Hormones

Hormones are a complex and interconnected system that influence nearly every function in the body. While hormone health is often discussed separately for females and males, the reality is that all humans make hormones in the same way—the difference lies in how those hormones are distributed and utilized.

All hormones are made from cholesterol. While excessively high LDL cholesterol may be problematic, cholesterol that is too low can impair hormone production. For this reason, a complete hormone assessment must include cholesterol levels. Evaluating hormones without considering cholesterol is not looking at the full picture.

Cholesterol first converts into base hormones, which then become testosterone and testosterone-like hormones. From there, estrogen is produced. In fact, estrogen is made through the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione, highlighting how tightly connected the hormone system truly is.

Hormonal Interconnection and Stress

Reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone do not function in isolation. Stress hormones are deeply intertwined with reproductive hormones. Stress is not only an emotional experience—it is also a measurable physiological state with identifiable laboratory values.

When the stress system is under chronic strain, hormone balance elsewhere in the body often suffers. For this reason, assessing adrenal function and stress hormones is a critical component of hormone care.

Hormone Production, Detoxification, and Elimination

Hormones are produced primarily in the reproductive organs and, to a lesser degree, in the adrenal glands in both males and females. Once hormones have completed their job, they must be properly detoxified and removed to maintain balance.

Hormone detoxification occurs in three major phases:

• Phase I and Phase II detoxification in the liver
• Phase III detoxification in the digestive system

This means hormone balance is influenced not only by hormone production, but also by liver health, digestive function, and bowel regularity. Impaired detoxification can lead to hormone accumulation, imbalance, and symptoms even when hormone levels appear normal on lab testing.

Naturopathic doctors are uniquely trained in hormone detoxification and clearance, ensuring hormones are not only produced appropriately but also removed effectively.