Hormones

Your genes control the production of hormones as well as the receptors that interact with the hormones. But your genes don’t act alone – diet and lifestyle also come into play here. These articles cover the recent research on how your genetic variants impact different hormone-related conditions.

Member’s: Check out the Hormones Topic Summary Report for a quick overview of all your genetic variants related to your hormones.

HPA Axis Dysfunction: Cortisol and Stress

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in times of stress, and it also plays many roles in your normal bodily functions. It is a multi-purpose hormone that needs to be in the right amount (not too high, not too low) and at the right time. Your genes play a big role in how likely you are to have problems with cortisol.

PCOS: Genetics and Root Causes

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder causing an increase in androgen hormone production in women. It also increases the risk of infertility. PCOS affects 5 -10% of premenopausal women, and genetics plays a large role in whether you have PCOS.

Thyroid Hormone Levels and Your Genes

The thyroid is a master regulator controlling many of your body’s systems. It is integral for metabolism and body temperature. Learn more about specific thyroid-related variants and check your genetic raw data.

Hormones Topic Summary

Utilize our Hormones Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)

Low testosterone and your genes

While diet and lifestyle play a role in testosterone levels, in males, there is a strong genetic component as well. Check out your genes to see if they are playing a role in your low T levels — and then check out the Lifehacks.

COMT – Altering neurotransmitter levels

Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Genes that increase the risk of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a problem for a lot of women, especially after age 30. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscle cells of the uterus. This article will dig into the causes of fibroids, explain how your genetic variants can add to the susceptibility, and offer solutions that are backed by research. (Member’s article)

Estrogen: How it is made and how we get rid of it

Estrogen – from how much is made to how it is broken down – is dependent on both genetics and lifestyle factors and affects both men and women. This article explains how estrogen is made, how it is eliminated from the body, which genes are involved, and how this influences the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and fibroids.

acne

Root Cause of Acne: Your Genes

Acne is thought to be 80% heritable. Learn how your genetic variants increase your risk of acne and find specific solutions that work for those genetic pathways.

Will you go bald? Genetics and baldness

What causes male pattern baldness? A combination of genetics, nutrition, and environmental toxins come together to form the risk factors for baldness. But genetics really seems to rule the roost here.

PMS, Genetics, and Solutions

A lot of women know the moodiness and brain fog that comes with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies estimate that PMS is up to 95% heritable – which means that it has a huge genetic component. Learn about the genes and find out which solutions may actually work for you. (Member’s article)