ฮอร์โมน (Hormones)_PTP

<h2>What are Hormones and Why Are They Important to the Body?</h2>
Hormones are chemicals produced by various endocrine glands such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands.
&nbsp;
They act like “messengers” traveling through the bloodstream to target cells to regulate and coordinate the functions of organs and systems, as well as help maintain the body&#8217;s balance. They play a crucial role in many fundamental processes such as:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Growth and Development: For example, growth hormone stimulates cell division in bones and muscles, and thyroid hormones are important for brain development in children.</li>
<li>Energy Metabolism: Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolic rate, while insulin and glucagon work together to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.</li>
<li>Reproductive System: Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone control sexual characteristics and reproductive system functions.</li>
<li>Response to the Environment: Cortisol helps the body cope with stress, while melatonin regulates the sleep cycle.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Imbalances in hormones, whether excessive (hypersecretion) or insufficient (hyposecretion), affect the functioning of various systems, causing the body to lose balance and increasing the risk of health problems.
&nbsp;
<h2>How Does Hormonal Imbalance Affect Health?</h2>
Our body has an intelligent mechanism to regulate hormone levels called the “feedback loop,” which is like an air conditioner maintaining the right temperature. Under normal conditions,
&nbsp;
if hormone levels in the blood are too high, the body sends feedback signals to inhibit the gland producing that hormone (negative feedback) to prevent excessive hormone levels. Conversely, if hormone levels are too low, the body stimulates the endocrine glands to produce more hormones. Hormones can affect both the body and mind as follows:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Metabolism and Body Weight</li>
</ul>
Thyroid hormones and insulin regulate energy metabolism and blood sugar levels. Hormonal imbalance may cause rapid weight changes or increase the risk of diabetes.
<ul>
<li>Skin and Hair</li>
</ul>
Balanced sex hormones help maintain clear skin and strong hair. Imbalance may cause dry, dull skin or hair loss.
<ul>
<li>Bones and Muscles</li>
</ul>
Sex hormones help maintain bone mass and muscle strength. Imbalance may increase the risk of osteoporosis and muscle weakness.
<ul>
<li>Immune System</li>
</ul>
Certain hormones help balance the immune system, aiding recovery and disease resistance. Imbalance may weaken immunity and increase susceptibility to infections.
<ul>
<li>Mental Health and Emotions</li>
</ul>
Hormonal imbalances, such as cortisol or neurotransmitters like serotonin, may cause stress, anxiety, or depression.
&nbsp;
<h2>Who Should Get Hormone Testing and at What Ages Should You Pay Attention?</h2>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Children and Adolescents</li>
</ul>
During childhood and adolescence, the body grows and develops rapidly. Hormone testing is important, especially for growth hormone, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones.
&nbsp;
For example, estrogen and testosterone. If parents notice delayed growth, shorter stature than average, early puberty, or incomplete sexual development, hormone testing can provide a clearer picture of development and help doctors plan appropriate care, whether to stimulate growth or delay puberty for healthy development.
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Working Age Adults</li>
</ul>
During working age, the body faces work stress and lifestyle changes. Hormones play a vital role in maintaining physical and mental balance, especially thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and stress hormones like cortisol.
&nbsp;
If you start experiencing fatigue, rapid unexplained weight changes, insomnia, mood swings, or accumulated stress, these may be signs of hormonal imbalance. Hormone testing, including thyroid disorders or sex hormone deficiencies, can help identify and address issues precisely.
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Menopause and Elderly</li>
</ul>
In menopause and old age, hormone changes are significant. Hormone testing helps provide comprehensive health care, especially sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D levels.
&nbsp;
Sex hormone testing helps assess common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and osteoporosis risk. Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone testing are important for evaluating osteoporosis and bone thinning risks in the elderly.
&nbsp;
Additionally, thyroid hormones affect metabolism. Thyroid dysfunction may cause fatigue, weight changes, or irregular heartbeat.
&nbsp;
<h2>Who Should Especially Get Hormone Testing?</h2>
Besides age-related hormone testing, certain groups should pay special attention to hormones to better understand their bodies and receive appropriate care early to reduce the risk of minor symptoms progressing into serious health problems, such as:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Individuals with infertility both men and women should test sex hormones to find causes and increase chances of conception.</li>
<li>Women with abnormal menstruation such as irregular cycles, prolonged absence, or severe abdominal pain.</li>
<li>Individuals with weight problems experiencing rapid unexplained weight gain or loss.</li>
<li>Those with a family history of endocrine diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or adrenal gland disorders, which may be hereditary.</li>
<li>Those with other abnormal symptoms such as excessive hair loss, severe acne, excessive hair growth, or unexplained depression and anxiety.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>What Are the Steps and Duration of Hormone Testing?</h2>
Generally, hormone testing is straightforward, starting with a health history and symptom assessment, followed by collecting blood, saliva, or urine samples for laboratory analysis.
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>History Taking and Physical Examination</li>
</ul>
The doctor will ask about concerning symptoms, past illnesses, and family history related to hormonal or endocrine diseases, along with a basic physical exam.
<ul>
<li>Blood Sampling</li>
</ul>
This is the most common method for testing thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and stress hormones. Saliva or urine collection may be used in some cases, such as testing stress hormones, certain sex hormones, or evaluating hormone levels at different times and accumulation in the body.
<ul>
<li>Waiting for Results</li>
</ul>
Typically, hormone test results take about 1-3 days. However, in some cases, especially when testing multiple hormones or those requiring detailed analysis, results may take 7-10 days. The duration depends on the hormone type, testing procedures, and laboratory technology. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about the specific timeframe at the healthcare facility for clarity and appropriateness.
&nbsp;
<h2>How Often Should Hormone Testing Be Done?</h2>
Hormone testing frequency depends on individual health and risk factors. Generally, the recommendations are:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Annual Testing</li>
</ul>
Recommended for those at risk, such as with a family history of diabetes, thyroid disease, or obesity, to allow doctors to monitor and prevent potential problems early.
<ul>
<li>Testing When Symptoms Appear</li>
</ul>
If symptoms indicating hormonal imbalance occur, such as irregular menstruation, chronic fatigue, rapid weight changes, or sleep problems, see a doctor promptly for further testing.
&nbsp;
Additionally, hormone testing should be done in the morning when levels of many hormones, such as cortisol and sex hormones, are at their peak for the most accurate results. Women testing sex hormones should do so on day 21 of their menstrual cycle (counting from the first day of menstruation) for accuracy.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Maintain and Support Hormonal Balance on Your Own</h2>
Maintaining hormonal balance can start easily by adjusting daily habits as follows:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Choose Foods That Support Hormones
<ul>
<li>Protein and healthy fats are essential for hormone production. It is recommended to eat quality proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, lentils, and healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and flax seeds to support sex hormone production and brain health.</li>
<li>Colorful vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation, a cause of hormonal imbalance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Exercise Regularly at light to moderate levels such as brisk walking, yoga, or swimming to stimulate the release of endorphins, the happiness hormone, which helps reduce stress and regulate blood sugar levels.</li>
<li>Get Enough Sleep at least 7-8 hours to allow the body to recover and produce important hormones like melatonin, which regulates the sleep cycle, and growth hormone, which repairs and builds tissues. Good sleep is like the body’s “natural restorative medicine.”</li>
<li>Manage Stress Mindfully because excessive stress causes the body to produce too much cortisol, disrupting other hormone balances. Find time to relax through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to improve mental and hormonal balance.</li>
<li>Regular Health Check-ups and Hormone Monitoring especially for those with hormone problems or risks. Regular doctor visits and health checks provide appropriate advice and treatment to effectively control and maintain hormonal balance.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Hormones play a vital role in regulating the body’s systems. Maintaining hormonal balance helps promote overall health. If you notice abnormalities or feel your body lacks health balance, hormone testing may help you better understand your health.
&nbsp;
At Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital, we have a team of endocrinology specialists and advanced hormone diagnostic technology ready to provide appropriate consultation to support hormonal balance and health at every age, ensuring long-term physical and mental quality of life.
&nbsp;
<h2>FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Hormones</h2>
&nbsp;
Q: Why does stress affect sleep?
A: Stress causes the body to secrete more cortisol than usual, making the body more alert and disturbing the function of melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep, resulting in insufficient rest and poor sleep quality.
&nbsp;
Q: Why do menopausal women experience hot flashes and mood swings?
A: This is due to a rapid decrease in estrogen levels, which affects the brain’s temperature control center, causing the body to respond with hot flashes and sweating. It also affects neurotransmitters, leading to mood swings and irritability.
&nbsp;
Q: How does hormonal dysfunction affect appetite and body weight?
A: If hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin, malfunction, signals for hunger, satiety, and blood sugar management become impaired, causing abnormal appetite and resulting in unusual weight gain or loss.
&nbsp;
Dr. Kobkulya Jungprasertsri
Specialist in Preventive Medicine
and Director of Elite Life Style Wellness Center
Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital

Hormones play a crucial role in growth, energy metabolism, reproductive system, bones and muscles, as well as mood and mental health. Accurate hormone testing and care helps the body and mind function in balance, reducing the risk of health problems at all ages, and enhancing quality of life for strength and energy every day.

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations

Hormonal imbalance: How does it affect the body? Symptoms and when should you get your hormones checked?

Tel

Email

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations