Last updated on October 24th, 2025 at 09:17 am

Hormones are chemical messengers responsible for regulating numerous bodily functions, such as growth and development, immune system function, sexual function, metabolism, and mood and behavior. Such regulation occurs naturally when the body is in hormonal balance. However, an imbalance can cause significant disruption. Several things can trigger a hormonal imbalance, including stress.

What More People Should Know About Hormones

The hormone-secreting glands that comprise the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, and the ovaries in women and the testes in men. The hypothalamus is the central command of the endocrine system.

Understanding the Hypothalamus and the Anterior Pituitary Gland

Situated at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the production and secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland, including human growth hormones (HGH). The same applies to the sleep hormone melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland.

The anterior pituitary gland is also involved in the secretion of T3 and T4 hormones by the thyroid gland. These thyroid hormones regulate growth, development, metabolism, and the body’s energy levels, which have a direct impact on heart rate, brain function, and body temperature. While we are on the topic of thyroid hormones, the anterior pituitary gland regulates the secretion of parathyroid hormones by the parathyroid glands. These peptide hormones are responsible for regulating calcium in the body.

Along with growth hormones, thyroid hormones, and parathyroid hormones, the anterior pituitary gland influences the production and release of adrenal cortex hormones. These hormones help regulate multiple bodily functions. Some of the more notable of these include metabolism, electrolyte balance, blood pressure, sexual development, and the body’s circadian rhythm.

The anterior pituitary gland also influences the amount of insulin and glucagon the pancreas gland secretes and releases into the bloodstream. These two hormones regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Lastly, the anterior pituitary gland regulates the secretion of sex hormones. That includes estrogen secreted by the ovaries in women and testosterone secreted by the testes in men. Sex hormones play a key role in sex drive, reproduction, menstruation in women, sperm production in men, and much more.

How Stress Impacts Hormone Health

Just like aging, being diagnosed with certain medical conditions, or taking certain medications, too much stress can negatively impact hormonal balance, especially when it comes to testosterone and human growth hormone levels. Over time, chronic stress causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol and adrenaline, which are stress hormones, in the body.

And that’s because of its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key neuroendocrine system. High cortisol and adrenaline levels can trigger a fight-or-flight response, which can be beneficial if we are in danger. However, if these stress hormone levels remain high for a prolonged period, it can take a tremendous toll on our physical, psychological, and overall health.

How Chronic Stress Impacts HGH Levels in the Body

High cortisol levels caused by prolonged stress can lead to a decline in HGH levels in the blood. When this happens, it can trigger a series of unpleasant symptoms. Some of the most common include the following:

• A decline in cognitive function.
• A decline in muscle mass, strength, and stamina
• Anxiety and depression
• Brittle bones
• Changes in skin health and appearance
• Chronic fatigue
• Decreased libido or decreased sexual function and desire.
• Frequent headaches
• High cholesterol
• Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain

Like growth hormone production, testosterone production also declines over time when cortisol and adrenaline levels remain too high. Symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone levels include the following:

• Difficulty focusing
• Erectile dysfunction and testicular changes in men
• Fatigue
• Gynecomastia in men
• Hot flashes in women
• Increased belly fat
• Insomnia
• Irritability, anxiety, and depression
• Low libido
• Memory problems
• Reduced bone density
• Reduced fertility
• Reduce muscle mass and strength
• Thinning body hair

How To Boost Low Human Growth Hormone Levels

Finding ways to better cope with or eliminate stress can lower high cortisol levels and stimulate the body to produce more HGH. Getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, consuming a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in relaxation techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation, can also help.

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, and adding functional foods like Ryze can be a smart choice. Its mushroom-based blend supports gut health and balanced energy — helping the body better manage stress and maintain hormonal harmony without the caffeine crashes of traditional coffee.”

In response to reduced stress, the body naturally secretes more HGH, which, in turn, eases or provides complete relief from HGH deficiency symptoms. In some cases, however, individuals may need to take prescription medication, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), to combat stress. And this is sometimes in addition to prescription medications prescribed to boost low HGH, like Humatrope, Nutropin, Saizen, Serostim, Sogroya, and Genotropin.

How To Boost Low Testosterone Levels

Like HGH, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can sometimes boost low testosterone levels and provide relief from deficiency-related symptoms. However, extremely low testosterone levels might also require testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). For those unfamiliar with TRT, it involves using testosterone-boosting medications, such as Androderm, AndroGel, Testim, or Depo-Testosterone, to stimulate testosterone production in the body.

Speak With a Hormone Specialist Today

To summarize, uncontrolled, chronic stress can affect your physical, psychological, and overall health in many ways due to its impact on hormonal balance. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, consider scheduling a consultation with a Nexel Medical physician today.