When we talk about hormones, the first one that comes to mind is unavoidable sex hormones, which alter as we age and set in motion many other changes. Now, let’s learn about each hormone individually, according to gender.

Male hormones

1. Testosterone is the male sex hormone secreted by the testicles. Cholesterol is required for the production of testosterone. As a result, the body needs fat and, ultimately, cholesterol to induce changes in men’s bodies, such as a more masculine body, mustache, beard, body hairs, cracked voice, and changes in the genitalia. If hormones function properly, the body will mature normally according to its age. Children with low testosterone levels, on the other hand, will not develop their male appearances fully. If testosterone declines too quickly, it will affect bone and muscle mass. Risks include the possibility of erection and sexual problems, as well as muscle atrophy and rapidly weakening bones. However, we may improve our hormones by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating a good diet, and eating foods that boost testosterone, such as zinc or zinc minerals, which are found in a food group such as oysters.

Female hormones

1. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that the ovaries generate. It makes a woman’s physique appear more feminine, such as having breasts, hips, and nicer skin. Estrogen is a hormone that is associated with menstruation and ovulation. It also supports bone and muscle function. However, as estrogen levels decline, especially in menopausal women, there are risks that the bones will become thinner and weaker due to decreased bone mass, muscles becoming more vulnerable, and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, starting to show. Yet, we can increase female hormone levels by eating estrogen-rich foods, such as coconut water, soy, and soy milk.
2. Progesterone is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy. Most of the time, it will be higher during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle, preparing for the implantation of the sperm-derived egg. Both the ovaries and adrenal glands can secrete progesterone. This hormone stimulates the uterine lining to thicken, particularly during the menstrual cycle, in preparation for embryo implantation in case of pregnancy. If there is no implantation, progesterone levels will decline, and the uterine lining will shed off every month. However, if there is a pregnancy, progesterone levels will remain high throughout the pregnancy to keep the uterus from contracting and maintain the pregnancy.

In conclusion, male and female sex hormones play a crucial role in shaping your sexual traits and are beneficial to your health. If sex hormones are out of balance, it can cause a variety of ailments. As a result, the sex hormone test is considered a type of health care that should not be overlooked.

We will continue with our last article about sex hormones and explore other essential hormones that are equally significant.

Growth Hormone

Growth Hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream. Our height and muscle growth are governed by growth hormone. It also aids brain function, fat regulation, and tissue and bone restoration. Therefore, growth hormone deficiency or a lack of growth hormone, which could develop as a result of an accident, surgery, an anomaly in the pituitary gland since birth, a pituitary tumor, or a tumor in the brain, may cause the following symptoms:

• Having a younger-looking face than what is expected for one’s age
• Having a high-pitched voice
• Have abnormally short stature with normal body proportions
• Obesity due to fat accumulation around the torso
• For boys, they might have smaller sexual organs than usual

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or DHEAs

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or DHEAs, is primarily produced by the adrenal glands. DHEAs plays a vital role in producing other essential hormones, such as the sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen). DHEA levels are observed to be highest throughout the adolescent/youth era and drop as we age. As a result, taking a test to measure the level of DHEAs in our blood is essential, especially for people over 50.

DHEAS has numerous benefits, including helping to build muscle and burn fat, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, balancing the metabolic system, improving memory, lowering the risk of premature dementia, restoring depression, and increasing bone density.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone related to stress that is secreted in more significant amounts when we are stressed. As a result, this hormone is known as a stress hormone, and it may cause us to feel hungry more frequently, eat more, and gain weight more easily than usual. However, cortisol has some advantages. It aids in the maintenance of our body’s water and mineral levels, allowing our body pressure and related systems to work appropriately. The best way to keep cortisol levels stable is to get adequate sleep, which will also help refresh our bodies and give us energy for our everyday lives.

Thyroid Hormone

Thyroid Hormone is a hormone related to the thyroid gland and is primarily responsible for controlling the metabolism level in our body. We could take a Thyroid Function Test to check if the thyroid gland is working properly by measuring TSH, FT3, FT4, T3, and T4. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, resulting in high T3 or T4 levels but low TSH, leading the body to metabolize food too quickly and causing weight loss. However, suppose the thyroid gland does not generate enough hormone. In that case, the condition is known as hypothyroidism, in which T3 or T4 levels are low, and TSH levels are high, causing the body to be able to metabolize food less effectively.

In line with the above, taking a hormone test will help check hormonal balance and shifts that can assess the anomaly of our body, whether it is the metabolic system, muscular strengthening, emotion management, stress regulation, and sexuality and fertility regulation. We can utilize the outcome to find ways to restore the hormones to equilibrium.