The Hormonal System: 4 Functions, 9 Elements, 8 Improvement Tips

The hormonal system is responsible for regulating a number of functions in the body through the release of hormones. Signs of hormone imbalance: acne flare-ups, insomnia, weight gain, excessive sweating, fatigue, and hair loss. It will not work to determine by eye which hormone does not perform its functions well, you will have to take tests and undergo an examination.

In nutrition, there are ways to regulate hormonal failure, but if the situation is running, an endocrinologist will help you.

4 functions of hormones

Hormones are substances that are carriers of specific information, they circulate in the blood and affect various organs and tissues located at a considerable distance from the place of their formation.

Endocrine system

The reading of information contained in hormones occurs due to the presence of specific receptors, after activation of which their effect is manifested.

The effect depends on the amount of hormones in the blood, the functional state of the receptor, and the level of functioning of the post-receptor mechanism.

Most hormones have multiple effects.

All the variety of their functions can be reduced to 4 main ones:

• growth;

• reproduction and development of the organism;

• maintaining homeostasis;

• energy exchange.

All hormones are variants of one of two types of chemicals, they are either peptides - derivatives of amino acids, or steroids - derivatives of cholesterol.

Allocate protein and polypeptide, steroid and mixed hormones.

9 elements of the hormonal system in the human body

1. Pituitary. These include oxytocin, vasopressin, tropic hormones.

2. Hypothalamic hormones, which include releasing factors.

3. Thyroid hormones. This group includes tetraiodothyronine, calcitonin, triiodothyronine.

4. Parathyroid. These include parathyroid hormone.

5. The sex hormones are androgens and estrogens.

6. Adrenal hormones. This group is represented by the most extensive list - adrenaline, aldosterone, norepinephrine, cortisol, some androgens.

7. pancreatic hormones. These include insulin and glucagon.

8. APUD hormones. This group includes gastrin, motilin and others.

9. Tissue hormones - prostaglandins, leukotrienes.

Hormones of the hypothalamus

Hypothalamus [hypothalamus (BNA, JNA, PNA); Greek, hypo- + thalamus room; synonym: hypothalamus, hypothalamic region, hypothalamic region] - a department of the diencephalon, located downward from the thalamus under the hypothalamic groove and representing a cluster of nerve cells with numerous afferent and efferent connections.

Liberins are hormones of the hypothalamus that activate, stimulate the release of tropic hormones of the pituitary gland (tropic hormones are hormones of the anterior pituitary gland, which in turn stimulate the work of peripheral endocrine glands):

• Corticoliberin-releasing hormone ACTH (CRH). - stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

• Thyreoliberin-thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) - stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH.

• Luliberin-releasing hormone-luteinizing hormone (LH-RG).

• Folliberin-releasing hormone-follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH-RG).

• Somatoliberin-somatotropin-releasing hormone (SRH).

• Prolactoliberin-prolactin-releasing hormone (PRH).

• Melanoliberin-releasing hormone-melanostimulating hormone (MRH).

Transported to the posterior pituitary gland:

• vasopressin;

• oxytocin.

hypothalamic hormones

The pituitary gland (pituitary gland), together with the hypothalamus, makes up the hypothalamic-pituitary neurosecretory system. It is a brain appendage. In the pituitary gland, the adenohypophysis (anterior lobe, intermediate and tuberal parts) and the neurohypophysis (posterior lobe, infundibulum) are distinguished.

The organ consists of two lobes: the anterior pituitary and the posterior. Each of them has its own responsibility for certain functions of the body. So, the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) is larger than the posterior one and is responsible for the production of such protein hormones as:

• Prolactin involved in the production in the mammary glands during milk lactation. It is the best known of the hormones.

• Somatotropin involved in the growth of the human body. By the way, its excess provokes excessive growth, and the lack, of course, delays it.

• Gonadotropic hormone is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones, both male and female.

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone that ensures the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex.

The neurohypophysis is the posterior lobe of the organ, synthesized in the hypothalamus descend there:

• oxytocin, which provides muscle contraction of such organs as the intestines, mammary glands (during milk production during lactation), urinary and gallbladder, uterus (during labor). A large amount of it is produced in the female body during childbirth and lactation;

• vasopressin, which prevents dehydration of the body, retaining fluid in it, and also reduces the sodium content in the blood, actively removing it from the kidneys.

A tumor, vascular diseases of the brain, trauma, surgery, blood loss, and congenital anomalies can lead to disruption of the pituitary and hypothalamus. They manifest themselves in the form of insufficient or excessive production of hormones.

Thyroid

The thyroid gland is an almost symmetrical organ that looks very much like a butterfly. It is located at the level of the larynx and upper trachea and is projected onto the anterior surface of the neck. The gland lies directly on the thyroid cartilage of the larynx (hence the name). The thyroid gland consists of two lobes connected by a narrow isthmus. Outside, the organ is covered with a dense capsule, which ensures its fixation in a certain position and protects the gland from damage.

The hormone C of the thyroid cells is thyrocalcitonin. It has a much smaller range of effects than iodine-containing hormones and performs the following functions:

• Regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus.

• Reduces the content of calcium in the blood.

• Helps calcium ions move from blood plasma to bone tissue.

• Delays the release of calcium from the bones, regulates the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, thereby balancing the processes of destruction and formation of bones.

• Inhibits the excretion of calcium ions in the urine.

The main task of thyrocalcitonin is to ensure the growth of bone tissue, which is especially important in childhood and young age. The level of this hormone increases during pregnancy and when bones are fractured, which is necessary for the restoration of bone tissue.

Parathyroid hormone

Most often, a person has two upper and two lower parathyroid glands (PG), but their number can normally reach 12. These glands weigh only 0.05-0.12 g, their length varies from 2 to 7 mm, and the width and thickness do not exceed 2-3 mm.

Parathyroid hormone of the pancreas has the following effect on target organs:

• intestines - helps the absorption of calcium from food;

• bones - provides leaching of salts and their transition into the blood;

• kidneys - inhibits reabsorption and removes phosphorus, prevents the deposition of calcium phosphate in tissues, retains calcium in the body.

All the “efforts” of the hormone are aimed at increasing calcium in the blood. If this element is not enough, then the cells of the pancreas actively produce parathyroid hormone and secrete into the blood.

Sex hormones - androgens and estrogens

In the follicles, the main hormones of the ovary are produced, which affect the entire female body. In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, estradiol is the dominant hormone, and androgens are also produced in small quantities.

In the phase of ovulation, the peak of estradiol. In the luteinizing phase, progesterone activity predominates.

The ovaries produce many different hormones and other biologically active substances.

Estriol is the least active estrogen and dominates during pregnancy, while estrone is the main estrogen after menopause.

Estradiol, on the other hand, is produced mainly from testosterone in the ovarian follicles and is the most active female hormone that provides a wide variety of functions in the body. He is responsible for:

• growth of the functional layer of the uterine mucosa during the follicular phase;

• stimulation of ovulation;

• sexual desire;

• preparation of the body for a full-fledged conception (the maximum possible opening of the cervix, the “pupil symptom” on the eve of ovulation; a change in the rheological properties of cervical mucus - in consistency these days it resembles egg white, stretching up to 8-10 cm and is best able to pass sperm through itself) .

Also, estrogens have an anti-atherosclerotic effect, reducing the level of low-density lipoproteins, and normalize the function of the blood coagulation system. In addition, they strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to various infections.

Progesterone - a hormone of the progestogen class is responsible for ensuring that an already fertilized egg is introduced into the uterus and pregnancy occurs. In addition, progesterone at this time neutralizes the effect of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions.

During pregnancy, it inhibits the growth of follicles and the onset of ovulation, promotes the accumulation of nutrients in the body "in reserve". In addition, progesterone affects the mood of a woman. Therefore, in the luteal phase of the cycle, as well as during pregnancy, some women note a certain tendency to be overweight, so they are forced to adhere to a diet with calorie restriction.

Androgens. The most prominent representative of this class in men is testosterone and its active metabolic form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Aromatase is also present in the male body, due to which a certain amount of testosterone is immediately converted into estradiol and estrone (estrogens) in the testicles, and progesterone is formed from pregnenolone, which is a precursor of testosterone.

Adrenal hormones

Effects of mineralocorticoids (for example, aldosterone):

• Increases the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine in the renal tubules by activating the synthesis of enzymes that increase the energy efficiency of the sodium pump.

• Reduces potassium reabsorption in the renal tubules. Similar changes are observed in the cells of the epithelium of the stomach, intestines, salivary and sweat glands.

Adrenaline is a stress hormone, not only psychological, but also physical (burns, injuries, shock conditions), as well as physical activity stimulate the release of a huge portion of adrenaline into the blood. Constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

• Increases heart rate and the amount of blood the heart pumps out.

• Accelerates breathing, expands the bronchi.

• Stimulates the secretion of the hormone renin by the kidneys, resulting in increased blood pressure.

• It releases glucose from the depot in the liver and muscles, thereby providing the body with energy.

• Stimulates the breakdown of fat. "Heating" fat warms up the muscles, and gives additional energy to the body.

• Activates memory, attention, thinking. Here, by the way, it must be said that adrenaline does not cause adequate brain function in all people. Quite often, under its influence, the opposite effect occurs - confusion of thoughts and panic.

• Raises the pain threshold.

• Leads to muscle tone. Sometimes, under the influence of adrenaline, a tremor (fine trembling) of the limbs occurs.

• Expands the pupil, sharpens vision. Here we can recall the proverb “Fear has big eyes”.

• Suppresses appetite, the work of the digestive system and kidneys.

• Causes sweating and dry mouth.

Norepinephrine is the rage hormone. Together with adrenaline, it determines the level of courage, and answers the question “fight or flight?”.

The action of norepinephrine on the body is similar to the action of adrenaline. But there are some nuances - it narrows the blood vessels more, and more effectively increases blood pressure. At the same time, it has a weak effect on the bronchi, intestines, heart, and has a weak effect on metabolism.

pancreatic hormones

Pancreatic hormones:

• insulin;

• glucagon;

• c-peptide;

• somatostatin;

• thyroliberin;

• gastrin.

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the β-cells of the pancreas.

Functions of insulin:

• metabolic: increased uptake of glucose and other substances by cells;

• activation of key enzymes of the process of glucose oxidation (glycolysis);

• an increase in the intensity of glycogen synthesis (acceleration of glycogen deposition by polymerization of glucose in liver and muscle cells);

• a decrease in the intensity of gluconeogenesis through the synthesis of glucose in the liver from various substances;

• anabolic: enhances the absorption of amino acids by cells (most often valine and leucine);

• increases the transport of potassium, magnesium and phosphate ions into the cells;

• increases deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication and protein biosynthesis;

• accelerates the synthesis of fatty acids with their subsequent esterification (in the liver and adipose tissue, insulin promotes the conversion of glucose into triglycerides, and with its deficiency, fats are mobilized);

• anti-catabolic: inhibition of protein hydrolysis with a decrease in the degree of their degradation;

• a decrease in lipolysis, which reduces the flow of fatty acids into the blood.

Effects of gastrointestinal hormones

Hormones of youth and beauty

There is a theory of Yin and Yang.

Yang hormones are hormones of activity, an example is actions during the day.

Yin hormones are calm hormones. Periods of relaxation, rest and meditation. There must be a balance.

Yang is energy and Yin is matter.

Bursts of cortisol and adrenaline are normal. Today there are no periods of surge and rest, but there is a process of chronic distress. High cortisol levels in the morning, lower levels during the day are normal.

Now the whole day is high (on coffee) or very low (does not give strength). When cortisol is in the blood, it competes with another adrenal hormone, DHEA. More stress = more fat.

• Yin hormone - estrogen

Nourishes every cell in the body. Dryness sets in without estrogen. With an excess, on the contrary - water retention = weight gain, congestion (fibromas, cysts, endometriosis).

It is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, placenta and liver. Not only the amount of estrogen is important, but also the quality.

It is synthesized in the ovaries and adrenal glands and then turns into either good estrogen (2-hydroxyestrone) or poisonous (16-alphahydroxyestrone).

According to Oriental medicine, the transformation of estrogen into good or bad depends on the correct functioning of the liver, metabolism. Bad estrogens live longer than good ones and stimulate the accelerated reproduction of mammary gland cells, so they can be a factor in the development of breast cancer. If the body's metabolism of estrogen is disrupted, it becomes stagnant and becomes problematic or "bad" estrogen.

• Yang hormone Yin - progesterone

Yin hormone with yang qualities. Supports estrogen and acts as part of a natural system of interdependence and mutual restraint, limiting the influence of estrogen and preventing it from becoming dominant.

When progesterone levels are low, we may experience symptoms similar to those of estrogen deficiency. This can be explained by the lack of progesterone in the body as a raw material for the production of estrogen.

But if we have enough estrogen, but a lack of progesterone, then we may have symptoms of excess estrogen acting freely. At the age of 35, its production begins to decline.

• Cortisol VS DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, or DHEA) is a prohormone that balances cortisol in much the same way that progesterone balances estrogen.

Dehydroepiandrosterone is abbreviated as DHA. The hormone is responsible for female harmony. DHA appears as a result of the work of the adrenal glands and acts as a synthesis of female, male hormones. Muscles are toned, fat cells do not grow too intensively due to the action of this hormone. Until the age of 30, a person has a normal level of DHA.

If we are depleted of sex hormones or stress hormones, or both, and lack the raw materials for their synthesis, a choice must be made. And the body does it: it has a preference for stress hormones.

• Vitamin D and Testosterone

The stress hormone cortisol reduces testosterone levels. Vitamin D and zinc are two key micronutrients needed for natural testosterone production.

The action of the male hormone testosterone in the body of women causes a rejuvenating effect and adds health. The best metabolism is activated and the emotional state improves. Testosterone in a woman's body doesn't work the way it would in a man's body.

Testosterone has the following effects on a woman's body: increased sexuality, normal self-esteem, high need for movement, good muscle tone, improved bones and joints, and the establishment of a cell regeneration process.

• Somatotropin

Growth hormone is the hormone of youth. In childhood, he helps us grow. But 80% of cases of growth hormone deficiency develop in adulthood.

Typical signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormones regulate the metabolism and physiological functions of the body. When their level is disturbed, the work of internal organs primarily suffers from this. If you observe the following symptoms in yourself, then you need to urgently contact an endocrinologist:

• infertility;

• chronic fatigue;

• sudden mood swings;

• lack of libido;

• severe hair loss;

• excess weight;

• increased, often unreasonable anxiety.

Some symptoms are specific to certain hormones. For example, when estrogen levels are disturbed, a woman may develop tumors in the uterus or endometriosis. Increased production of this hormone causes varicose veins, obesity and infertility. Lack of estrogen leads to premature aging of the skin, papillomas, insomnia and menstrual irregularities.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when there is a long-term deficiency of thyroid hormones. Its symptoms are constant fatigue, heart rhythm disturbances, slowing down of metabolic processes.

Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by an overactive thyroid gland. Signs of this disease are chronic insomnia, nervous and mental disorders, sweating, heart rhythm disturbances, dry mucous membranes.

Optimal indicators in the analysis of the thyroid gland:

With a deficiency of progesterone, a woman cannot conceive a child and her immunity “falls”. With increased production of this hormone, migraine, hypertension, obesity, allergies and prolonged depression appear.

The same symptoms can be signs of different diseases, so for an accurate diagnosis, you must definitely contact a specialist, such as a nutritionist and endocrinologist, and take special tests.

Hormonal blood tests include:

• Comprehensive diagnostics.

• Thyroid hormones.

• sex hormones.

• The pituitary-adrenal system.

• Bone metabolism.

• Pancreas / Gastrointestinal tract.

• prenatal diagnosis.

• Catecholamines.

• Biogenic amines.

• growth factors.

8 tips to get your hormonal system in order

Bad heredity, work in harmful conditions, malnutrition, bad habits, long-term use of medications, and serious overwork can disrupt the hormonal background. Often, problems with one hormone lead to changes in the performance of all others.

When diagnosing a malfunction in the endocrine system, a person is most often prescribed special medications that adjust the level of hormones. However, the disease is easier to prevent than to fight it later. To prevent disorders in the endocrine system, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

1. Take omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are needed by the body to produce hormones based on amino acids. To replenish the supply of these elements, you need to eat avocados, vegetable oils, nuts and sea fish, olives, sesame seeds.

2. Together with food, use adaptogenic herbs that protect the body, including the endocrine system, from various harmful effects. For example, basil helps prevent problems with the adrenal glands. This list also includes: ginseng, ashwagandha, astragalus, cordyceps, goji berries, spiny eleutherococcus, jiaogulan, licorice root, rhodiola rosea, lemongrass or magnolia berries, turmeric.

3. Monitor your emotional state and develop skills to deal with stress. When a person is constantly “on edge”, his production of adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones increases. As a result, the coordinated work of the endocrine system may be disrupted. To prevent this from happening, doctors recommend relieving stress through exercise, meditation, reading, or hobbies.

4. Practice aromatherapy. Essential oils help relieve stress, relax and speed up metabolism. For example, the aroma of lavender prevents the excessive production of adrenaline and cortisol.

5. Eat properly. Food should be complete and balanced. To strengthen the endocrine system, you need to ensure that vitamins B and D get into the body with food.

6. Take any hormonal drugs only as directed by your doctor.

7. Get enough sleep. With prolonged lack of sleep, cortisol rises and prolactin decreases, which leads to stress and irritability.

8. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Doctors advise to regularly check the work of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands. Then all diseases can be eliminated at an early stage.