Hormones are specialized chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands throughout the body. Biochemically, hormones are a nonuniform group that can take multiple forms, representing a variety of compounds (steroids, amino-acid derivatives, peptides, and proteins). (source) These powerful molecules are released into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to target specific cells, where they trigger various physiological responses. (source)
The endocrine system works with the nervous system to maintain homeostasis and coordinate the body's responses to internal and external stimuli. (source) While the nervous system often produces faster, more immediate responses, hormones often respond slower, but have a longer-lasting effect. (source)
Hormones are commonly thought of as regulators of mood, sexual performance, and growth. However, they also influence heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism, appetite, energy storage and utilization, fluid balance, and appetite. (source)
Understanding the function of hormones on an individual basis and the significance of their actions throughout the body is essential for optimizing overall well-being and performance.
The endocrine system is an extremely complex system that plays an intricate role in multiple physiological activities throughout the body. These compounds create the foundation of working systems, setting the tone for physical and cognitive performance.
Muscle function, growth, and recovery all play critical roles in physical performance. Muscle serves as the motor that ensures physical success. Multiple hormones interact with skeletal muscle tissue to help facilitate optimal upkeep and performance. Through various pathways, human growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and testosterone influence muscle size, function, and recovery. (source, source, source) By promoting optimal concentrations of these hormones, the full potential of muscular structure, function, and recovery can be realized.
Metabolism, energy utilization and storage are all extremely sensitive to hormonal influence. Thyroid hormones – thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) – regulate multiple pathways that influence macronutrient metabolism and metabolic rate. (source, source) Similarly, healthy concentrations of cortisol have been shown to play a crucial role in energy utilization, while insulin, conversely, promotes the storage of energy. (source, source) Maintaining the delicate balance between these hormones helps ensure adequate energy levels to support cognitive and physical functions.
Cardiovascular performance has been shown to be highly receptive to endocrine influence. Insulin and thyroid hormones have been shown to affect multiple aspects of cardiovascular function, such as cardiac structure, function, rhythm, and blood pressure. (source, source) Moreover, human growth hormone has been shown to help maintain vascular health. (source) The cardiovascular system supports working cells throughout the body. The maintenance of a balanced hormone profile ensures its efficiency and, thus, the efficiency of the entire body.
Immune function is also susceptible to hormonal influence. Research suggests that multiple hormones (prolactin, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid stimulating hormone) play a role in modulating immune function. (source, source) Adequate levels of these hormones support the immune system in its defense against pathogens. A strong immune system means continued progress without interruption due to illness.
Multiple areas of cognitive function have a distinct connection to the endocrine system. For example, estrogens and androgens have been shown to be extremely influential in this area. While estrogens exhibit neuroprotective properties, androgens aid in the regulation of spatial cognition, learning, and memory. (source) Balancing these hormones ensures effective cognitive function, promoting cognitive performance.
Common experiences associated with hormonal balance can be found in the table below:
Prioritize fatty fish Fatty fish serves not only as a good source of protein, but also as a good source of other nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds have been shown to support multiple facets of hormonal regulation, including synthesis and receptor-hormone interaction. (source) Recommendation: Eat at least two servings of fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, weekly.
Maintain an athletic body composition Fat mass has been shown to negatively affect multiple aspects of testosterone and is negatively associated with other hormonal concentrations. Maintaining an athletic body composition mitigates the detrimental effects of obesity on hormonal balance. (source, source) Recommendation: Maintain a high-performance diet and exercise program that supports a body composition of no more than 15% body fat for men and 20% for women.
Supplement with Tongkat Ali Tongkat Ali is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to support the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the regulatory site of testosterone production. Further, it has been shown to help support healthy concentrations of other important hormones such as cortisol. (source, source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 200 mg of Tongkat Ali daily.
Biomarkers associated with hormone profile status serve two purposes. First, they indicate the health and function of the endocrine glands. Second, they can serve as evidence of the function of target organs and the potential for physiological readiness for performance.
Estradiol is a potent sex hormone produced by the ovary that regulates the menstrual cycle and numerous organ systems of the body. It is the most abundant estrogen during female reproductive years. (source)
Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S) is an anabolic hormone with regenerative and adaptive properties that is produced in the adrenal cortex in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone. It is the most abundant steroid hormone in circulation. DHEA-S plays a key role in the production of male and female sex hormones. (source, source, source)
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in the sexual development of males. DHT is considered the most potent hormone among the androgens (which also include testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione) due to its inability to convert to estrogen. (source)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) is the primary hormone that is produced in the liver in response to growth hormone. In childhood, IGF-1 promotes cell growth and differentiation, and it continues its anabolic effects into adulthood by playing a key role in muscle growth and tissue repair. (source, source)
IGF-1 Z-Score IGF-1 is a hormone that is produced in the liver in response to growth hormone. The Z score is the number of standard deviations a given result lies above or below the mean, adjusted for both age and sex. (source)
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. It helps glucose enter muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be used for energy. Insulin also plays a role in fat and protein metabolism. (source, source, source)
Prolactin is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary and is responsible for breast development, lactation, and many other processes required to maintain homeostasis. Levels in men are typically low, so imbalances may have varied clinical implications. (source)
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced in the liver that transports androgens and estrogens in the blood. SHBG regulates hormone interaction with target tissues by binding to them, causing them to be less bioavailable. (source, source)
Total Triiodothyronine (Total T3) is a hormone produced in the thyroid and affects many organs and tissues throughout the body, playing a key role in metabolism and protein synthesis. Total T3 is a measure of the amount of hormone that is both bound and unbound to protein in the blood. (source)
Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) is the portion of T3 that is not bound to protein in the blood. (source)
T3 Uptake Thyroid hormones circulate in the blood bound to transport proteins (called thyroid-binding globulins, or TBG). T3 uptake is used as an indirect measure of TBG-binding capacity. (source, source)
Total Thyroxine (Total T4) is the main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones are responsible for a range of bodily functions, including metabolism and growth. The amount of T4 produced is controlled by TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), and total T4 is a measure of the amount of thyroxine that is both bound and unbound to proteins in the blood (source).
Free Thyroxine (FT4) is the amount of thyroxine that is unbound to proteins in the blood. (source)
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) modulates the release of hormones from the thyroid gland. Often used as a marker for stress, TSH is an indicator of thyroid function. (source, source)
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in sexual development and reproduction in both males and females. In females, FSH is essential for estrogen production and follicular development; in males, it is essential, along with testosterone, for the maintenance of normal sperm count and function. (source)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced in the pituitary gland and stimulates key activities of the reproductive system. In females, LH stimulates the production of steroid hormones; in males, it stimulates the production of testosterone. (source)
Total Testosterone Testosterone is the primary male hormone that regulates sex differentiation, sexual development, spermatogenesis, and fertility. It has anabolic effects, including the development of skeletal muscle via protein synthesis, and it plays a role in the production of red blood cells. (source)
Free Testosterone is testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood. In comparison to bound testosterone, it is considered the active portion of total testosterone due to its ability to interact with cells to elicit androgenic responses. (source, source)
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the cortex of the adrenal gland and is associated with stress that is essential for health and performance. Cortisol interacts with multiple systems in the body. Circulating cortisol levels may have implications for energy production, immune function, and water-electrolyte balance, among others. (source, source)
