Understanding the Types of Hormones and Their Functions
Each body function that you have is always hinged on the performance of a certain hormone. If you need to increase metabolism for faster weight loss, you need to address your levels of growth and thyroid hormones. When it comes to your reproduction functions, estrogen and testosterone are another set you need to think about. There is no denying that these tiny cellular components are big players in our overall health. Understanding them can unlock a world of possibilities where your body can benefit the most.
What are the different hormones and what do they do? Here is a rundown of their types and their effect at certain levels.
Steroid Hormone
Obtained from cholesterol, these hormones affect your metabolic rate; stimulate immune functions, and the progression of sexual characteristics. These are further subdivided into five categories: estrogen, progesterone, androgens, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. Essentially, these are steroid, which only act as hormones. They can be derived from natural sources or from synthetic means.
Lipid Hormone
Derived from fat components known as lipids, these are responsible for sending brain messages to nearby cells that actually produce the hormone. In a way, they stimulate other organs on a molecular level to produce sufficient supply of, say, thyroid hormone to keep blood pressure and metabolism normal. A regulated intake of lipid-rich food such as dairy products, meat, and fish can be more helpful for your body.
Amino Acid Hormone
These are food for the brain. They stimulate the growth of, and some even act as, neurotransmitters that help the brain keep overall control of your bodily functions. The process begins in the rapid action of one nerve cell sending a message to another. These are derived from amino acid rich food sources and further processed into protein. From here, its relevance becomes more obvious because you can relate it to growth and development of your bones and muscles.
Protein Hormone
Probably the most common in terms of word familiarity but misunderstood, protein interplays with several other hormones to keep your functioning under maximum physical condition. From protein elements originating from amino acids, this hormone does a great deal of work. They stimulate hormonal production in your glands and regulate metabolism for weight management.
From these simple descriptions, you can understand why for such small cells, these can tip your body’s overall health balance. When levels drop, you can experience several symptoms can range from simple aches to debilitating pain. On the other hand, over production of a hormone will also display negative signs. The hard part is that effects of both conditions will always be at the cost of your physical deterioration.
There are several things you can do to maintain the right levels of a certain type of hormone in your body. You can go for a natural treatment if your condition is not too serious. Eating a balanced meal and exercise are practical combinations. However, if professional medical intervention is needed, do not hesitate to seek it because the earlier you deal with it, the less the risks you develop.