Hormones Report

A hormone is a signalling molecule that is made by specialist cells, usually within an endocrine gland.

The body produces more than 50 hormones to control and coordinate metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth & development, and response to injury, stress, and environmental factors. Hormones are produced in different organs and tissues, and have broad functions. There are three classes of hormones - steroid hormones (corticosteroids and sex steroids), amines (present in the Nervous System Report), and proteins and peptides.

The focus of the Hormones report is mainly steroid hormones, plus adrenaline, insulin and melatonin. Steroid hormone imbalances can have serious physical and mental health effects. Symptoms and consequences of steroid hormone imbalances include fertility issues, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, menstrual irregularities, excess facial hair (for women) or breast tissue (for men), osteoporosis, heart disease, blood clots, acne, sexual dysfunction, low libido, mood swings, poor memory, weight gain and hormone sensitive cancers.

Steroid hormone activity is altered by genetics and environmental factors. Insufficiency or excess can result in HP-GA axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonads/Adrenal) dysfunction, which, in turn, can impact synthesis, activation, response and metabolism of these hormones.

This report describes the genes, nutrients, and lifestyle and environmental factors that can impact steroid hormones. It provides three personalised summary pathways and detailed results, followed by a generic steroid hormones guide. The hormones and pathways covered are:

• Steroid Hormones
• Oestrogen Lifecycle
• HPA and HPG Axis