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Hormones

YOUR hormones are the most powerful chemicals in your body, regulating everything from your energy levels to your fertility and any imbalance can wreak havoc with your health.

Here is a potted guide to what some of the main ones do, what high or low levels can mean to your body and steps you can take yourself to try and get your hormones back in balance.

Thyroxine: Produced by the thyroid gland, speeds up the metabolism of cells. While low levels of thyroxine are rare, an under-active thyroid can lead to weight gain, extreme tiredness and slight thickening of the skin. The thyroid gland also triggers the menstrual cycle.

Self-help: Try eating more red meat as thyroxine depends on the amino acid tyrosine which is found in protein. If symptoms are severe see your GP. A low dose of thyroxine is sometimes prescribed.

Oestrogen and Progesterone: The balance between the two female reproductive hormones is crucial, affecting how women feel both at menstruation and through the menopause. High levels of oestrogen are more common today because women have around three times as many periods as their ancestors as they spend less time pregnant. The symptoms show in heavy periods and cause weight gain around the hips. High levels have been linked with breast cancer. While men produce very little oestrogen there is evidence that levels are rising, leading to an increase in male infertility and boy babies born with undescended testes. Low levels of oestrogen are linked to osteoporosis, fertility problems, hot flushes and vaginal dryness.

Progesterone is higher in the second half of a woman's monthly cycle after ovulation. It is often common for women to feel bloated, for skin to become spottier and for a drop in libido.

Fluctuating levels of the two hormones can cause severe mood swings and depression and in turn affect the pituitary gland and the level of endorphins, the mood enhancing or 'happy' hormones, in your body.

Self help: increase your intake of soya, eating at least one portion a day.

Japanese women whose diets were traditionally rich in soya suffer little from PMT or menopausal problems and levels of breast cancer are much lower. Soya contains isoflavins (oestrogen like plant compounds) which are known to decrease hormone related cancers and reduce menopausal symptoms including hot flushes. Tofu is the richest source, but also try and eat more citrus fruits, oats, fennel and rhubarb. Ginseng and liquorice are also thought to help balance these two hormones, correcting levels whether too high or too low. Yams are rich in diosgenin, from which progesterone can be produced in the lab. Vitamin B6 can help reduce mood swings and Evening Primrose Oil is known to help menopausal symptoms. The Pill can also help balance hormone levels, see your GP and don't be afraid to ask to switch brands if symptoms are not relieved.

Testosterone: The male hormone produced in the testicles and responsible for male characteristics such as muscle bulk and facial hair. It also controls the sex drive and plays a part in energy levels and circulation.

After the age of 30 testosterone levels in men begin to gradually decline and can lead to what is now being described as the ''male menopause.''

As in the female menopause symptoms include hot flushes, tiredness and a lack of libido and a general lack of virility and vitality.

Women also need small amounts of testosterone which is produced by the ovaries. Too much can lead to weight gain, acne, facial and body hair and mood swings, but too little causes chronic tiredness, insomnia, and a lack of libido. Last year, studies in the Netherlands linked testosterone to female uterine cancer.

Self help: To boost testosterone levels eat foods rich in zinc such as red meat, dairy produce and seafood or take a zinc supplement. For men, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)to raise levels of testosterone is now available. Given in the form of pellets implanted under the skin on the buttocks they are renewed every five months. Implants are seen as the most effective treatment as patches cause severe skin rashes, injections need to be repeated every three weeks and the absorption of orally taken capsules is poor.

Women who are worried testosterone levels are too high should cut out caffeine, alcohol and dairy products and reduce red meats and increase their aerobic exercise.

Adrenalin: Produced by the adrenal gland it is your body's fight or flight hormone. It slows down the body's systems so that more energy is available to deal with the problem.

As well as fear, adrenalin production is sparked by stress and stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate, cigarettes and sugar. Constant production of adrenalin is associated with speeding up ageing and digestion problems.

Self help: Cut out stimulants. When you feel yourself getting tired eat a piece of fruit, fresh or dried, instead. Learn calming techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to lower stress levels.

Links
NHS Direct guide to the menapause
Women's health network