Estrogen – Friend or foe?
Estrogen is a sex hormone produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, fat tissue and placenta (only during pregnancy).
It has many different functions, including:
1) It promotes blood flow to the brain
2) It ensures tissue renewal in the skin and thus firm skin
3) It regulates cervical mucus and keeps the vaginal wall supple
4) It supports the development of breasts, vagina, genitals, hips and uterus
5) It protects the bones
6) It regulates serotonin metabolism
Many women have problems with fluctuations in this hormone. This is due, for example, to a drop in estrogen shortly before menstruation (also called PMS). This also causes serotonin levels to drop, which can lead to depression or irritability.
Lack and excess of estrogen
Both a lack and an excess of this hormone can cause a whole range of complaints and symptoms. The following symptoms can occur (excess and deficiency):
1) Menstrual problems
2) Estrogen dominance
3) Feminization of men
4) Masculinization of women
5) Endometriosis
6) Cysts in the breast (mastopathy, mastodynia)
7) Cysts in the ovaries
8) Sore breasts
9) Unusual smears
10) Heavy menstrual bleeding and blood loss after menopause
11) Lipedema
12) Hormonal migraines
13) Fat storage on the legs
14) PMS
15) Polyps
16) Fat distribution more on the legs and buttocks
17) Myomas (fibroids)
Causes
There are many different causes for fluctuations in this hormone. Chronic stress, for example, can lead to the ratio of progesterone to estrogen no longer being correct, which causes too much cortisol to be produced and the effect of progesterone to decrease. As a result, chronic stress (e.g. from a lot of exercise or other stress factors) is counterproductive for a good estrogen/progesterone ratio, which can lead to estrogen dominance.
Other causes can be foods or hormone-disrupting substances.
Research suggests that estrogen dominance could contribute to the development of cancer in the uterus, breasts and other hormone-sensitive organs.
The causes can be addressed in different ways. Diet, for example, can be a very good and complementary approach.
Testosterone – what is it and how do I recognize a hormonal disorder?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone belonging to the class of androgens, produced primarily in the testes in men and to a lesser extent in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It is the main male sex hormone, although it is also present in smaller amounts in women. It plays a crucial role in the development of male characteristics and the overall health of both sexes.
What Testosterone Does
Testosterone affects a variety of physiological processes, including:
Development of male characteristics: It is important for the growth of facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and building muscle mass and strength during puberty.
Sexual function: Regulates libido (sexual desire), sperm production, and erectile function.
Bone density and muscle mass: Maintains bone strength and promotes muscle growth and regeneration.
Mood and energy levels: Affects mood regulation, energy levels, and overall cognitive function.
Red blood cell production: Supports red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Fat distribution: Helps regulate where and how much fat is stored in the body.
How Testosterone Works in the Body
Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol and produced primarily in the Leydig cells in the testes. It circulates in the bloodstream, mostly bound to proteins such as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, while a small portion remains unbound or free. Free testosterone is biologically active and can enter cells and exert its effects.
Once testosterone is in a cell, depending on the tissue type, it can bind to androgen receptors or be converted into other active hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or estradiol (an estrogen). This hormone-receptor complex then influences the expression of specific genes, resulting in the production of proteins that cause the physiological changes associated with testosterone.
Symptoms of Testosterone Imbalance
Too much testosterone:
In men: Aggressive behavior, mood swings, increased acne, excessive body hair, and enlarged prostate. Chronic elevation can lead to cardiovascular problems and liver dysfunction.
In women: excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism), deeper voice, irregular menstrual cycles, and possible infertility.
Too little testosterone:
In men: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass and strength, fatigue, depression, and increased body fat.
In women: low energy, decreased sexual desire, weakened bones, and muscle wasting.
Causes of testosterone imbalance
Main causes (problems in the testes or ovaries):
Genetic disorders (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome in men).
Autoimmune diseases.
Trauma or surgery affecting the reproductive organs.
Secondary causes (problems in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland):
Tumors or dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
Chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, liver disease).
Obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Other hormonal interactions:
Estrogen: High testosterone in men can increase estradiol levels through the aromatase enzyme and lead to breast development (gynecomastia).
Cortisol: Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can suppress testosterone production.
Insulin and thyroid hormones: An imbalance of these hormones can also disrupt testosterone levels.
Restore hormonal balance
Balancing testosterone levels requires a holistic approach to lifestyle, diet and physical activity:
Lifestyle adjustments:
Stress management: Reducing chronic stress through mindfulness, meditation and getting enough sleep can lower cortisol levels and promote healthy testosterone levels.
Sleep: 7–9 hours of quality sleep supports optimal testosterone production.
Food:
Healthy fats: Include sources of healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil and nuts, which are essential for testosterone synthesis.
Protein and carbohydrates: Maintain a balanced protein and carbohydrate intake to support muscle recovery and energy levels. Adequate protein is crucial for muscle mass, while carbohydrates can help replenish glycogen stores after exercise.
Micronutrients: Zinc and vitamin D play a direct role in testosterone production. Foods rich in these nutrients, such as shellfish, seeds, and nuts can be helpful.
Thyroid hormone – what is it and what does it do to us?
Thyroid hormones are chemical messengers produced by the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The two main thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a critical role in regulating metabolism, growth and development. T4 is the inactive form that is converted to the more active T3 in tissues throughout the body.
Thyroid Hormone Functions
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every cell and organ system in the body. Main functions include:
Metabolism regulation: Thyroid hormones increase the basal metabolic rate, which affects how much energy the body uses at rest and how quickly the body converts nutrients into energy.
Thermoregulation: Regulate body temperature by stimulating heat production in cells.
Cardiovascular health: Increase heart rate and contractility and support cardiovascular function.
Growth and development: Vital for brain and nervous system development in fetuses and infants. In adults, they support cell growth and differentiation.
Mood and cognition: Affect mood, cognition, and emotional stability.
Muscle and bone health: Affect muscle strength and bone turnover.
How thyroid hormones work in the body
The thyroid gland takes in iodine from the bloodstream and uses it to produce T4 and T3. These hormones are released into the bloodstream and travel to target tissues, where T4 is converted to T3 by deiodinase enzymes. T3 then binds to thyroid receptors in cell nuclei, altering gene expression and modulating the activity of numerous metabolic processes.
The production of thyroid hormones is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. When T3 and T4 levels are low, the hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which signals the pituitary gland to secrete thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then stimulates the thyroid to produce and release more T4 and T3.
Symptoms of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism):
Symptoms: weight loss, increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, tremors, sweating, heat intolerance, and frequent bowel movements. In severe cases, Graves' disease, a condition characterized by goiter and bulging eyes, may occur.
Causes: autoimmune diseases (e.g., Graves' disease), thyroid nodules, excessive iodine intake, or certain medications.
Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism):
Symptoms: weight gain, fatigue, intolerance to cold, slow heartbeat, depression, dry skin, hair loss, constipation and menstrual disorders in women. If left untreated, it can lead to myxedema, a severe form of hypothyroidism.
Causes: autoimmune diseases (e.g. Hashimoto's thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiotherapy or dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
Causes of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Thyroid hormone imbalance can occur due to several factors:
Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (underactive thyroid) and Graves' disease (overactive thyroid) cause the immune system to attack the thyroid and disrupt hormone production.
Malnutrition: Iodine and selenium are essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A deficiency in these can impair thyroid function.
Chronic stress: High cortisol levels can disrupt the HPT axis and alter thyroid hormone production.
Medications and toxins: Certain medications (e.g. lithium) and environmental toxins (e.g. heavy metals) can impair thyroid function.