Hormones in the body are chemical messengers that relate signals or information from one set of cells to another. Specific hormones are secreted by a collection of glands which form the Endocrine System. Together, over 50 hormones serve to regulate various bodily processes such as growth, metabolism, sexual development and sexual function. Through a series of checks and balances, plus a unique system of feedback, the balancing of hormones contribute to the health and welfare of the human body.
Glands which belong to the Endocrine System are: hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal body, ovaries, testes, and the pancreas. Since the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are found in the brain center, they do most of the overseeing for the rest of the glands. Each gland, and the hormones they produce, play a vital role in bodily processes and functions.
Growth/Development/Sexuality
When a baby is born, he/she has the entire set of what are popularly known as “sex hormones”: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone. These are produced respectively by the ovaries in a female, and testes of a male. In an infant, these hormones are found in varying amounts and patterns. While the pituitary gland looks after growth and development in childhood; bone growth for adolescents; the sex hormones don’t really kick in until a child attains puberty and ascertains his/her sexuality.
During puberty, sex hormones have the role of forming secondary sex characteristics for both genders. A boy’s voice may begin to crack and eventually deepen to sound like a man’s voice. At the same time, he has the ability to grow facial hair or even a mustache; learning how to shave is every male adolescents rite of passage. For both sexes, pubic and underarm hair also begins to grow.
For girls, the increased production of estrogen and progesterone enable her breasts to develop; fat is deposited on her hips, thighs, and buttocks; her first menstrual period starts.
The thyroid gland is also responsible for growth and maturation. Since thyroid hormones stimulate the uptake of oxygen by cells, and regulate cell metabolism, this gland is very important in the balance of weight gain/loss. Too much or too little of these hormones can result in conditions called “hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism”, one where growth is stunted (dwarfism), and the other deals with too much growth or giant-ism.
Hormones and Reproduction
While testosterone produced in the testicles of a man deals with reproduction, estrogen in a woman deals with what happens in the womb when she becomes pregnant. During pregnancy, hormones from the hypothalamus in the brain secretes hormones that stimulate contraction of the uterus; during the period of lactation, estrogen stimulates the release of breast milk from the mother.
The pituitary gland is also involved in this process, as hormones released stimulate egg formation in women and sperm production in men. In turn, another hormone enables the release and maturation of eggs, and the release of testosterone in men as well. The pituitary gland also looks after the secretion of hormones by both the adrenal and thyroid glands.
Hormones and Menopause
When a woman is approaching the end of her reproductive years, declining levels of estrogen and progesterone may cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and risk of osteoporosis. Psychologically, she may experience mood swings, periods of irritability, even depression, due to fluctuating hormonal levels. Although hormone-replacement therapy can help women with handling these symptoms, this kind of therapy is quite controversial these days. Yet, it certainly recognizes the importance of hormones and the role they play in the human body.
Adrenal Glands and Survival
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands deal with a person’s survival instinct. Adrenal glands can secrete a hormone which target the heart/lungs/circulatory system, having the ability to raise heart and blood pressures, as well as blood glucose. A burst of adrenalin can help a person become stronger in times of emergency, and many stories have been told of this miraculous transformation.
The adrenals also secrete a stress hormone called “cortisol” which affects the metabolism of macro nutrients (protein, fats, carbohydrates), and helps calm inflammation. When a person is highly stressed, large amounts of cortisol are secreted into the bloodstream to help slow down body processes, and this in turn can induce weight gain. So if a person is trying to lose weight, he/she should try to decrease or manage their levels of stress.
Pancreas
Since Type II diabetes is becoming more prevalent these days, the function of this gland in maintaining blood glucose levels is very important. By secreting the hormone “insulin”, it enables the body to process, store, and utilize glucose for energy.
One can see that hormones play an important role in the human body; from birth to puberty, parenthood and old age; having the ability to influence bodily functions through a unique organization of carrier services that help balance the human body and keep it in good health.
