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Stress and Hormones:Making the Connection

•Definition of stress/stressor

•Brain’s role in hormone regulationBrain s role in hormone regulation

•Steroid hormones and their jobs

•Case studies

Brain Body

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Brain – Body Communication Methods:

•Nerves•Blood•Hormones

PERFECT FUNCTION OR HOMEOSTASIS

THE BODY AT EASE

DIS‐EASE OR DYSFUNCTION

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Hormones

Brain: Pituitary and Hypothalamus

ANATOMY OF THE BRAIN

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Pituitary and Hypothalamus

Anterior Pituitary Stimulating Hormones

•Growth Hormone•Thyroid Stimulating Hormone•Adrenocorticotropic Hormone•Adrenocorticotropic Hormone•Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone•Luteinizing Hormone•Prolactin

Ant. PituitaryHormone

Major Target

Organ(s)Major 

Physiological Effects

Growth Hormone(HGH)

Liver, adipose tissue

Promotes growth(indirectly),

Control of protein,lipid, and 

carb. metabolismcarb. metabolism

Thyroid‐stimulating

Hormone (TSH)Thyroid Gland

Stimulates secretion of 

thyroid hormones

Adrenocortico‐tropic 

Hormone (ACTH)

Adrenal Gland(Cortex)

Stimulates secretion of 

glucocorticoids

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Ant. PituitaryHormone

Major TargetOrgan(s)

MajorPhysiological

Effects

LuteinizingHormone

Ovary and TestisControl ofreproductivefunction

Follicle‐stimulating Hormone

Prolactin

Ovary and TestisControl of 

reproductive function

Mammary GlandMilk

Production

Posterior Pituitary  Hormones

•Antidiuretic Hormone•Oxytocin

Post. PituitaryHormone

Major Target Organ(s)

MajorPhysiological

Effects

AntidiureticHormone

KidneyConservation of 

Body fluid

Oxytocin Mammary, Ovary and Testis

Stimulates milk ejection, uterine contractions,establishes maternal behavior

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THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE

.

Hypothalamus  Pituitary

FSH and LHhGH

TSH

ACTH

Others

Endocrine Relationships

M e d u lla

C o r te x

P i tu i ta r y

P a n c re a s

D u o d e n u m

A d r e n a ls

F o llic le

C o r p o r a L u te a

P la c e n ta

P a r a -T h y r o id

G o n a d s

T h y m u s

L ive r T h y r o id P in e a l

M a m m a e

C o o p e r a t io n A n ta g o n is m

Excerpt from Harrowers “Excerpt from Harrowers “Endocrinology”Endocrinology”

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Major Players

Medulla

Cortex

Pituitary

Pancreas

Duodenum

Adrenals AdrenalsPituitary

Follicle

Corpora Lutea

Placenta

Para-Thyroid

Gonads

Thymus

Liver Thyroid Pineal

Mammae

Cooperation Antagonism

Excerpt from Harrowers “Excerpt from Harrowers “Endocrinology”Endocrinology”

Thyroid

Sex Organs

Functions of Hormones

1.)  Help Regulate:

‐ Metabolism and energy balance

‐ Biological clock (circadium rhythm)

‐ Glandular secretions

‐ Some immune activities

Functions of Hormones (cont.)

2.)  Control growth and development

3.)  Govern reproduction

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•Controls rate at which bodyproduces energy

•Controls body temperature

Thyroid

y p

•Affects mood

•Impacts immunity

Adrenal Glands

The Adrenals

Four basic hormonal functions:•Glucocorticoids regulate blood sugar    and inflammation 

An important part of the “fight or flight” h imechanism

•Mineralocorticoids regulate mineral balance, particularly sodium and potassium

•DHEA production – our ‘anti‐aging hormone’Production of sex hormones

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FUNCTIONS OF CORTISOL

•Literally can’t live without it•Mobilizes and increases amino acids•Boosts energy levelsI di ti•Improves digestion

•Eases joint movement•Lessens inflammation and pain•Enhances immune function•Maintains personality and emotional stability

FUNCTIONS OF DHEA

•Increases muscle mass; decreases body fat•Improves cardiovascular function

•Enhances immune systemEnhances immune system

•Helps prevent decreased mental function

•Helps fat loss; increases lean body mass

•Stimulates new bone growth

• Ovaries produce the female sex hormones: estrogens and progesterone in cycling 

Sex Organs

women.

• Testes produce the primary male sex hormone, testosterone.

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DIS‐EASE OR DYSFUNCTION

Stressors

• Poor Diet• Mental/Emotional/• Physical• Biochemical

DIETARY STRESSORS

•Poor nutrient intake  = bad fuel

•S.A.D. can lead to gut issues

•Caffeine/alcohol overuse

•High carb = glycemic/adrenal issues

•Food allergies/intolerances

•Insufficient protein can createneurotransmitter deficiencies 

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MENTAL STRESSORS

•Work overload   • Late hoursSl d i i•Sleep deprivation

•Financial worries• Unfulfilling life •Negative thoughts

MENTAL STRESSORS

EMOTIONAL STRESSORS

Death of loved one               DivorceJob Loss AngergUnfulfilling relationships      GuiltFearfulness LonelinessNot feeling heard Not having fun

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PHYSICAL STRESSORS

•Trauma or illness•Lack of exercise•Excessive physical exertionp y•Whiplash and Subluxations•Surgery•Chronic pain•Lack of relaxation

BIOCHEMICAL STRESSORS

Liver overload        AllergiesDysbiosis MoldsI f ti I fl tiInfection InflammationXenobiotics EMFsAnemia Malabsorption

SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION

•Hypoglycemia•Cravings for sweets•Moments of confusion/Poor memory•Premenstrual tension•Weight control problems•Food and/or inhalant allergies•Poor resistance to infections

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Chief Complaints of Adrenal Insufficiency

•Excessive fatigue•Nervousness/Irritability•Mental Depressionp•Inability to concentrate•Apprehension•Light‐headedness•Insomnia

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ADRENAL/THYROID CONNECTION

Low thyroid function is usually secondary to 

adrenal stress!

Case StudiesCase Studies

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Are hidden t ff ti

Think About It:

stressors affecting your life?

Thank you!

Anne Fischer Silva, CN, FDN, ,A New Leaf Nutrition