he ability to adapt and respond to our ever-changing surroundings determines our health and well-being, and hormones are vital in this process. Hormones are chemicals released into the blood by endocrine glands to stimulate and coordinate body functions, growth, emotions, the immune system, metabolism and reproduction. Whether it’s a mood, a desire to eat, sleep or stay up all night – behaviour is connected to hormones.

Hormones are affected by each other, as well as the ever-changing environment of feelings, thoughts and activities; they are manufactured, stored and released by tissues and glands of the endocrine system, including the thyroid and the adrenal glands.

Glandular connection
The adrenal and thyroid hormonal systems are intimately linked and constantly communicating and adapting to their surroundings. These hormones are influenced by emotion, food, activity, exposure to toxins, drugs, infection, trauma and sleep. 

The adrenal glands rest on top of the kidneys and are most well-known for producing and releasing stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, which cause faster heart beats, increased blood pressure, a release of blood sugar and sharpened senses when we perceive stress. Most often, we have negative associations with the term stress, but the release of these hormones can also be due to positive feelings of excitement and celebration. We need these hormones to respond if we are about to be hit by a car. And, good stress stimulates us; it helps us focus and increase our productivity or keeps us inspired to win a race or election.

The key is to keep our stress moderate and in short bursts and avoid the chronic negative stress. When the adrenal glands are healthy, we experience sufficient energy, healthy weight (especially around the abdomen), healthy skin and restorative sleep.  

The thyroid, a butterfly shaped organ found just below the Adam’s apple, is one of the largest and most sensitive in the endocrine system and is responsible for creating hormones that manage metabolism (how your body makes energy). It regulates body temperature; assists in growth and development;
immunity; is responsible for the texture and quality of our skin and hair; the vitality of our libido; mood and overall sense of well-being. It becomes increasingly active during transitional periods such as puberty and pregnancy. When the thyroid is functioning well we feel energized, skin appears healthy, digestive function is regular, reproductive systems are active, we are mentally alert and cardiac function is regulated.