A collective term referring to the key endocrine signaling molecules that play a pivotal and direct role in regulating emotional balance, stress response, and overall psychological well-being. This group primarily includes thyroid hormones, sex steroids like estrogen and testosterone, and adrenal hormones such as cortisol and DHEA, which exert significant influence on central nervous system function. Optimal balance of these hormones is a clinical prerequisite for maintaining a resilient and stable mood state.
Origin
This concept arises from the clinical intersection of endocrinology, psychiatry, and neurobiology, recognizing the profound bidirectional communication between the endocrine system and the brain. It is rooted in decades of research demonstrating that fluctuations or deficiencies in specific hormones correlate strongly with mood disorders, anxiety, and irritability. The term serves to simplify a complex neuroendocrine reality for patient understanding.
Mechanism
These hormones influence mood stability by modulating the synthesis, release, and receptor sensitivity of key neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, within limbic system structures. For instance, adequate thyroid hormone is essential for global brain metabolism, while sex steroids influence neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Cortisol, while catabolic, is critical for a healthy stress response, with dysregulation leading to chronic mood instability.
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