Hormones Other Than Sex Hormones

key notes:

  1. What Are Hormones?
    • Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system.
    • They travel through the bloodstream to target cells or organs to regulate specific functions.
  2. Endocrine Glands:
    • The endocrine system includes glands like the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and more.
    • Each gland produces specific hormones that control different processes.
  3. Insulin:
    • Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood sugar levels.
    • It helps cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream for energy.
  4. Thyroid Hormones:
    • Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) control metabolism, affecting how the body uses energy.
    • An overactive or underactive thyroid can lead to health issues.
  5. Adrenaline (Epinephrine):
    • The adrenal glands release adrenaline in response to stress or danger.
    • It prepares the body for a “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate and alertness.
  6. Cortisol:
    • Also from the adrenal glands, cortisol regulates the body’s response to stress.
    • It influences metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure.
  7. Growth Hormone (GH):
    • Produced by the pituitary gland, GH stimulates growth in children and adolescents.
    • In adults, it helps maintain muscle and bone mass.
  8. Melatonin:
    • The pineal gland releases melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
    • It helps control our body’s internal clock and promotes sleep.
  9. Aldosterone:
    • Produced by the adrenal glands, aldosterone regulates salt and water balance in the body.
    • It helps control blood pressure.
  10. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH):
    • The parathyroid glands produce PTH, which regulates calcium levels in the blood.
    • It stimulates the release of calcium from bones when levels are low.
  11. Erythropoietin (EPO):
    • EPO, produced in the kidneys, stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.
    • Athletes may misuse EPO to enhance performance, which is illegal.
  12. Leptin:
    • Leptin, produced by fat cells, helps regulate appetite and body weight.
    • It sends signals to the brain when the body needs to eat or stop eating.
  13. Cortisone:
    • Similar to cortisol, cortisone reduces inflammation and is used in medicine to treat various conditions, including allergies and arthritis.
  14. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH):
    • The parathyroid glands produce PTH, which regulates calcium levels in the blood.
    • It stimulates the release of calcium from bones when levels are low.
  15. Gastrointestinal Hormones:
    • Various hormones in the gastrointestinal tract regulate digestion and hunger, such as ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin.
  16. Feedback Loops:
    • Hormone levels are often regulated by feedback loops, where the body’s response to a hormone affects its production.

These are some essential hormones and their functions in the body, aside from sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Understanding these hormones is vital for comprehending how our bodies maintain balance and respond to different situations.

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