9 types of hormones and their associated moods

The different types of hormones in our body not only fulfill vital functions to control certain biological processes. Whether we want it or not, they condition our behavior and even our state of mind. What’s more, sometimes Any hormonal imbalance can lead us to depression or to see and feel our reality in a very different way.

All of us like to think that we have full control over our behavior, our thoughts and of course, over each of the behaviors we carry out. Howeverwe are completely subject to that tiny, powerful and at times chaotic universe that is our hormones.. These protein messengers responsible for regulating countless metabolic processes also permeate our brain, mediating our behavior and even the type of thoughts we may have.

The hormones are chemical messengers of the body. They travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs to mediate our development, our internal balance and our well-being. However, any small alteration can have an impact on our health and behavior.

Does my mood depend on hormones?

We are aware that, seen this way, it may sound somewhat disturbing, because few things can be as disturbing as not having complete control over our moods. However, we must take into account that Many of these hormonal imbalances can be regulated by promoting a correct lifestyle.. Thus, something as important as eating correctly, practicing sports, managing our stress and establishing periodic check-ups with our doctors can be of great help to us.

We cannot forget, for example, that A large number of people experience various alterations, states of helplessness and apathy without knowing that they suffer from some type of alteration in the thyroid gland.. Therefore, a large part of these irregularities associated with the various types of hormones can be treated, either through drugs or by improving lifestyle habits.

Types of hormones and associated moods

Carla is 35 years old and just had her first child. She has built a successful career, a good position in her company and Everything in her life was going perfectly until she gave birth to her baby.. Something unforeseen and even less imagined happened. He felt unable to get out of bed, without the strength to even hold his daughter, without the desire to return to his reality and face that stage of her life.

Carla suffers from postpartum depression, as well as hypothyroidism.. She has not chosen that state, she is not a bad mother nor has she given up, this simple but common example gives us to understand how the imbalance of a certain type of hormones can impact our behavior, emotional state and thoughts in a really real way. devastating. Let’s now see what are the main hormones that orchestrate our behavior and mood.

1. Cortisol

As we all know, Cortisol is the hormone that mediates states of stress and anxiety. However, its mere presence in our body does not mean that we will almost inevitably lose control or experience a state of alarm. The key is in the amount that is released, in the balance.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that is synthesized from cholesterol in glands located above our kidneys. Thanks to it, we obtain enough energy to get up in the morning, to start our daily tasks and activities, and it also helps us react to situations that our brain interprets as dangerous.

Now, the problem with this type of hormone is when it is constantly secreted. When our mind considers that only problems surround us, when life becomes too demanding and everything seems to slip out of our hands.

2. Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a “multipurpose hormone”. This oligopeptide, composed of 9 amino acids, promotes most of our prosocial behaviors, such as relationships, sexuality, friendship, the need for care, parenting or breastfeeding. Now, a decrease in our levels of oxytocin can mediate the appearance of depressive states, sadness, helplessness and an equally striking type of process: lack of empathy.

As revealed in a paper published during one of the annual conferences of the British Society of Endocrinology, People with a low level of oxytocin demonstrate worse results in empathy tasks. Most studies in this regard point in the same direction.

3. Melatonin

Melatonin has always aroused great interest on the part of scientific organizations. We know that it mediates our sleep and wake cycles; However, in recent years it has been shown that this hormone also slows down premature aging and acts as a neurological protector.

Melatonin or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine is a hormone that is synthesized from tryptophan and produced in the pineal gland. An adequate level of this compound favors our rest and also synchronizes the rhythms of our brain neurotransmitters.

For its part, a deficiency in melatonin not only causes the appearance of insomnia. We may experience a weakening of our cognitive processes (less attention, memory loss…) and even a greater risk of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones are macromolecules whose precise balance, whether we like it or not, promotes our well-being, our mood and good health. They intervene in practically all the metabolic and functional processes of our body, mediating in that endocrine universe where T1, T2, T3, T 4 and TSH play an indispensable role.

And so So that the thyroid can carry out its work in harmony and precision, it needs raw materials such as iodine or vitamin B12.. Curiously, they are two elements that are not usually abundant in our Western diets.

5. Adrenaline

As they say, anxiety is a monster that feeds on adrenaline.. However, is this type of hormone really so negative? Not at all: we are dealing with a substance as versatile as dopamine or oxytocin.

The impact that adrenaline has on our behavior is immense and is worth taking into account. Thanks to it we activate our survival instinct, we motivate ourselves to improve ourselves every day, to enjoy our relationships or even to be productive at work or sport.

Now, an excess of adrenaline in our body mediates states of anxiety. A deficit in adrenaline levels causes depression, low motivation, disinterest, apathy and indecision, among others.

6. Endorphins

Endorphins are, without a doubt, our favorite hormones. There are about 20 types of endorphins in the human body and they are distributed in various areas: in the pituitary gland, above all, but also in other parts of the brain and in the nervous system.

These chemicals interact with opioid receptors to reduce the perception of pain and act in much the same way as morphine and codeine. In addition, A good “rush” of endorphins means experiencing fabulous states of euphoria and well-being, something that usually happens when, for example, we carry out tasks that our brain considers “positive”, such as sports, enjoying our friends, food and sexuality.

7. Estrogens and progesterone

These hormones, Although they are predominantly produced by the female body, they also appear on a smaller scale in men. Both hormones are associated with fertility, reproduction and the regularity of the menstrual cycle. Likewise, they are involved in muscle metabolism, skin appearance, and bone health.

8. Serotonin

Another hormone closely related to mood. It is synthesized from tryptophan and also influences functions such as sleep, control and inhibition of anger and sexual behavior.

Serotonin deficiency is associated with depression. That is why SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are prescribed. In other words, these common antidepressants prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed and, therefore, remaining available for neurons for longer.

9. Testosterone

It is the sex hormone that predominates in men, although it is also found in smaller quantities in women. It intervenes in the growth and development of male sexual organs.

Regarding its effect on mood, testosterone is directly related to the level of aggressiveness, libido or the level of energy to carry out physical activities. It is also related to the drive for dominance and competitiveness.

To conclude, it is important to point out that in the event of any discomfort, change in our mood or small irregularity, whether in our body or in our behavior (tiredness, apathy, sudden loss of energy…) we should never hesitate to go to our doctor. Hormonal problems have treatment and we can undoubtedly regain control of our lives.

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