World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a, “State of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Hormones play a major role in regulating health and many of our daily functions. Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by brain and different endocrine glands in the body. They are either proteins or are steroids in nature. Hormones, by variation in their levels can cause emotional stability or instability, elation or depression, tranquility or excitement, affinity or aversion, cognitive clarity or confusion, concentration or distraction, compassion/sympathy or apathy etc. Emotions and emotional activities regulate neuroendocrine hormones in body and thus the behavioral response of a person. Hormones can be divided into two categories – those creating positive moods or states of mind and the ones creating negative states of mind.

With a busy lifestyle and changing environmental conditions, there has been hormonal imbalance that affects physical and mental health. It has been seen in women that lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption have disturbed hormones, progesterone and estrogen levels thus causing anxiety, depression, headaches, poor sleep patterns, and weight gain and elevating the risk of endometrial and breast cancer. This could be a major reason (other than hereditary mutations) for a higher incidence of breast cancer among women worldwide. Estrogen has an interesting impact on insulin and also on weight. Similarly, fluctuations in testosterone levels elicit aggressive behavior in men and also increase incidence of prostate cancer in men.

Society is shifting to a pattern of isolated living; especially our senior citizens are either living alone or in old age home and that have induced sadness, anxiety and depression. Oxytocin known as Love hormone is associated with social functions, including bonding in a relationship, trust and empathy. Its level rises during hugging and is beneficial for patients suffering from depression and anxiety. Caring and hugging the elderly can boost oxytocin making them feel good and happy.

The younger generation so called Gen Z is spending more time on screen and indoors thus becoming lethargic. Lethargic life lowers the level of many neurotransmitters like serotonin, hence, exercising routinely is the best way to boost its level and observe wonders in your mood. Low dopamine can make a person more prone to addiction to drugs in seek of pleasure. The present generation is getting addicted due to low levels of these hormones or neurotransmitters. Boost the levels of dopamine by targeting for realistic goals and achieving them, this would have a positive impact on your life. Dopamine plays a key role in positive reinforcement and dependency. Endorphins are the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters which can block the perception of pain and enhance the feeling of well-being. Happy thoughts stimulate the brain (particularly Hypothalamus) to send signals to produce oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.

Steroid hormones commonly known as stress hormones (epinephrine (adrenaline) and nor-epinephrine), respond to fight or flight situation and communicate with regions of the brain regulating mood, motivation and also the state of the mind called fear or panic. The stress response system of a body is time-dependent and returns back to normal once the stressors or threats have passed. The system goes haywire if the stressor persists for long, as the fight or flight mode of reaction continues due to high levels of stress hormones and this ultimately leads to several health problems including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, weight gain and memory impairment. Sad or anger thoughts also activate brain to send signals to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a nature’s built-in alarm system. Cortisol increases blood sugar and its utilization in the brain. It also alters immune system response. Constant stress can deregulate hormonal levels in the body and can derail body functions.

I am still looking for the so called single “Happy hormone” in the body. Happiness is rather a complicated state of the mind and therefore a single “Happy hormone” is not in existence. Mindfulness induces happy hormones. Maintaining of positive state of mind by behavioral changes, food, and lifestyle changes can boost overall health by balancing different hormones. Regular exercise, meditation, proper sleep, healthy eating habits (avoiding saturated fats, high salt and sugar), nature walks, and smile (laughing) therapy etc. act as the first line of defense to keep hormones balanced and thus stay happy and counter stress. Besides, social support and fostering good friends also enhance mood by suppressing stress hormones. / DAILY WORLD /

(The writer is a Cancer scientist (KGMU, Lucknow), health & wellness expert.)