Exploring the Top 10 Hormones and Their Roles in Schizophrenia

Cortisol (Stress Hormone): Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Elevated cortisol levels are often found in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly during acute psychotic episodes, suggesting a link between stress response systems and the disorder. Chronic stress and high cortisol may exacerbate or even contribute to the onset of schizophrenia symptoms (Walker et al., 2008).

Oestrogen (Sex Hormone): Oestrogen has a neuroprotective effect and may modulate the severity and onset of schizophrenia. Women often experience a later onset and milder course of schizophrenia compared to men, possibly due to estrogen’s modulating effects on the brain. This hormone’s protective role diminishes after menopause, indicating its significance in schizophrenia’s gender differences (Hafner et al., 1993).

Testosterone (Sex Hormone): Similar to Oestrogen, testosterone can influence brain function. Lower levels of testosterone in men have been associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Testosterone supplementation has been explored as a potential treatment to alleviate some symptoms of schizophrenia in men.

Progesterone (Sex Hormone): Progesterone, another key sex hormone, may also play a role in schizophrenia. Its interactions with Oestrogen and impact on the brain are areas of ongoing research. Progesterone may have a protective effect against the development of schizophrenia, but more research is needed to understand its exact role.

Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4): Thyroid hormones are crucial for brain development and function. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been linked to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Thyroid hormone imbalances can exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms, indicating the need for careful thyroid function monitoring in these patients (Prasad et al., 2010).

Insulin: Insulin resistance and its impact on brain function have been studied in relation to schizophrenia. Insulin dysregulation can affect neurotransmitter levels and brain function, potentially influencing schizophrenia symptoms.

Leptin: Leptin, known for regulating appetite and metabolism, also has neuroprotective functions. Altered leptin levels have been observed in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting a potential role in the disorder’s pathophysiology.

Ghrelin: This hormone, which stimulates appetite, also impacts brain function. Abnormal ghrelin levels have been reported in individuals with schizophrenia, indicating a potential connection between metabolic and psychiatric conditions.

Oxytocin: Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is associated with social bonding and behaviour. Some studies suggest that oxytocin levels or responses may be altered in schizophrenia, affecting social cognition and possibly contributing to the social withdrawal seen in the disorder.

Melatonin: Known for regulating sleep, melatonin also has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Disturbances in melatonin secretion have been linked to the sleep disturbances often seen in schizophrenia patients, and there is growing interest in understanding its broader role in the disorder.