Top 8 Hormones

You Need To
Know About

Dr. Jaban Moore

Hormones are molecules produced
from the endocrine system that
send messages to various parts
of the body.
They regulate processes in our bodies, like
hunger, reproductive health, blood pressure,
metabolism, thirst, body temperature, etc.
Essentially, they communicate to the body
what to do so it will run smoothly. They are an
integral part of our digestive, immune, nervous,
cardiovascular, urinary, respiratory, skeletal,
and reproductive systems. If hormones are
imbalanced, this is a warning sign that there
is a problem within the body that is caused by
infection, toxicities, and/or trauma.

Below is a list of 8 hormones that are crucial to

the well-being of our bodies.
1. Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone that is involved in both female and male reproduction, as well
as numerous other biological systems including the neuroendocrine, vascular, skeletal,
and immune systems; therefore, it is also implicated in many different diseases and
conditions such as infertility, obesity, osteoporosis, endometriosis, and a variety of cancers
(1). Although estrogen is crucial for both male and females, estrogen imbalances typically
affect women more than men as it is heavily involved in menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

A 2018 study states that estrogen is “indispensable to glucose

homeostasis, immune robustness, bone health, cardiovascular
health, fertility, and neural functions. However, estrogen is at
the center of almost all human pathologies as well-infectious,
autoimmune, metabolic to degenerative. Both hypo and hyper level
of estrogen have been linked to chronic and acute diseases (2).”

While normal aging lowers estrogen levels, leading to tissue degeneration (bone,
muscle, neural, etc.), the metabolic imbalances (glucose, lipid, etc.) and increments in
inflammatory agents in day-to-day life (infections, toxicities, traumas) are enhancing
estrogen (or estrogen-mimicking) levels, fueling “estrogen dominance” (excess estrogen).
The resultant excess estrogen induces an overexpression of estrogen receptors (ERα
and ERβ); this harms tissues and leads to autoimmune diseases (1). The unprecedented
escalation of estrogen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, breast cancer,
ovary cancer, and gynecomastia are indicating that this sensitive hormone is consistently
threatened by infections and toxins.

For many reasons, your body may make too little or too much estrogen depending on
bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections; mold, heavy metal, or environmental toxicities/
toxic chemicals; and emotional/physical trauma. Today, estrogen imbalances (specifically
estrogen dominance) are common amongst chronically-ill people as hormonal
imbalances are symptoms of a root cause problem. In order to create balanced estrogen
levels, the root causes of the imbalance must be addressed.
Additionally, xenoestrogens, a category of chemicals that act as estrogen, are fueling
estrogen dominance symptoms. These chemicals are found in lotions, body wash, dish
soaps, cosmetics, plastic containers, etc. Unfortunately, the body cannot distinguish a
difference between real estrogen and xenoestrogens, creating estrogen dominance
symptoms (3)(4).

Symptoms of low estrogen in women include (5):

y Less Frequent or y Dry Skin
No Menstrual Cycle y “Menstrual Migraine” (a bad
y Hot Flashes headache that occurs right
y Trouble Sleeping before a menstrual period due
to the drop of estrogen)
y Mood Swings

Symptoms of low estrogen in men include:

y Excess Belly Fat
y Low Libido

Symptoms of high estrogen in women:

y Weight Gain (mainly in the
belly, hips, and thighs)
y Worsening of Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS)
y Fibrocystic Breasts
(non-cancerous breast lumps)
y Fibroids (non-cancerous cysts/
tumors on the uterus/ovaries)
y Depression / Anxiety
y Low Libido

Symptoms of high estrogen in men:

y Gynecomastia y Infertility
(enlarged breasts) y Erectile Dysfunction
2. Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone involved in both female and male reproduction. Although it is
primarily known as the “male sex hormone,” it is much more than that. It is an important
contributor to the robust metabolic processes of the immune system. Testosterone is
responsible for “regulating sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and
strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm (6).”

According to a 2013 review “Testosterone levels

themselves are considered to be lowered by chronic disease (9).”
For example, a testosterone deficiency has a high prevalence in men
with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, low testosterone is associated
with impaired insulin sensitivity, increased percentage of body fat,
obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Epidemiological studies have consistently reported that up to 40% of
men with type 2 diabetes have a testosterone deficiency (10).

While high estrogen is common amongst

women, low testosterone is increasingly
common amongst men. During puberty,
testosterone helps boys develop facial hair,
muscle mass, and a deeper voice. After the
age of 40, testosterone levels drop 1.6% per
year (7). However, a significant reduction
in levels may lead to unwanted symptoms.
Today, 1 in 4 men have low testosterone
levels before the age of 45, leading to
increasingly common symptoms. Since
2012, there has been a 17 0% increase in
the amount of men diagnosed with a
testosterone deficiency (8).
Symptoms of low testosterone in men and women:
y Infertility / Low Sperm y Loss of Body / Facial Hair
Count / Reproductive y Fatigue
System Problems
y Depression
y Obesity / Loss of Lean
y Osteoporosis
Muscle Mass

Symptoms of high testosterone in women:

y Excessive Body / Facial Hair y Menstrual Irregularities
y Acne / Oily Skin y Male Pattern Baldness
3. Progesterone
Progesterone is primarily a female-based hormone; however, men require progesterone
to produce testosterone. Progesterone is mainly secreted by the corpus luteum in
the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It plays an important role
in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. Additionally,
progesterone is made in small amounts within the adrenal glands.

Progesterone also influences the production of inflammatory mediators, such as

human T-cells within the uterine cavity. Thus, a loss of progesterone leads to an increase
in myometrial contractility (contractions) coupled with a decrease in fighting off
immunologic threats, ultimately leading to a higher risk of miscarriage and early delivery
of a fetus. An increase of T-cells is a sign of inflammation/infection within the body. This
leads to “autoimmune-like” symptoms (11). Research shows that high progesterone levels
are possible, but not common. Today, low progesterone is common amongst women due
to infections and mold, chemical, and heavy metal toxicities.

Symptoms of low progesterone in women:

y Irregular Menstrual Cycles y Hypothyroidism
y Mood Swings y Fluid Retention
y Anxiety / Depression y Estrogen Dominance
y Headaches / Migraines
y (especially around menstrual cycle)
y
Symptoms of low progesterone in men:
y When the balance of progesterone in men is inadequate, it can
cause “estrogen dominance,” a condition frequently associated
with women, resulting in nervousness, erectile dysfunction,
fatigue, prostate enlargement, higher risk of prostate cancer,
and low libido (12).
4. Insulin
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas, a gland located next to the stomach. Insulin
authorizes the body to use glucose (the primary sugar in our blood) for energy. The body
processes glucose through meals/snacks with carbohydrates. Later, these carbohydrates
are made into glucose within the gastrointestinal tract. Then, this glucose is absorbed
into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining to create cellular energy. A 2021 study
states that “the major purpose of insulin is to regulate the body’s energy supply by
balancing micronutrient levels during the fed state. Insulin is critical for transporting
intracellular glucose to insulin-dependent cells/tissues, such as liver, muscle, and adipose
tissue (13).”

A major chronic illness associated with unbalanced insulin levels is diabetes (type 1 and
2). In diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin to sustain cellular energy. In fact,
1 in 10 Americans have type 2 diabetes (34 million people) and approximately 90-95%
of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Additionally, more than 1 in 3 people are
prediabetic (88 million people). According to research, 84% of prediabetic people do not
even know they have it — many are asymptomatic for years prior to seeing symptoms
(14).

While both types of diabetes may be imposed by a genetic predisposition and

epigenetics, environmental triggers and infections may also result in insulin resistance
as well as liver congestion and a dysfunctional pancreas (15). Additionally, diet, lack of
exercise, and stress may trigger the start of insulin resistance. An imbalance of insulin
creates a gateway for parasites, bacteria, and viruses to affect the body due to the
physiological stress made by low insulin levels.

Symptoms of diabetes (type 1 and 2) and prediabetes (16):

y Extreme Thirst / Hunger y Numbness in Hands / Feet

y Frequent Urination y Gastrointestinal Issues
(especially at night) y Dry Skin
y Chronic Fatigue y Blurry Vision
5. Cortisol
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid (steroid hormone) that is produced from cholesterol in
the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney. It is normally released in response
to events such as waking up, exercising, and acute stress. Cortisol is also the primary
hormone involved in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis), the body’s stress
response system. In this system, the hypothalamus in the brain produces corticotropin-
releasing hormone (CRH), which signals the pituitary gland in the brain to create
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH signals for the release of cortisol from the
adrenal glands (17).

Additionally, cortisol assists in managing inflammation, regulating blood sugar,

controlling the sleep/wake cycle, and increasing energy (cortisol levels) so the body
can handle stress. After the stress has passed, cortisol levels should naturally balance.
However, if this “fight-or-flight” mode continues and does not balance out, then
symptoms of “adrenal fatigue” may occur (18).

Imbalanced cortisol levels are commonly referred to as “adrenal fatigue;” however, this is
actually HPA axis dysregulation (something that occurs when the body is under stress,
infection, and/or toxicities). Additionally, if a person is chronically-ill and they experience
a small amount of daily-life stress, this may turn into full-blown “adrenal fatigue” that
an otherwise healthy person would be able to handle due to their lack of infections and
toxicities. In order to have a healthy HPA axis and cortisol response, the body must be
cleared of chronic infections, toxicities, and emotional trauma that may be inhibiting it
from healing. A 2014 study states that “a prolonged or exaggerated stress response may
perpetuate cortisol dysfunction, widespread inflammation, and pain (19).” A hormonal
imbalance is a symptom, not a root cause.

Symptoms of HPA axis dysregulation:

y Chronic Fatigue / y Low / High Blood Pressure

“Wired and Tired” y Hair Loss
y Weight Gain y Heart Palpitations
y Difficulty Concentrating / y Anxiety / Depression
Brain Fog
6. Serotonin/Dopamine/
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that communicate via neurons.
They are used by the nervous system to regulate bodily functions and processes
such as sleep, memory, metabolism, and mood. Dopamine and serotonin are both
neurotransmitters with similar functions, but different effects. Oftentimes, they are
referred to as the “happy hormones” due to their roles in regulating emotions. Dopamine
is a hormone that plays an integral role in internal motivation, desire, and determination
while serotonin is the hormone that primarily resides in the gut that promotes a healthy
gut microbiome, body temperature, appetite, and hormonal activity (20)(21). In fact, 90%
of serotonin is made in enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut ⁠— this proves that mental
health is influenced by the health of the gastrointestinal tract (22). When a person has
sufficient amounts of dopamine and serotonin in their body, it is easier to have stable
moods, a sense of purpose, and motivation.

However, it is estimated that about 1 out of every 6 adults will have depression at some
time in their life. Depression affects about 16 million American adults every year with an
increasing rate of depression in chronically-ill people (23). In fact, infections and toxicities
impose a threat on dopamine and serotonin levels. For example, parasites have serotonin
receptors just like us (24). Due to this, they steal our serotonin to feed themselves,
making us suffer the consequences of low serotonin levels (25). Additionally, parasites
may increase dopamine levels in the body to keep the immune system from showing
any symptoms of a parasitic infection (26). This enables them to travel undetected and
sneakily infect the brain. A 2018 study also states that parasites are known to “produce an
enzyme called tyrosine hydroxylase, the limiting enzyme to make dopamine (27).” Due
to this, “the brain is overflown with excess dopamine produced by the parasite, hence,
making dopamine the primary suspect in this manipulation.” When dopamine levels are
high, the threat of parasites surpasses the immune system’s detection center and allows
the parasites to continue to reproduce and thrive.

Other infections and toxicities such as lyme disease/lyme co-infections, mold exposure,
heavy metals, gastrointestinal infections, candida, and trauma can affect dopamine and
serotonin levels.
Symptoms of serotonin / dopamine imbalances:

y Depression / Anxiety / y Low Self-Esteem

Panic Attacks y Constipation
y Extreme Sugar / y Anger / Aggression
Carbohydrate Cravings
y Mental Health Disorders
y Chronic Fatigue (Bipolar, Schizophrenia, etc.)
y Insomnia

HO

HO
N
H

Serotonin
HO

OH Dopamine
HO

HO

Norepinephrine
7. Thyroid: T3/T4/Reverse
The thyroid hormone gland is a crucial part of the endocrine system. It is located just
below the Adam’s apple in the front of the neck and is responsible for the production of
thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The number attached to these
hormones is indicative to how many iodine atoms they contain — a reason why iodine is
important in thyroid health (27). These hormones play an important role in energy levels,
weight, mood, hair/nail growth, internal temperature, etc.

Additionally, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, located in the brain, help control
the thyroid. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which
stimulates the pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) — two
important markers of thyroid health. TSH’s role is to oversee the production of T3 and
T4. If T3 and T4 levels are too low, more TSH is released. If the levels are too high, less TSH
will be released. However, it is possible to have too much/too little TSH. This indicates a
thyroid problem.

Thyroid hormones regulate cells throughout the body which directly affects all organ
system functions. They are also involved in regulating the mitochondria, also known
as the “powerhouse” of the cell. Mitochondria are responsible for creating sustainable
energy for the body. Without a proper balance of these hormones, the body will react
with symptoms.

Research shows that “hypothyroidism, caused by an underactive thyroid gland, typically

manifests as bradycardia, cold intolerance, constipation, fatigue, and weight gain. In
contrast, hyperthyroidism caused by increased thyroid gland function manifests as
weight loss, heat intolerance, diarrhea, fine tremor, and muscle weakness (28).” It is
estimated that 20 million Americans have a dysfunctional thyroid with 60% unaware that
they have this condition (29).
The thyroid gland makes about 80% of T4 and only 20% of T3. As a result, T4 is converted
into T3 within your body by enzymes called deiodinases. After the hormones’ release from
the thyroid gland, T4 is converted to T3, which is an active thyroid hormone, or to reverse
T3 (rT3), which is considered an inactive form. The rate and ratio of T4 conversion to either
T3 or rT3 depend on the body’s metabolic needs. However, chronic illness, starvation, and/
or excessive cortisol (stress) is a factor in the amount of rT3 in the body. It is believed that
the body produces more rT3 in times of stress as a survival mechanism for preserving
energy. Nonetheless, elevated rT3 levels are indicative that the body is going through a
crisis (28)(30).

Symptoms of imbalance thyroid hormones:

y Weight Gain / Loss y Painful / Heavy Menstrual
y Chronic Fatigue Cycles

y Sleep Problems y Sensitivity to Cold

y Thinning Hair / Hair Loss y Depression / Anxiety /

Mood Changes
y Dry Skin

HO HO

O O

I I I

HO O I HO O I

I
T4 T3
8. Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone in the body that plays a role in sleep. It is produced in the
pineal gland of the brain and its release is connected to time of day, increasing when
it is nighttime and decreasing when it is daytime. It also helps with the timing of your
circadian rhythms (the body’s 24-hour internal clock). Being exposed to light at night
(especially blue light) can block melatonin production.

Research shows that mitochondria are the primary sites for melatonin synthesis. If
mitochondria are damaged, then melatonin becomes dysregulated, creating sleep
disorders and feelings of being “wired and tired.” If mitochondria are damaged, then an
infection, toxin, or stressor is damaging the body (31). Similarly, a melatonin deficiency
may be caused by stress, smoking, insufficient sunlight exposure during the day, blue
light exposure at night, etc. A 2012 study states that “reduced melatonin levels are also
observed in various diseases, such as types of dementia, some mood disorders, severe
pain, cancer, and diabetes type 2 (32).”

Additionally, melatonin has been proven to have anti-parasitic qualities (33). Due to
the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of melatonin, it is suggested that this
molecule has therapeutic agents to fight bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, by
several mechanisms. For example, in toxoplasmosis, African trypanosomiasis and Chagas’
disease, melatonin enhances the host’s immune response against the parasite via
regulating the secretion of inflammatory mediators (34). Overall, a melatonin deficiency
may create a less robust immune system.

Symptoms of a melatonin deficiency:

y Early Morning Awakening y Elevated Cholesterol

y Frequent Awakening During the y Insomnia
Night y Depression
y High Blood Pressure y Chronic Fatigue
References
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6206851/
(2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332217353246
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(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138025/
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(6) https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men
(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770847/
(8) https://smw.ch/article/doi/smw.2012.13539
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(14) https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html
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(16) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes
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