The Endocrine System And
Your Hormones

Your endocrine system is composed of glands that produce a substance called hormones. These are biochemical messengers that control a large number of functions in your body. And while they're not under your conscious control, there are a number of things you can do to help them function at an optimal level.

Each gland in the endocrine system has its own particular function, and the hormones it secretes are specific to that purpose. Once released directly into the bloodstream, the hormones target those organs with matching receptor sites, through which they are absorbed and utilized.

• Hormones facilitate the process of becoming male or female.
  
  
• Hormones regulate your growth throughout childhood.
  
  
• Hormones bring about puberty and maturation.
  
  
• Hormones come to your aid in times of stress and danger.
  
  
• Hormones regulate the reproductive process.
  
  
• Hormones bring about the cessation of ovulation in women.
  

1. The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is situated at the base of your brain and is the master gland of the body. Like the rest of the endocrine system, the pituitary is controlled by the hypothalamus, a small structure above and behind it. Together they regulate appetite, thirst, body temperature, sleeping and waking, and sexual function.

The rear lobe of the pituitary secretes two hormones:

• vasopressin, which controls the level of water excreted by the kidneys
  
• oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions during birth and moderates the secretion of breast milk
  

The front lobe produces several hormones:

• luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): two hormones that control the reproductive glands
  
• thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): affects the thyroid
  
• adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH): controls part of the adrenals
  
• human growth hormone (HGH): stimulates growth and controls utilization of energy
  
• prolactin: stimulates breast milk formation
  

Pituitary Disorders:
Loss of appetite, low blood pressure, fatigue, impotence, dwarfism, gigantism, premature sexual development or failure of sexual development, failure of menstruation, infertility, excessive production of breast milk, and diabetes insipidus

2. The Pineal Gland

A mysterious organ located roughly between the eyes, its purpose is unclear, but it enjoys an esteemed position in metaphysical literature where it's referred to as The Third Eye.

3. The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is found at the base of the throat, with a parathyroid gland situated at each of its four corners. It produces several hormones that perform the following functions:

• Triiodothynonine (T3) and thyroxine (T4): regulate growth
  
• Triiodothynonine (T3): also regulates metabolism and oxygen consumption
  
• Calcitonin: regulates calcium absorption (by reduction)
  
• Parathormone: raises calcium in blood
  

Thyroid Disorders:
Hyperthyroidism: loss of weight, muscle weakness, nervousness, irritability, sweating, palpitations, bulging eyeballs, enlarged thyroid (goiter)
Hypothyroidism: slow metabolism, weakness, muscle and joint pains, slow pulse, fatigue, apathy, deafness, hair loss, croaky voice, pale dry skin, swollen face, puffy eyelids, puffy lips, anemia, constipation, sensitivity to cold, cretinism (in newborns)
Calcium imbalance: fatigue, lethargy, kidney stones,

4. The Thymus Gland

The thymus gland is found below the thyroid, approximately level with the armpits. Like the pineal gland, its function is unclear, but some researchers believe it's active during fetal development, then shrinks in size shortly after birth and is basically dormant in adults.

Researchers hypothesize that it's linked to the immune system and can be stimulated by tapping to improve immune function and promote a sense of well-being. While there's no medical evidence for the benefits of tapping the thymus, it's a harmless activity that may actually create a placebo effect.

5. The Mammary Glands (Breasts)

In females, these glands are responsible for producing breast milk for the feeding of newborn infants.

6. The Pancreas Gland

The pancreas sits below the stomach and controls the level of glucose in the blood, as well as secreting enzyme-rich pancreatic juice into the small intestine, which aids in the further breakdown of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

As glucose from carbohydrate foods enters the bloodstream, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which triggers glucose absorption by the muscles and liver for future use as energy. In between meals, when the level of glucose in the blood drops below a certain point, the pancreas produces the hormone glucagon to facilitate the release of glucose from the liver, keeping the blood sugar on an even keel and providing energy.

Pancreas Disorders:
Diabetes Mellitus (in which sugar can't be utilized by the body)
Hypoglycemia: sweating, shaking, dizziness, double vision, unconsciousness
Hyperglycemia: coma

7. The Adrenal Glands

The adrenals sit like caps on the top of each kidney and are controlled directly by the pituitary. Each adrenal gland is composed of an inner and outer portion with different functions:

• The medulla (the inner portion) secretes two stress response hormones:
  
  • Adrenaline and noradrenaline give you a burst of energy to fight or flee when confronted with danger.
    
  
  
• The cortex (the outer portion) secretes three steroid hormones made from cholesterol:
  
  • Glucocorticoids (cortisol) respond to stress by increasing blood pressure and blood sugar.
    
  • Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) regulate sodium and potassium levels and reduce immune responses.
    
  • Sex Hormones (androgens and estrogens) regulate sexual development.
    

Adrenal Disorders:
Addison's disease
Cushing disease

8. The Reproductive Glands

The testes in men produce sperm and secrete the hormone testosterone. The ovaries in women produce eggs and secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Hormones are also produced by other organs:

• The stomach produces gastrin.
  
• The kidneys produce renin.
  

• Eat fresh, healthy food.
  
• Drink an adequate amount of fresh, clean water daily.
  
• Keep your body supple and strong with regular exercise.
  
• Breathe fresh air.
  
• Don't abuse your system with cigarettes, excess alcohol or unnecessary drugs
  

• Find effective ways to de-stress.
  
• Make sure you include relaxation in your weekly routine.
  
• Find a reason to laugh every day.
  
• Get at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep every night.
  

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