What Are Hormones? The Body’s Messengers and Their Role Explained

Over 100 years ago, hormones moved into the focus of medical research. They were given their name, which comes from Greek and means to drive and set in motion, in 1905 by the English researcher Ernest Starling. Today, around 150 hormones are better known and researched. How many are still undiscovered, no one can say.

Hormones determine the entire life

The small messengers are produced in organs such as the kidney, liver, reproductive organs, or the thyroid gland. From there, they travel through the blood to various cells, where they transmit their "message". There is no place in the body that our hormones do not reach and no bodily function in which hormones are not involved.

Hormones control numerous bodily functions such as the immune system, concentration, energy and performance, bone structure, skin condition, and our metabolism. They also shape our psyche and emotional well-being.

Players and opponents: The healthy balance is crucial

Our hormonal system is incredibly complex. Hormones are like Yin and Yang. This means they always have an antagonist. A well-known example is insulin and glucagon. While insulin is responsible for the uptake of sugar into cells and for maintaining a low blood sugar level, glucagon does the opposite: the hormone releases sugar from storage and thereby increases the blood sugar level.

Even in the interaction of a woman's sex hormones, harmony is required. Because they - especially the hormone estrogen - regulate, among other things, the female cycle and have an influence on fertility. Thyroid hormones play a central role in metabolism - if the thyroid gland produces too few of them, the entire metabolism slows down.

Testosterone, the male sex hormone, regulates muscle building and fat loss in addition to sexual drive. Other important hormones include growth hormones, the "sleep hormone" melatonin, the "happiness hormone" serotonin, and the "stress hormone" cortisol. The steroid hormone cortisol is released in stressful situations and provides a boost in strength and energy in times of danger. As valuable and vital as these characteristics are on one hand, the hormone can disrupt blood sugar levels or blood pressure when there is too much stress.

Hormones in transition, hormones in change

The biggest hormonal challenge for women - besides puberty - is menopause. This phase of transition, also known as climacteric, is often associated with hot flashes and sweating. Researchers at the University of Dresden believe that attributing menopause to symptoms such as sleep disorders, exhaustion, or irritability, in addition to these classic symptoms, is incorrect. According to their study, these discomforts simply increase with age, regardless of menopause. Therefore, the scientists draw a clear distinction between the temporary phase of menopause and the age-related changes in hormones and metabolism.

By the way: The hormone production of men also changes over the course of life. Especially the decreasing production of testosterone causes some men trouble in the second half of life. An increased stress level combined with too little exercise can further disrupt the male hormone balance.

This is how micronutrients affect hormones

A normal and balanced hormone balance is a prerequisite for our physical and mental well-being. A healthy and varied diet with sufficient micronutrients plays a crucial role in this. Micronutrients - vitamins and trace elements - are involved in the formation of hormones and have a regulatory effect. For example, vitamin B6 supports the regulation of hormone activity, zinc is involved in testosterone metabolism, and chromium helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. Vitamin B5 is involved in the production and metabolism of vitamin D and some neurotransmitters, as well as steroid hormones such as cortisol. This group of hormones acts, among other things, in fat, sugar, and protein metabolism, in water balance, in the immune system, as sexual hormones (estrogen, testosterone), or in bone metabolism.

The thyroid gland also depends on micronutrients: the most well-known representatives are the trace elements iodine and selenium. While iodine is involved in the production of thyroid hormones and in normal thyroid function, selenium contributes to normal thyroid function.

Bringing Your Hormones into Balance:

Mood swings, cravings, and constant fatigue? Bring your hormones back into balance. Here you will find valuable tips.