarian reserve” or ovarian function.

Relaxin

  • Relaxin is secreted in the ovary by the corpus luteum and the placenta of pregnancy. Relaxin has been proven to lessen tissue fibrosis in many organs, can also promote wound healing and reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.

Thyroid hormone

  • The thyroid gland releases triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play an important role in regulation weight, energy levels, internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth, metabolism and is an important part of the endocrine system. 

Cortisol

  • Cortisol is often referred to as the stress hormone. This hormone is released increasing heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, respiration and muscle tension in response. It also temporarily shuts down the body’s systems that aren’t needed in the face of crisis, such as digestion and reproduction.

Insulin

  • Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas that controls the amount of glucose in the bloodstream at any given moment. It regulates the body's metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins It also helps store glucose in the liver, fat, and muscles.

Leptin 

  • Produced by fat cells. It reduces appetite and manages how the body stores fat. It controls appetite by signaling your brain to stop eating. It also helps your brain regulate how much energy your body burns throughout the day.

Ghrelin

  • Referred to as “the hunger hormone”  and is made by the stomach. It stimulates appetite and prepares the body for food.

Adiponectin

  • Adiponectin is largely produced by adipose tissue (fat), but also by muscle and brain. It  improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin and is an anti-inflammatory. 

Irisin

  • Irisin is released during moderate aerobic endurance activity. It is important in metabolism and can help to maintain a healthy body mass, improve cognitive function, and slow the aging process.

Melatonin

  • The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep wake cycle. Physical activity may increase melatonin levels.