A doctor has revealed how hormones affect brain function, weight and well-being

M.D., lecturer at the Ben Vader College of Fitness and Bodybuilding, associate professor of endocrinology department

Hormones are chemical regulators of the human body and function to support a whole range of different bodily processes – growth, emotions, cognition, and a host of others. Let’s talk about endocrine disorders that can accompany mental health disorders.

Thyroid hormones

The thyroid gland is an important gland that is involved in regulating the metabolism necessary for optimal development and functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Thyroid hormones affect their function throughout life. Among them: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Normally, they have a positive effect on cognitive function, which is not the case when they are decreased or increased.

Cognitive function is the brain’s ability to process information and includes thinking, memory, mental flexibility, problem solving and learning. When it is impaired, there is difficulty in remembering, learning new things, concentrating and making decisions that affect one’s daily life. This condition can be caused by numerous factors such as genetics, aging, certain diseases, lifestyle and environment.

Hypothyroidism

It is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. In it, the body has difficulty maintaining energy metabolism in organs and tissues, including the brain.

Hypothyroidism disrupts the process of neurotransmission (transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another), which can be accompanied by impaired memory and other higher brain functions, up to dementia and personality disorder. The disease also causes biochemical and biophysical changes in the hippocampus, important for cognition.

For years, doctors have found that patients with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders often had abnormal levels of thyroid hormone in their blood.

Low thyroid function is a frequent cause of “brain fog,” depression, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory loss.

Thyrotoxicosis

This is a condition caused by an excess of thyroid hormones in the blood. In fact, as the name suggests, there is “poisoning” by thyroid hormones.

Unlike hypothyroidism, in thyrotoxicosis, excess thyroid hormones lead to excessive excitability of the nervous system. Such people are often anxious, irritable, noted sleep disturbance, often feel an “internal tremor in the body”. Women are prone to tearfulness, and men become aggressive.

Sex hormones

Contrary to common misconception, sex hormones are not only “for intimate relationships and reproduction.” They are powerful substances that influence human growth, development and behavior.

Traditionally in endocrinology there was a gender division between testosterone, estrogens and progestogens. Now experts believe that this is not entirely correct.

Estrogens

Affect the serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and acetylcholine systems in our brains in both women and men. All of these affect mood, cognitive function, anxiety and stress.

These hormones act directly on nerve cells in the brain, facilitating neurotransmission, protecting these cells from toxins and harmful substances. Estrogens also increase cerebral blood flow, which protects against memory loss, affects cognition and reduces the risk of dementia.

Estrogen receptors are found in many areas of the brain: in the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebral cortex. These three areas are responsible for critical emotion functioning, memory consolidation and retrieval, and cognitive processes such as memory, cognition, and spatial tasks.

Testosterone

Any stress or illness is accompanied to some degree by a decrease in levels of this hormone. When it is deficient, cognitive abilities can decline and the incidence of depressive disorders and dissatisfaction with life can increase.

Spatial abilities, which help a person navigate the environment, are also linked to testosterone. These skills are used in problem solving in engineering, design, physics, and math.

Does testosterone affect cognitive function in women? Although men produce seven to eight times more of it, women also need it for healthy menstruation, sex drive, red blood cell production, bone mass, and the functioning of other tissues.

Progesterone

Has a calming and protective effect on the brain, reducing swelling and inflammatory cytokines. And prevents neuronal loss and mitochondrial dysfunction, improves healing and mental clarity after brain injury, stroke and nerve disorders.

In men, progesterone has long been overlooked as a substance that can meaningfully affect male behavior, including mental health. However, more and more work is emerging that the hormone has a meaningful role in men’s cognitive function.

Cortisol

A stress response, a vital component function of our bodies, regardless of gender. Prolonged nervous tension has a negative impact on the body, including mental health. The adrenal glands are bound to malfunction in this case.

One of the main hormones responsible for how we experience and cope with negativity is cortisol. If a person has constant stress – it compromises the ability to produce and utilize this hormone. Such people are often tired, gain weight, and have problems with immune system function. It can also lead to mood disorders such as depression, apathy and anxiety.

Excess cortisol can actually decrease hypothalamic activity, leading to an imbalance of chemical messengers that affect sleep, eating, sex, cognitive function, and more – anything that can mimic or contribute to a disorder like depression.

Препоръки

Get your hormone levels checked regularly

If you already have a diagnosed endocrine disorder, you can prevent psychological problems by taking medications as prescribed.

You should monitor new and worsening changes in your mood, sleep, pleasure, energy, concentration, and appetite, as they may be a sign of negative changes and the need for further treatment adjustments.

Create a symptom diary for yourself

Some notes to make may include:

• whether there are any mental health problems, when they started;
• rate for significance any external or life triggers such as a new job, job loss or moving house;
• try to link mental health problems to a diagnosis of an endocrine disorder;
• whether you are taking any new medications and how long you have been taking them;
• describe any physical symptoms you may be experiencing, such as fatigue, skin problems, weight gain, or thinning hair;
• analyze if there are any relatives in your family with a history of endocrine problems.

Hormones in good condition throughout life are crucial to support cognitive abilities in both men and women. Optimal levels of them help the brain function at its best.