Browse this article to learn about what hormones are and about their production. Hormones play a vital role in regulating critical functions of the body.
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The human body is a complex and minutely organized structure of unique cells, all working together to accomplish specific functions required for sustaining life. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals are essential nutrients necessary for the nourishment, maintenance, and functioning of the human body. Hormones in the body regulate the balanced functioning of various organs, including sleep, moods, and stress levels.
Hormones are produced by glands and conveyed to the various tissues in the body through the bloodstream. They are responsible for sending signals to the tissues instructing them to do a specific task or not. When the glands do not produce the right hormones, diseases develop that affect many aspects of life.
Studies indicate that the human body produces more than 50 hormones.
Maintaining homeostasis (steady state of internal, physical, and chemical conditions) within the body requires the coordination of many different systems and organs. Communication between neighboring cells and tissues in distant parts of the body occurs by releasing hormones. Although there are many different hormones in the human body, they can be broadly divided into three hormone types based on their chemical structure:
Hormone regulation is the production and release of hormones either directly by an endocrine gland or indirectly through the action of the brain's hypothalamus to maintain homeostasis and is triggered by negative feedback (i.e., increase in blood sugar level).
Each of the hormones in the human body has a specific effect on the health and functioning of the body. Some hormones work quickly to start or stop a process, while some hormones will continually work over a long period to perform their functions. Hormones control and influence body growth, development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at some important hormones and their functions!
1. Thyroid hormones
Production process: The thyroid gland releases two hormones called Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4)
Function: Thyroid hormones help in:
2. Insulin
Production process: Insulin is released by the pancreas. The pancreas is a leaf-like gland located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach.
Function: Makes the body use glucose from carbohydrates to produce energy or store glucose for future use.
3. Estrogen
Production process: Estrogen is the female sex hormone released by the ovaries
Function: Responsible for reproduction, menstruation, and menopause.
4. Testosterone
Production process: Testosterone is a male sex hormone. It is an anabolic steroid by nature that helps in building body muscles.
Function: Responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, testes, and the prostate.
5. Prolactin
Production process: The pituitary gland releases prolactin hormone after childbirth.
Function: Prolactin enables women to lactate and breastfeed
6. Serotonin
Production process: A mood-boosting hormone, Serotonin, is also referred to as nature’s feel-good chemical.
Function: Serotonin is responsible for learning and memory, regulating sleep, digestion, mood, and muscular functions.
7. Cortisol
Production process: The adrenal gland produces cortisol hormone.
Function: Cortisol helps you stay healthy and energetic by controlling physical and psychological stress.
8. Adrenaline
Production process: Adrenaline hormone is secreted in the medulla in the adrenal gland and some of the central nervous system’s neurons.
Function: Also known as an emergency hormone
1. What are the seven hormones and their functions?
The seven important hormones and their functions are:
2. How are hormones regulated?
Hormones are regulated by the release of hormones either directly by an endocrine gland or indirectly through the action of the brain's hypothalamus.
3. What are the types of hormones?
Hormones can be broadly divided into three hormone types based on their chemical structure:
4. What are the roles of hormones?
It is estimated that we have more than 50 hormones. Hormones regulate the balanced functioning of various organs, including sleep, moods, stress levels.
5. What causes hormonal imbalance?
Natural hormonal imbalance occurs with aging. However, thyroid, stress, and eating disorders can also result in hormonal imbalances.
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