Hormone Glossary

Steroid Hormones

Any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs.

   

Stress

Physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension; a specific response by the body to stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism.

   

Stressors

An agent, condition or other stimulus that causes stress to an organism.

   

Symptom(s)

A subjective indication of a disorder reported by an afflicted person rather than being observed by an examiner.

   

Synthetic Hormones

Hormones made from plant progesterone and animal estrogens that are bio-similar but not identical to the hormones your body uses. Generally, an extra covalent bond or molecules are added so that it can be patented. Being non-identical to the body causes significant side effects and increased risk of serious health disease.

   

Taurine

Taurine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in neuromodulatory and neuroprotective actions. Supplementing with taurine can have a specific effect on GABA function.There are two primary ways in which taurine affects GABA.; First, it can inhibit GABA transaminase, an enzyme that metabolizes GABA. This allows GABA to stay in the synaptic cleft longer to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. Second, taurine can bind to the GABAAreceptor mimicking the effects of GABA. By helping GABA function, taurine is an important neuromodulator for prevention of excitoxicity. Excitability occurs when glutamate binds to its receptor, in this case, the NMDA receptor. Once glutamate activates the NMDA receptor there is an increase in intracellular Ca++ causing depolarization or cell excitability. With glutamate release, there is also simultaneous GABA and taurine release. When the inhibitory neurotransmitters, GABA and taurine, activate the GABAA receptor, the result is an increase in intracellular Cl- ions. This results in hyperpolarization which reduces cell excitability. Thus, the overall effect of taurine supplementation is to support GABA function. The relevance of GABA support is to prevent overstimulation due to high levels of excitatory amino acids. Therefore, taurine and GABA constitute an important protective mechanism against excessive excitatory amino acids. Similarly, taurine is increased in response to the exposure of free radicals elucidating its neuroprotective actions. Exposure to free radicals increases glutamate excretion, further potentiation NMDA receptor activation. Taurine modulates this effect to prevent cell excitability by keeping the cell hyperpolarized. The supplementation of taurine can help alleviate some excitability issues associated with elevated excitatory amino acids as well as play a role in regulating the effect of free radicals.

   

Testosterone

A potent Androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes, which stimulates the development of male sex organs, secondary sexual traits and sperm.

   

Thyroid

The gland located in the center of the brain responsible (amongst other things) for temperature regulation.

   

Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO)

An enzyme mainly expressed in the thyroid that liberateds iodine for addition onto tyrosine residues on thyroglobulin for the production of T4, T3 and reverse T3.

   

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland that stimulates and regulates the activity of the thyroid gland. Also called thyrotropin.

   

Thyroxin (T4)

The thyroid gland iodine-containing hormone that regulates the metabolic rate of the body; used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

   

Transferrin

A blood plasma protein for iron ion delivery.

   

Triodothyronine (T3)

A thyroid hormone derived from thyroxine but several times more potent; used in treating hypothyroidism

   

Tyramine

Tyramine (4-hydroxy-phenethylamine) is a naturally occurring monoamine compound formed by the enzymatic decarboxylation of the aromatic amino acid tyrosine. The enzyme monoamine oxidase is responsible for the breakdown of tyramine. When this metabolic pathway is compromised by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tyramine levels can become elevated and cause the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, potentially leading to an increase in blood pressure. Dietary intake of tyramine has also been associated with cluster headaches and migraines, forcing many to restrict foods containing tyramine such as fish, chocolate, alcohol, and fermented foods including cheese, processed meat, and sauerkraut.

   

Urinary Incontinence

Any involuntary leakage of urine.

   

Vaginal Atrophy

Loss of muscle tension in the vagina.

   

Vaginal Dryness

The condition in which vaginal lubrication is insufficient causing increased friction and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

   

Vaginal Lubrication

The naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse.

   

Xenoestrogen

Substances or pollutants originating outside the body that have estrogen-like activities. Exposure to these substances can have a profound impact on a person’s natural hormonal balance.

   

Xenohormones

Substances or pollutants originating outside the body that have hormone-like activities. Exposure to these substances can have a profound impact on a person’s natural hormonal balance.

   

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