Hormonal system from the perspective of epigenetics

Hormones not only control many processes in our body, but they can even influence the behaviour of individual cells and the activity of genes in our DNA. How can we use epigenetics to promote the proper production of certain hormones and how do these hormones in turn affect our genes?

Hormones function as signaling molecules, i.e. substances that can transmit information to individual cells in our body and thus regulate their behaviour.

Individual cells are largely separate units separated from their surroundings by a cell wall. In order for them to start behaving in accordance with the whole body system, they need a signal to overcome the cell wall. And hormones can be just such a signal. They penetrate the cell wall either directly or via the so-called second messenger system, and subsequently influence events inside the cell – including events that regulate the activity of individual genes.

At the same time, however, the reverse relationship is also true – namely, that epigenetic events can in turn affect the production of individual hormones, because they change the activity of genes that control the production of these hormones.

Let’s now take a look at some of the hormones produced by our bodies and how we can influence their production by understanding epigenetic laws.

Thyroid hormones

The main function of the thyroid gland is the production of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin. For the production of the first two, sufficient iodine in the diet is considered essential, but this alone is not sufficient. Equally important is the functioning of the systems that take up iodine salts from the flowing blood and thus ensure their sufficient concentration in the thyroid gland.

The key role here is played by special proteins known as NIS (Natrium Iodine Symporter), which enable the transport of iodine salts across the cell membrane. People who suffer from thyroid hypofunction have increased methylation of the gene that makes up NIS, and the activity of this gene is thus limited. Thus, they have little iodine in their thyroid gland, although they receive enough iodine through their diet.

What can help: adequate iodine intake is of course key, but other minerals and trace elements – sodium, potassium, copper, iron, calcium and zinc – are also important. Dietary supplements with an epigenetic effect can be very effective: curcumin, rose hip, omega-3 and vitamin D3.

What to avoid: Stress and alcohol have a negative epigenetic effect on thyroid hormone production. Among dietary supplements, quercetin is inappropriate as it acts as a hormone disruptor, and the same applies to EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate from green tea).

Testosterone

The male sex hormone testosterone is not only responsible for the development of sexual characteristics, sexual function, fertility and muscle growth, but also has pain-relieving effects, protects nerve cells from damage and its deficiency can result in mood disorders.

Its level decreases with age, but problems with it can also occur at a younger age, especially in the context of obesity. Much of the effects of testosterone are due to its epigenetic action, and at the same time, its production can also be boosted by epigenetic means.

What can help: Of the dietary supplements, pomegranate is very effective. Vitamins D3, K2 and zinc are also important. Testosterone production can also be significantly boosted by physical activity, especially vigorous physical activity and weight training.

What to avoid: Testosterone production is severely limited by obesity – dropping just eight kilograms on average raises its levels by 15%! Excessive consumption of sugars is also harmful.

Stress hormones

Even classical medicine now recognises that prolonged exposure to stress can result in a variety of health problems. The reason why this happens is the epigenetic action of stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands, especially glucocorticoids.

Stress hormones are a very useful substance that has greatly helped the human race to survive throughout its history. In fact, these substances cause changes in the body that help it to better cope with flight or fight – improving the availability of energy sources for the muscles, reducing the perception of pain, and even increasing blood clotting, thus reducing blood loss in the event of injury.

However, the body’s reactions do not distinguish whether we are stressed by an attacking bear or a deadline at work. Hormones are still secreted in the same way, and if this happens over the long term, a number of epigenetic changes occur that increase susceptibility to a huge number of diseases, including very serious ones.

The effect of stress during certain sensitive periods, such as childhood or puberty, is very pronounced. Then, for example, the lack of expressions of affection or the ridicule of classmates due to family poverty is enough to result in depression or anxiety disorders.

What can help: Of the dietary supplements, the so-called adaptogens (ginseng, suma, rhodiola, maca…) work well. Exercise, a generally healthy diet, massage, meditation, and even human touch are very beneficial.

What to avoid: Understandably, our own stressful stimuli, but also a negative approach to life.

Leptin

Leptin is one of the so-called adipokines, hormones that affect energy metabolism. Unlike the previous hormones, they are not produced by the endocrine glands, but by adipose tissue.

Leptin is very important for all those who are trying to lose weight because it has a major impact on appetite. It binds to receptors in the brain and other organs, where it limits the production of peptides that trigger appetite and, in turn, promotes the production of those that limit it.

The problem, however, is that although obese people have plenty of adipose tissue that produces leptin, they have also developed resistance to the hormone – reduced ability to transport it from the blood to the brain and reduced function of its receptors. In addition, research has shown that maternal obesity in particular (both during and before pregnancy) can negatively affect a child’s leptin production in an epigenetic way, thereby increasing the child’s risk of weight problems. Surprisingly, malnutrition during pregnancy, especially protein deficiency, works in a similar way. Fortunately, however, epigenetic reactions are reversible, and therefore it is possible to boost both leptin production and receptor function through epigenetics.

What can help: Intake of methyl donors is very important, including B vitamins (B2, B6, folic acid), methionine, choline and betaine. For example, EGCG from green tea, resveratrol and vitamin D3 are very effective in supporting leptin production, leptin receptor function and transport from the blood to the brain.

What to avoid: A diet high in sugars and saturated fats is detrimental. Although the body responds positively to a high-fat diet for a few weeks in terms of leptin production (especially if sugar intake is reduced), there is a sharp reversal.