What are the main glands in the human body. How does the endocrine system work. What are common endocrine disorders. How do hormones affect our daily lives. What role does the pituitary gland play in hormone regulation. How does the thyroid gland influence metabolism. What are the functions of the adrenal glands.

The Endocrine System: An Overview of Hormone Regulation

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Understanding the endocrine system is crucial for comprehending how our bodies function and respond to internal and external stimuli.

How does the endocrine system differ from other body systems? Unlike the nervous system, which uses electrical impulses for rapid communication, the endocrine system relies on hormones for slower, longer-lasting effects. This system plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.

Key Functions of the Endocrine System

• Regulates growth and development
• Controls metabolism and energy balance
• Manages reproductive processes
• Influences mood and behavior
• Maintains electrolyte and fluid balance
• Coordinates stress response

The Pituitary Gland: The Master Regulator of Hormones

Often referred to as the “master gland,” the pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the functions of other endocrine glands and produces several important hormones itself.

How does the pituitary gland communicate with other glands? The pituitary gland receives signals from the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that acts as a link between the nervous and endocrine systems. Based on these signals, the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate or inhibit the activity of other endocrine glands.

Key Hormones Produced by the Pituitary Gland

1. Growth hormone (GH): Promotes growth and cell reproduction
2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands
3. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Regulates thyroid gland function
4. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH): Control reproductive functions
5. Prolactin: Stimulates milk production in women
6. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Regulates water balance in the body
7. Oxytocin: Involved in childbirth and lactation

The Thyroid Gland: Metabolism’s Control Center

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones affect nearly every cell in the body, influencing how they use energy and produce proteins.

How do thyroid hormones impact our daily lives? Thyroid hormones control the rate at which our bodies burn calories, regulate body temperature, and influence heart rate. They also play a crucial role in brain development during pregnancy and early childhood.

Main Thyroid Hormones

• Thyroxine (T4): The primary hormone produced by the thyroid
• Triiodothyronine (T3): The active form of thyroid hormone
• Calcitonin: Involved in calcium regulation

Adrenal Glands: The Stress Response System

The adrenal glands, situated atop the kidneys, produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and stress response. These small but powerful glands play a crucial role in our body’s ability to cope with physical and emotional stress.

How do adrenal hormones help us deal with stress? When we encounter a stressful situation, the adrenal glands release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare our body for the “fight or flight” response. This includes increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels to provide energy for immediate action.

Key Adrenal Hormones

• Cortisol: Regulates metabolism and helps the body respond to stress
• Aldosterone: Controls blood pressure and electrolyte balance
• Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Triggers the body’s stress response
• Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine): Works alongside adrenaline in stress response

The Pancreas: Balancing Blood Sugar and Digestion

The pancreas is a unique organ that serves both endocrine and exocrine functions. As part of the endocrine system, it produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Its exocrine function involves producing digestive enzymes.

How does the pancreas maintain blood sugar balance? The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, two hormones that work in opposition to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range. Insulin lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake by cells, while glucagon raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose.

Pancreatic Hormones and Their Functions

1. Insulin: Lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake and storage
2. Glucagon: Raises blood sugar by stimulating glucose release from the liver
3. Somatostatin: Regulates the release of other pancreatic hormones
4. Pancreatic polypeptide: Helps regulate pancreatic secretions

Reproductive Glands: Orchestrating Sexual Development and Function

The reproductive glands, known as gonads, are responsible for producing sex hormones that regulate sexual development, reproductive functions, and secondary sexual characteristics. In females, these are the ovaries, while in males, they are the testes.

How do sex hormones influence our development and behavior? Sex hormones play a crucial role in puberty, driving the physical changes that occur during this time. They also influence mood, libido, and various aspects of our physiology throughout life.

Female Reproductive Hormones

• Estrogen: Promotes development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulates the menstrual cycle
• Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports fetal development

Male Reproductive Hormones

• Testosterone: Promotes development of male secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production
• Inhibin: Regulates sperm production

Endocrine Disorders: When Hormone Balance Goes Awry

Endocrine disorders occur when glands produce too much or too little of a hormone, or when the body doesn’t respond properly to hormones. These conditions can have wide-ranging effects on health and quality of life.

What are some common endocrine disorders? Some frequently encountered endocrine disorders include diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth disorders, and reproductive hormone imbalances. These conditions can result from autoimmune diseases, tumors, infections, or genetic factors.

Common Endocrine Disorders and Their Effects

1. Diabetes mellitus: Impaired insulin production or function leading to high blood sugar
2. Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland causing slowed metabolism
3. Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland resulting in increased metabolism
4. Cushing’s syndrome: Excessive cortisol production leading to weight gain and other symptoms
5. Addison’s disease: Insufficient adrenal hormone production causing fatigue and weakness
6. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalance affecting ovarian function
7. Growth hormone deficiency: Inadequate growth hormone production leading to stunted growth

Understanding these disorders is crucial for early detection and management. Many endocrine disorders can be effectively treated with hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, or other medical interventions.

The Pineal Gland: Regulating Sleep-Wake Cycles

The pineal gland, a small endocrine gland located in the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles, also known as circadian rhythms. This tiny gland produces melatonin, a hormone that helps control our sleep patterns.

How does the pineal gland influence our sleep? The pineal gland responds to light and dark signals received from the eyes. When it’s dark, the pineal gland produces more melatonin, making us feel sleepy. As light levels increase, melatonin production decreases, helping us wake up and feel alert.

Functions of the Pineal Gland

• Melatonin production: Regulates sleep-wake cycles
• Circadian rhythm regulation: Helps maintain our internal biological clock
• Seasonal rhythm adaptation: Assists in adjusting to seasonal changes in daylight

The pineal gland’s role in sleep regulation has important implications for our overall health and well-being. Disruptions to melatonin production, such as those caused by jet lag or shift work, can lead to sleep disorders and other health issues.

The Thymus: Guardian of the Immune System

The thymus, located in the upper chest behind the breastbone, plays a crucial role in the development of the immune system, particularly during childhood. This gland is most active before puberty and gradually decreases in size and function as we age.

What is the thymus’s role in immune function? The thymus is responsible for the maturation of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for the body’s immune response. These T-cells learn to recognize and fight off foreign invaders, playing a vital role in protecting the body against infections and diseases.

Key Functions of the Thymus

1. T-cell production and maturation
2. Development of self-tolerance in the immune system
3. Production of thymosin, a hormone that stimulates T-cell development

While the thymus’s activity decreases after puberty, its early role in developing a robust immune system has lifelong implications for health and disease resistance.

Maintaining Endocrine Health: Lifestyle and Prevention

Maintaining a healthy endocrine system is crucial for overall well-being. While some endocrine disorders are genetic or unavoidable, many can be prevented or managed through lifestyle choices and regular health check-ups.

How can we support our endocrine system? A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep all contribute to endocrine health. Additionally, avoiding exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in some plastics and pesticides can help protect hormone balance.

Tips for Endocrine Health

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Exercise regularly to support metabolism and hormone balance
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Get adequate sleep to support circadian rhythms
• Limit exposure to environmental toxins
• Stay hydrated to support overall gland function
• Schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare provider

By taking these steps, individuals can support their endocrine system’s function and potentially reduce the risk of developing hormone-related disorders.

The Future of Endocrinology: Emerging Research and Treatments

The field of endocrinology is continuously evolving, with new discoveries and treatment approaches emerging regularly. Researchers are exploring innovative ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent endocrine disorders, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients.

What are some promising areas of endocrine research? Current areas of focus include personalized medicine approaches to hormone therapy, the development of artificial pancreas systems for diabetes management, and investigations into the endocrine system’s role in aging and longevity.

Emerging Trends in Endocrinology

1. Gene therapy for endocrine disorders
2. Bioengineered hormone replacements
3. Advanced imaging techniques for early diagnosis
4. Hormone-based treatments for non-endocrine diseases
5. Exploration of gut-hormone interactions

These advancements promise to revolutionize our understanding and treatment of endocrine disorders, potentially leading to more effective, personalized approaches to hormone-related health issues.

The endocrine system’s intricate network of glands and hormones plays a vital role in maintaining our health and well-being. From regulating growth and metabolism to influencing mood and reproduction, hormones impact virtually every aspect of our lives. Understanding the functions of various endocrine glands, recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalances, and taking steps to support endocrine health can contribute significantly to overall wellness. As research in endocrinology continues to advance, we can look forward to more sophisticated and targeted approaches to managing endocrine disorders, ultimately improving quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body: Function and Disorders

Written by Barbara Brody

• What Is the Endocrine System?
• What Is a Gland?
• Endocrine System Functions
• Parts of the Endocrine System
• Health Issues
• Endocrine System Disorders
• More

The endocrine system is a network of glands in your body that make the hormones that help cells talk to each other. They’re responsible for almost every cell, organ, and function in your body.

If your endocrine system isn’t healthy, you might have problems developing during puberty, getting pregnant, or managing stress. You also might gain weight easily, have weak bones, or lack energy because too much sugar stays in your blood instead of moving into your cells where it’s needed for energy.

A gland is an organ that makes and puts out hormones that do a specific job in your body. Endocrine and exocrine glands release the substances they make into your bloodstream.

Your endocrine system:

• Makes hormones that control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction
• Controls how your hormones are released
• Sends those hormones into your bloodstream so they can travel to other body parts

Many glands make up the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are in your brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in your neck. The thymus is between your lungs, the adrenals are on top of your kidneys, and the pancreas is behind your stomach. Your ovaries (if you’re a woman) or testes (if you’re a man) are in your pelvic region.

• Hypothalamus. This organ connects your endocrine system with your nervous system. Its main job is to tell your pituitary gland to start or stop making hormones.
• Pituitary gland. This is your endocrine system’s master gland. It uses information it gets from your brain to tell other glands in your body what to do. It makes many important hormones, including growth hormone; prolactin, which helps breastfeeding moms make milk; antidiuretic hormone(ADH) (vasopressin), which controls blood pressure and helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidney, corticotropin /ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone. which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, oxytocin which helps in milk ejection during breast feeding; and luteinizing hormone, which manages estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
• Pineal gland. It makes a chemical called melatonin that helps your body get ready to go to sleep.
• Thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroid hormone, which controls your growth and metabolism. If this gland doesn’t make enough (a condition called hypothyroidism), everything happens more slowly. Your heart rate might slow down. You could get constipated. And you might gain weight. If it makes too much (hyperthyroidism), everything speeds up. Your heart might race. You could have diarrhea. And you might lose weight without trying. The thyroid gland also produces the hormone calcitonin, which may contribute to bone strength by helping calcium to be incorporated into bone.
• Parathyroid. This is a set of four small glands behind your thyroid. They play a role in bone health. The glands control your levels of calcium and phosphorus.
• Thymus. This gland makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight infection and are crucial as a child’s immune system develops. The thymus starts to shrink after puberty.
• Adrenals. Best known for making the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine), these two glands also make hormones called corticosteroids. They affect your metabolism heart rate, oxygen intake, blood flow, and sexual function, among other things.
• Pancreas. This organ is part of both your digestive and endocrine systems. It makes digestive enzymes that break down food. It also makes the hormones insulin and glucagon. These ensure you have the right amount of sugar in your bloodstream and your cells.
• If you don’t make insulin, which is the case for people with type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar levels can get dangerously high. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually makes some insulin but not enough.
• Ovaries. In women, these organs make estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help develop breasts at puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
• Testes. In men, the testes make testosterone. It helps them grow facial and body hair at puberty. It also tells the penis to grow larger and plays a role in making sperm.

As you get older, it’s natural to notice some things related to your endocrine system. Your metabolism tends to slow down. So you might gain weight even though you haven’t changed how you eat or exercise. Hormonal shifts also explain, at least in part, why you’re more likely to have heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes as you age.

No matter how old you are, stress, infections, and being around certain chemicals can also mess with parts of your endocrine system. And genetics or lifestyle habits can increase your chances of an endocrine disorder like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

• Acromegaly. Sometimes the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone and your bones get bigger. It usually affects your hands, feet, and face. It usually starts in middle age.
• Adrenal insufficiency. When you have this, your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, like cortisol, which controls stress.
• Cushing’s disease. In this, your body makes too much cortisol. You could gain weight, get stretch marks, bruise easily at first, then get weakened muscles and bones and possibly develop a hump on your upper back.
• Hyperthyroidism. This is when your thyroid gland makes more hormones than your body needs. You might hear it called overactive thyroid. It makes your system run fast and you might feel nervous, lose weight, and have a rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping.
• Hypothyroidism. When your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, your system slows down. You might feel tired, gain weight, have a slow heartbeat, and get joint and muscle pains.
• Hypopituitarism. Sometimes your pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of certain hormones and your adrenal and thyroid glands can’t work right.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia. This is a group of disorders that affect your endocrine system. It causes tumors on at least two endocrine glands or in other organs and tissues.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. An imbalance of reproductive hormones can cause your ovaries to either not make an egg or not release it during ovulation. This can throw off your periods, cause acne, and make hair to grow on your face or chin.
• Precocious puberty. When glands that control reproduction don’t work properly, some kids start puberty abnormally early — around 8 in girls and 9 in boys.

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The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body: Function and Disorders

Written by Barbara Brody

• What Is the Endocrine System?
• What Is a Gland?
• Endocrine System Functions
• Parts of the Endocrine System
• Health Issues
• Endocrine System Disorders
• More

The endocrine system is a network of glands in your body that make the hormones that help cells talk to each other. They’re responsible for almost every cell, organ, and function in your body.

If your endocrine system isn’t healthy, you might have problems developing during puberty, getting pregnant, or managing stress. You also might gain weight easily, have weak bones, or lack energy because too much sugar stays in your blood instead of moving into your cells where it’s needed for energy.

A gland is an organ that makes and puts out hormones that do a specific job in your body. Endocrine and exocrine glands release the substances they make into your bloodstream.

Your endocrine system:

• Makes hormones that control your moods, growth and development, metabolism, organs, and reproduction
• Controls how your hormones are released
• Sends those hormones into your bloodstream so they can travel to other body parts

Many glands make up the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland are in your brain. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are in your neck. The thymus is between your lungs, the adrenals are on top of your kidneys, and the pancreas is behind your stomach. Your ovaries (if you’re a woman) or testes (if you’re a man) are in your pelvic region.

• Hypothalamus. This organ connects your endocrine system with your nervous system. Its main job is to tell your pituitary gland to start or stop making hormones.
• Pituitary gland. This is your endocrine system’s master gland. It uses information it gets from your brain to tell other glands in your body what to do. It makes many important hormones, including growth hormone; prolactin, which helps breastfeeding moms make milk; antidiuretic hormone(ADH) (vasopressin), which controls blood pressure and helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidney, corticotropin /ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone. which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, oxytocin which helps in milk ejection during breast feeding; and luteinizing hormone, which manages estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
• Pineal gland. It makes a chemical called melatonin that helps your body get ready to go to sleep.
• Thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroid hormone, which controls your growth and metabolism. If this gland doesn’t make enough (a condition called hypothyroidism), everything happens more slowly. Your heart rate might slow down. You could get constipated. And you might gain weight. If it makes too much (hyperthyroidism), everything speeds up. Your heart might race. You could have diarrhea. And you might lose weight without trying. The thyroid gland also produces the hormone calcitonin, which may contribute to bone strength by helping calcium to be incorporated into bone.
• Parathyroid. This is a set of four small glands behind your thyroid. They play a role in bone health. The glands control your levels of calcium and phosphorus.
• Thymus. This gland makes white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight infection and are crucial as a child’s immune system develops. The thymus starts to shrink after puberty.
• Adrenals. Best known for making the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine), these two glands also make hormones called corticosteroids. They affect your metabolism heart rate, oxygen intake, blood flow, and sexual function, among other things.
• Pancreas. This organ is part of both your digestive and endocrine systems. It makes digestive enzymes that break down food. It also makes the hormones insulin and glucagon. These ensure you have the right amount of sugar in your bloodstream and your cells.
• If you don’t make insulin, which is the case for people with type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar levels can get dangerously high. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually makes some insulin but not enough.
• Ovaries. In women, these organs make estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help develop breasts at puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle, and support a pregnancy.
• Testes. In men, the testes make testosterone. It helps them grow facial and body hair at puberty. It also tells the penis to grow larger and plays a role in making sperm.

As you get older, it’s natural to notice some things related to your endocrine system. Your metabolism tends to slow down. So you might gain weight even though you haven’t changed how you eat or exercise. Hormonal shifts also explain, at least in part, why you’re more likely to have heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes as you age.

No matter how old you are, stress, infections, and being around certain chemicals can also mess with parts of your endocrine system. And genetics or lifestyle habits can increase your chances of an endocrine disorder like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

• Acromegaly. Sometimes the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone and your bones get bigger. It usually affects your hands, feet, and face. It usually starts in middle age.
• Adrenal insufficiency. When you have this, your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, like cortisol, which controls stress.
• Cushing’s disease. In this, your body makes too much cortisol. You could gain weight, get stretch marks, bruise easily at first, then get weakened muscles and bones and possibly develop a hump on your upper back.
• Hyperthyroidism. This is when your thyroid gland makes more hormones than your body needs. You might hear it called overactive thyroid. It makes your system run fast and you might feel nervous, lose weight, and have a rapid heartbeat or trouble sleeping.
• Hypothyroidism. When your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, your system slows down. You might feel tired, gain weight, have a slow heartbeat, and get joint and muscle pains.
• Hypopituitarism. Sometimes your pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of certain hormones and your adrenal and thyroid glands can’t work right.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia. This is a group of disorders that affect your endocrine system. It causes tumors on at least two endocrine glands or in other organs and tissues.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. An imbalance of reproductive hormones can cause your ovaries to either not make an egg or not release it during ovulation. This can throw off your periods, cause acne, and make hair to grow on your face or chin.
• Precocious puberty. When glands that control reproduction don’t work properly, some kids start puberty abnormally early — around 8 in girls and 9 in boys.

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Functions of the endocrine glands in the human body.

Tests for hormones and their interpretation.

The human endocrine system consists of organs called endocrine glands, which regulate the work of the whole organism by releasing biologically active substances – hormones – into the circulatory system. These substances perform paramount functions in the body: they help maintain homeostasis, control growth and development, participate in metabolic processes, are responsible for responding to changes in environmental conditions, and regulate the reproductive system.

Endocrine glands include:

Thyroid. Produces hormones – thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), calcitonin. These hormones are involved in metabolism, increasing its intensity, regulate growth processes in the body, increase the level of consumption of vital oxygen by organs and tissues.

Parathyroid glands. They produce parathyroid hormone that regulates the level of calcium in the body, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the motor apparatus and nervous system.

Thymus (thymus). This organ occupies a central place in the human immune system, not without reason the word “thymus” is translated from ancient Greek as “life force”. The thymus produces T-lymphocytes – immune cells that provide antiviral and antitumor protection of the body. It secretes a number of hormones into the blood: thymalin, thymosin, IGF-1, thymopoietin, which are responsible for the functional activity of the immune system.

Adrenals. They produce the so-called stress hormone – adrenaline, which is involved in the body’s response to external stressful situations. When a large amount of adrenaline is released into the blood, breathing quickens, the heart rate increases, blood vessels constrict, and the pupils dilate.

Pancreas. Is the main source of enzymes for the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It produces the hormones insulin, which lowers the level of glucose in the blood, and glucagon, on the contrary, increases it.

Gonads. In women, the ovaries; in men, the testes. The hormones produced by these glands are responsible for reproductive function.

Pituitary and hypothalamus. Form the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The pituitary gland produces hormones that control almost the entire endocrine system. Among them, the most important is the growth hormone – somatotropin, which affects the growth of bones, cartilage and muscles.

Epiphysis (pineal body, or pineal gland). The organ performs important functions: it slows down growth hormones, inhibits the development of tumors, and affects sexual development. It produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls the water balance of the body, oxytocin, which is responsible for muscle contraction, and melatonin, a hormone that controls the sequence of sleep phases.

Based on the foregoing, we can follow the conclusion that the importance of the endocrine system cannot be overestimated – its activity extends to all organs of the body and all processes occurring in it. Therefore, all deviations from the norm in the operation of this system require immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance

There are a lot of symptoms of malfunctioning of the endocrine glands, among them are:

• Irregular or absent menstruation in women;
• Miscarriage or infertility;
• Loss of sexual desire;
• Weight gain;
• Eruptions on the body, acne;
• Deterioration of hair and nails;
• Sleep disturbances, lethargy, increased fatigue;
• Emotional instability: tearfulness, irascibility, nervousness;
• The development of osteoporosis is a disease that leads to brittle bones.

It is worth noting that none of the above symptoms is a direct confirmation of the presence of a hormonal imbalance, but only a possible consequence. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination by an endocrinologist, which includes the method of functional diagnostics (ultrasound, MRI), as well as laboratory blood tests, which will be discussed below.

How is blood tested for hormones?

A blood test for hormones is the most indicative and informative method for detecting any pathologies in the work of the endocrine glands. However, it is important to consider that many factors influence the hormonal background: the time of day, the menstrual cycle in women, and medication. For this reason, the preparation for taking tests for a hormonal study must be taken with all seriousness. If this is neglected, then the result of the analysis may be incorrect and, at best, it will have to be retaken, and at worst, an incorrect diagnosis may be made on its basis and the wrong treatment may be prescribed, which can lead to irreparable consequences.

To prepare for donating blood for hormones, the following general rules must be observed:

• On the eve of the test, you should give up physical activity, try to avoid stressful situations, stop any physiotherapy procedures, exclude oral contraceptives, alcohol, fatty foods and products containing iodine. It is also recommended to postpone the ECG, ultrasound, x-ray examination for a while after the test.
• An important point is taking medications – it is necessary to notify the doctor who ordered the hormonal blood test about the fact of taking medications. He will decide whether to cancel or continue taking medications at the time of the test.
• An analysis for a hormonal study is given strictly on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to stop eating 12 hours before blood sampling.
• In the morning, before the test, it is forbidden to chew gum, drink tea and smoke.
• Just before donating blood, rest for 15-10 minutes.
• Women need to take into account their menstrual cycle, because. it is possible to examine the blood for some hormones only in certain periods of this cycle.
• To track the dynamics of the levels of certain hormones, a second analysis is required. It is rented at approximately the same time as the previous one, in compliance with all the above rules.

Blood sampling for analysis is carried out in the first half of the day in the morning. The biomaterial is taken from the cubital vein.

Explanation of tests

Thyroid hormones

Triiodothyronine , or T3 – gives a general assessment of the work of the thyroid gland. This hormone is determined both in free form (norm: from 2.6 to 5.7 pmol/l.), And in the serum state, (general form; norm: from 1.3 to 2.7 nmol/l). An increase in the indicator indicates the use of narcotic substances: methadone, heroin, amphetamine, HIV infection, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism. The decrease was established with the use of androgens, danazol, dexamethasone, propranolol.

Thyroxine , or T4 – regulates energy metabolism in the body. Norm: 10.8 – 22.0 pmol / l. A low level is observed with hyperthyroidism, hemolysis. Elevated levels – when taking oral contraceptives, methodone, heroin, estrogen.

Thyroglobulin , or Tg – is prescribed for suspected malignant neoplasms. Norm: < 55 ng / ml.

Antibodies to thyroglobulin – are prescribed for suspected autoimmune thyroid diseases. Norm: 0 – 18 U / ml.

Microsomal antibodies are the most accurate indicator of the presence of autoimmune diseases. A deviation from the norm < 5.6 U / ml is proof of the aggression of the immune system to its own body.

Thyroxine-binding globulin , or TSH, is responsible for the transport of the hormones T3 and T4. Norm: from 16.8 to 22.5 mcg / ml. An increased indicator may indicate pregnancy, a lower one – with cirrhosis of the liver.

Adrenal hormones

Cortisol – regulates carbohydrate metabolism. Norm: from 230 to 750 nm / l. A low rate may be the result of chronic adrenal insufficiency, and a high one may indicate oncology or adenoma.

Aldosterone – responsible for the water-salt balance. Norms: in a horizontal position 17. 6-230.2 pg / ml; in a vertical position 25.2-392 pg / ml. Elevated levels of the hormone in the blood usually indicate an adrenal tumor.

Norepinephrine and epinephrine – normalize heart rate, blood pressure, form glucose levels. Norms: from 1.92 to 2.46 nm / l for adrenaline, from 0.62 to 3.23 nm / l for norepinephrine. An increase in indicators indicates kidney disease, Itsenko-Cushing’s syndrome, emotional and physical workload of the body, a decrease indicates pathology of the hypothalamus.

Sex hormones

Estradiol – is responsible for the production of germ cells and the proper development of pregnancy. The norm in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) is from 200 to 285 pm/l, the norm in the corpus luteum phase (luteal phase) is from 440 to 575 pi/l, during menopause from 50 to 133 pm/l. A lower indicator may indicate a tumor in the ovaries, an increased indicator – with their insufficient functioning.

Testosterone is the main male hormone. Responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, stimulates the growth of muscle mass and bones. Norms: for men – 2 -10 ng / ml, for women – 0.2 – 1 ng / l.

Progesterone – ensures the proper development of the genital organs in women. The norm in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) is from 1 to 2.2 nm / l, the norm in the corpus luteum phase (luteal phase) is from 23 to 30 nm / l, during menopause from 1 to 1.8 nm / l . An increase in the indicator is observed with tumors of the adrenal cortex, a decrease – with ovarian sclerosis.

Pituitary hormones

Thyroid stimulating hormone , or TSH, stimulates the production of the main thyroid hormones, so deviations from the reference values ​​​​indicate thyroid dysfunction. Norm: 0.4-4.0 honey / l.

Somatotropic hormone , or STH – a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland, is responsible for stimulating the mouth of bones, muscle mass and other organs of the human body. Norm: < 10.0 ng / ml. Exceeding the value of the established norm indicates gigantism, acromegaly.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone , or ACTH – stimulates the synthesis of hormones in the adrenal cortex. Norm: < 46 pg / ml. Deviations from the norm are observed in Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, as well as in other disorders of the adrenal glands.

Prolactin is a hormone responsible for the growth of the mammary glands in women and the functioning of the prostate in men. The norm for the stronger sex is 100 – 265 mcg / l, for the fair sex – from 130 to 540 skg / l during the childbearing period.

Follicle-stimulating hormone , FSH – stimulates the growth of follicles in women, is responsible for the functioning of the seminiferous tubules in men. The norm in women: in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) from 1.37 – 9.90 IU / l, in the corpus luteum phase (luteal phase) from 1. 09 – 9.20 IU / ml, during menopause from 29, 5 to 55 mU / l, with ovulation from 2.7 to 6.7 mU / ml. The norm for men: 0.95 – 11.95 mU / ml.

Luteinizing hormone , or LH – stimulates the production of testosterone in men, progesterone in women. Normal values ​​for men: from 1.14 to 8.75 mU / ml. Norm for women: in the follicular phase from 1.68 to 15.00 mU / ml, in the ovulatory phase from 21.90 – 56.60 mU / ml, in the luteal phase: 0.61 – 16.30 mU / ml, in postmenopausal women from 14.20 – 52.30 mU / ml. Deviations from normal values ​​in both sexes indicate dysfunction of the gonads.

Human glands – classification and functions

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Human glands are responsible for the regulation of physiological processes. These are specialized organs that secrete active substances. We talk about the types of human glands and their functions in this article.

The material was prepared jointly with the teacher of the highest category Shcherban Larisa Stepanovna.

Experience as a biology teacher – more than 19 years.

Species

Hormones are biologically active organic substances that bind to cell receptors and affect their vital functions of the body. Hormones promote growth and development, regulate life processes. A secret is a liquid containing active substances or waste products of a cell. Secrets are secreted on the surface of organs or in the cavity, hormones are released into the blood.

Classification of glands depending on the secreted fluids includes three types:

• endocrine or endocrine glands – secreted hormone enters the blood;
• exocrine or external secretion glands – the secret is secreted on the surface of organs or in their cavity, they have ducts;
• mixed secretion – glands secrete hormones into the blood and secretions into the ducts.

Endocrine glands, unlike exocrine glands, do not have ducts; hormones are secreted into the blood directly from the cells. Glands of mixed secretion have both ducts and secretory cells.

Endocrine glands

Endocrine glands secrete hormones. Their main function is the humoral regulation of human physiology.

Rice. 1. Endocrine glands.

Glands related to the endocrine system are described in the table.

The thymus is greatly reduced in size towards the end of life. Most developed in children.

Exocrine glands

Endocrine or exocrine glands include:

• salivary – are in the oral cavity, produce saliva;
• gastric – secretes gastric juice, located in the epithelium of the stomach;
• intestinal – located in the small intestine, secrete enzymes, leukocytes, mucus, amino acids that promote digestion;
• liver – located on the right side of the abdominal cavity, secretes bile, which promotes the breakdown of fats;
• greasy – located in the dermis, secrete sebum, which makes the skin elastic and waterproof;
• sweat – located in the dermis, they secrete sweat, consisting of water, mineral salts, urea, which helps to cool the skin surface;
• lacrimal – located in the upper outer corner of the eye, secrete tears that wet the eyeball;
• milky – located at the nipples of a woman, they secrete milk.

Rice. 2. Exocrine glands.

The liver is the largest gland of vertebrates.

Glands of mixed secretion

Glands of mixed secretion include the digestive gland – the pancreas – and the gonads &ndash: ovaries and testicles.

Rice. 3. Glands of mixed secretion.

The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes and promotes the digestion of food, as well as a number of hormones – glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, which affects carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Sex glands do not produce secrets, but sex cells. The ovaries produce eggs, and the testicles produce sperm. In addition, the sex glands release hormones into the blood. There are two groups of female hormones:

• estrogens affecting the functioning of the uterus;
• gestagens regulating the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth.

The testicles, the male gonads, produce androgens responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in men.