Part 2
Previously, we discussed the causes of hormone imbalance, symptoms, testing and types of hormones.
Important hormones in women
Oestradiol: Oestradiol is mainly produced by the follicles and corpus luteum (remnant egg sac) in the ovaries. This oestrogen is the most potent and abundant.
Oestrogen is needed for healthy bone formation, gene expression, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and formation of secondary sexual characteristics (pubic hair, breasts, etc).
Oestradiol is commonly found in other animals like crustaceans, insects and fish.
Progesterone: This hormone is important for a healthy libido, bone formation and proper blood clotting. As one of the main hormones in helping to regulate the menstrual cycle, progesterone works to balance the effects of oestrogen.
It also plays a role in your susceptibility to diabetes or insulin resistance, as it signals the release of insulin.
Progesterone is vital for conceiving and maintaining pregnancy; adequate levels of progesterone are essential for proper Fallopian tube function.
One of the main actions of progesterone is to help support a developing embryo. During pregnancy, the placenta produces progesterone to help sustain the developing baby.
Luteinising hormone (LH): This hormone is produced in the anterior pituitary gland, helping to regulate ovulation and your menstrual cycle.
It works alongside follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), rising and falling together during the monthly cycle.
For men, it stimulates specific cells to produce testosterone.
You can take a test if you are unable to get pregnant to see if irregular periods or any problems associated with development of sexual organs are related to abnormal LH levels.
Cortisol: This is produced by the adrenal glands, but it is controlled by the hypothalamus. Its primary function is to increase blood sugar, aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and suppress the immune system.
Cortisol is released in response to stress.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): This is the key building block for testosterone and oestrogen production. DHEA is necessary for building and repairing protein, and comes from the adrenal glands. DHEA levels decline dramatically as we age.
Testosterone: Testosterone is associated with men, but women produce it as well, albeit in much lower amounts than men. It helps to support a healthy sex drive and build bones.
Important hormones in men
Testosterone: Men produce and secrete this hormone mainly via the testicles, but the adrenal glands also contribute to producing testosterone.
This hormone is vital for the development of the testes, prostate and secondary sexual characteristics. Males reaching puberty see an increase in muscle mass, bone mass and the growth of body hair.
It is also responsible for your libido, erection and reproductive function.
Oestrogen: Men produce much lower levels of oestrogen, but without this hormone, sexual arousal cannot happen.
Oestrogen is responsible for many functions in the body, in both men and women. Without appropriate levels in men, sexual function will be decreased. However, too much oestrogen may cause erectile dysfunction, low/lack of libido, low sperm count and lowered production of seminal fluid.
Progesterone: It regulates certain body systems, just as it does in women, minus the reproductive functions. Progesterone is considered an anti-inflammatory agent. Its other actions include normalising blood clots, maintaining vascular tone, and aiding in the regulation of the minerals zinc and copper in the body. Additionally, it helps to regulate cellular oxygen levels and the use of fat stores for energy production.
LH: Acting on the Leydig cells within the testes, LH is responsible for the production of testosterone and plays a role in the creation of sperm.
FSH: This hormone plays a vital role in signalling spermatogenesis – this is the very beginning of the creation of sperm.
Dehydroepiandrosterone: Helps men maintain testosterone levels, which is important for sex drive and sustaining an erection.
Cortisol: Increases blood sugar, aids in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and suppresses the immune system. Cortisol is released in response to stress.
When to get a hormone test
If you have been struggling to get pregnant or keep a pregnancy, and you have answered yes to more than two of the symptoms above, it is important you get your hormone levels tested. But the responsibility should not fall on women alone. Bring your spouse along for testing as well, to get a full picture of your fertility health as a couple.
Once the test results conclusively show that your hormone levels are not where they should be, you will be able to do something about it.
There are natural therapies that can help to restore hormonal balance. A nutrient-dense diet, daily exercise, stress management techniques and avoiding harmful substances are the foundation for maintaining and restoring hormonal balance. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals like zinc, support optimum nutritional balance, which in turn may restore your fertility health.
If you still have questions about the topic, a discussion with your doctor will lead to the best options for restoring hormonal balance, whether by adjusting your lifestyle and food intake, or through safe medical means.
By Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar
Published on March 20, 2016, Star Newspaper
