SEX HORMONES 101

Many of us think of the sex hormones as being involved primarily in libido and reproduction. While hormones are crucial for sexual arousal and reproductive function, the truth is they do so much more! Read on for an overview of the sex hormone system, causes of hormone imbalances, and what you can do to support hormone balance.

What Is The Sex Hormone System?

The sex hormone system consists of the hormones pregnenolone, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone which act as chemical messengers transmitting unique signals and binding to hormone receptors which exist in many cells and tissues throughout the body. Sex hormones are made by specialized tissues called “glands,” which include the ovaries in women and the testes in men. In addition, the adrenal glands produce the sex hormones DHEA and pregnenolone in both men and women and as we age, the adrenals can also produce small amounts of estrogen and progesterone. Sex hormones regulate critical aspects of development, puberty, reproductive function, and brain, bone, and metabolic health.

All sex hormones are also steroid hormones and biosynthesized from the lipid-based molecule cholesterol in a process called steroidogenesis.

Let’s discuss each of these primary sex hormones and some of their essential functions:

What Is A “Hormone Imbalance?”

A hormone imbalance occurs when there is either too much or too little of certain hormones in the body. Here are a few examples of common sex hormone imbalances:

• Estrogen dominance/progesterone insufficiency: This is a common pattern in our modern-day society, where exposure to toxins like plastics, fertilizers, and more can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), increasing estrogen levels in the body and inhibiting estrogen detoxification, while ongoing stress simultaneously depletes progesterone. Estrogen dominance can result in symptoms such as heavy periods, breast tenderness, premenstrual symptoms, and uterine fibroids. Estrogen dominance and progesterone insufficiency can also occur during perimenopause, when the ovarian production of estrogen fluctuates wildly for some time before ultimately declining permanently in menopause.
• Estrogen dominance/androgen deficiency (in men): A relative dominance of estrogen and depletion of the androgens testosterone and DHEA can occur in men. Exposure to EDCs ( 16 ), stress, poor gut health ( 17 ), an unhealthy diet high in processed carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fats ( 18 ), and excess body fat can all contribute to estrogen dominance and low androgen levels in men. Excess body fat can raise estrogen in men by stimulating aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen Low testosterone (in men): Low testosterone in men also occurs naturally as part of the aging process due to a loss of Leydig cells in the testes. The Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone and androgens in men. (19) Low testosterone can contribute to symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and low libido. However, it can also be the prelude to more serious long-term health issues, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). (20)
• Low estrogen: ow estrogen can occur in cycling women under stress, as well as menopausal women due to the loss of ovarian estrogen production. Symptoms of low estrogen in women include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, poor mood, dry skin, and vaginal dryness. In addition, low estrogen can be caused by under-eating, stress, and a vegan diet (because vegan diets tend to be very low in the nutrients the body needs to synthesize estrogens, such as cholesterol, vitamin A, and zinc), or cessation of ovarian estrogen production in menopause.
• Low DHEA and/or low pregnenolone: DHEA and pregnenolone are both considered “youth” hormones, and their levels drop significantly as we age. Stress can also deplete both hormones. Symptoms of low DHEA and pregnenolone are similar and include sexual dysfunction, low mood, fatigue, and slow memory and processing capabilities.