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What do hormones regulate: The Endocrine System – PMC

13.27: Hormone Regulation – Biology LibreTexts

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    Hormones alter conditions inside the cell, usually in response to a stimulus. That means they are activated at specific times. So they must be turned on and then turned back off. What turns these hormones and their responses on or off?

    Hormone Regulation: Feedback Mechanisms

    Hormones control many cell activities, so they are very important for homeostasis. But what controls the hormones themselves? Most hormones are regulated by feedback mechanisms. A feedback mechanism is a loop in which a product feeds back to control its own production. Most hormone feedback mechanisms involve negative feedback loops. Negative feedback keeps the concentration of a hormone within a narrow range.

    Negative Feedback

    Negative feedback occurs when a product feeds back to decrease its own production. This type of feedback brings things back to normal whenever they start to become too extreme. The thyroid gland is a good example of this type of regulation. It is controlled by the negative feedback loop shown in Figure below.

    The thyroid gland is regulated by a negative feedback loop. The loop includes the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in addition to the thyroid.

    Here’s how thyroid regulation works. The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone, or TRH. TRH stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. TSH, in turn, stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete its hormones. When the level of thyroid hormones is high enough, the hormones feedback to stop the hypothalamus from secreting TRH and the pituitary from secreting TSH. Without the stimulation of TSH, the thyroid gland stops secreting its hormones. Soon, the level of thyroid hormone starts to fall too low. What do you think happens next?

    Negative feedback also controls insulin secretion by the pancreas.

    Positive feedback

    Positive feedback occurs when a product feeds back to increase its own production. This causes conditions to become increasingly extreme. An example of positive feedback is milk production by a mother for her baby. As the baby suckles, nerve messages from the nipple cause the pituitary gland to secrete prolactin. Prolactin, in turn, stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk, so the baby suckles more. This causes more prolactin to be secreted and more milk to be produced. This example is one of the few positive feedback mechanisms in the human body. What do you think would happen if milk production by the mammary glands was controlled by negative feedback instead?

    Summary

    • Most hormones are controlled by negative feedback, in which the hormone feeds back to decrease its own production. This type of feedback brings things back to normal whenever they start to become too extreme.
    • Positive feedback is much less common because it causes conditions to become increasingly extreme.

    Review

    1. What is negative feedback?
    2. Why are negative feedback mechanisms more common than positive feedback mechanisms in the human body?
    3. What might happen if an endocrine hormone such as thyroid hormone was controlled by positive instead of negative feedback?
    4. Tasha had a thyroid test. Her doctor gave her an injection of TSH and 15 minutes later measured the level of thyroid hormone in her blood. What is TSH? Why do you think Tasha’s doctor gave her an injection of TSH? How would this affect the level of thyroid hormones in her blood if her thyroid is normal?

    This page titled 13.27: Hormone Regulation is shared under a CK-12 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by CK-12 Foundation via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.

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      Can you control your hormones?

      When you hear the word “hormone,” you might think of teenagers or women in menopause, but all of us—at every age—have hormones coursing through our bodies every day.

      Do you ever wonder why you feel what you do? Hungry? Sleepy? Grumpy? Sweaty palms?  Pull back the curtain…hormones may be responsible for those feelings.

      “Hormones control a host of our bodies’ functions,” says Troy Dillard, MD, a PeaceHealth endocrinologist in Bellingham, Washington.

      “They are molecules that exert an effect on almost every cell in the body,” he notes. Hormones regulate everything from heart rate, metabolism, appetite, mood, reproduction, growth and development, sleep cycles and more.

      Your endocrine system—it’s complicated

      Your hormones are generated by your endocrine system, which is made up of glands and other parts of your body that make and release various hormones.

      There are over 35 unique hormones and science knows much about these hormones and their actions, but we are still discovering so many things related to hormones.  For example, we are still avidly researching the way our environment impacts our hormones, from substances in plastics (like BPA), to flame retardants that are everywhere, in furniture, curtains, and carpets, says Dr. Dillard. 

      There can be many hormonal “disruptors” in our environment. Some hormones play more than one role, like players on a baseball team with assigned roles that back each other up in various situations. 

      Hormones, their interactions with cells, each other and our environment are complex and endocrinologists are hard at work researching and trying understand this complexity and how it impacts our health, he says. You might also compare hormones to instruments in an orchestra, playing different parts of a complicated piece, ideally in sync.

      So, if hormones control so much, is there anything you can do to control your hormones?

      Yes, no and it depends, says Dr. Dillard.

      What’s within our control?

      Some hormones aren’t at all within our control. Sometimes there’s nothing we can do—or not do—to alter some of them.  Sometimes that’s good—since many have to do with growth, development and large life changes.  At other times, that’s bad. For example, in type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer make insulin and patients with diabetes have to inject it daily.

      However, there are a lot of things we do every day that trigger our hormones.

      “Technically, we can’t ‘control’ hormones, but we can certainly do things to influence them,” he notes. “Foods we choose to eat or drink can cause our hormone levels to go up or down. Extra weight can also have a significant impact on the way hormones work.”

      Here are examples of how the level of some common hormones can make you feel and what you might do to change them:

      • Sweaty palms, shallow breathing, high blood pressure and anxiety are good signs that you’re getting a jolt of stress-induced hormones, cortisol or adrenaline (or ephinephrine). It happens when you’re scared or in tense situations that give you a “fight or flight” feeling. To bring those levels down, try deep breathing. Laughter, exercise and meditation can also positively counteract these hormones.  Sometimes, more evaluation and blood testing is required by your physician to be sure these aren’t excessively elevated due to endocrine conditions that can lead to sustained elevations.
      • When your stomach growls, that’s the ghrelin talking—the hormone that tells us we’re hungry. Eating, of course, tames the rumble, but be sure to choose foods that will satisfy for longer periods of time.
      • Some women and, less commonly, men, have problems with thyroid hormones that regulate body temperature, metabolism and energy levels, among other things. If you have thyroid issues, your doctor will recommend treatment and may encourage you to be cautious about certain foods such as kelp, seaweed, kale, broccoli and spinach, depending on your condition.

      What’s normal and what’s not?

      Like any other part of the body, things can go wrong with hormones. If your hormones are out of balance, you might notice different symptoms, depending on which hormone or hormones are affected, says Bhavini Bhavsar, MD, a PeaceHealth endocrinologist in Vancouver, Washington. Discuss this with your doctor so that the right testing can be done.

      “It’s also important to remember that it will be normal for hormone levels to fluctuate at different times in your life,” she notes.

      While you can try to affect specific hormones with certain foods or activities, remember that hormones typically rely on and play off of each other. Rarely can you affect just one hormone without having an impact on others since they work in concert with each other. If you want to effect a positive change in your hormones, it’s best to choose actions that help them all.

      Steps you can take to support hormone health

      Here are seven things you can try to keep some of your key hormones in healthy ranges:

      1. Drink water. This keeps everything smoothly flowing throughout your entire system—getting rid of bad stuff and delivering vital nutrients.

      2. Breathe. Your cells love oxygen. Breathing draws in the oxygen. It also helps calm your nerves to promote a feeling of well-being. Mindfulness-based stress reduction can teach you to harness breathing to reduce levels of those stress hormones!

      3. Get good quality sleep or rest. There’s no substitute for revitalizing all aspects of your mind and body, including your hormone system. Sleep deprivation and sleep apnea have been shown to adversely affect many hormones.
      4. Exercise. All kinds of exercise—strength, stretching and aerobic—help reduce stress hormone levels and provides needed cardiovascular protection. Always check with your doctor before engaging in a new exercise program, especially if you have problems with your heart or lungs.
      5. Eat lean protein, healthy fats, fiber and veggies. Not only do these make you feel fuller, they also satisfy your cravings for nutrients that properly fuel your system.
      6. Avoid sugary and processed foods. Food and drinks high in sugar aren’t just “empty” calories, they’re negative because they create spikes and crashes in your energy levels that can leave you hungrier than before.
      7. Eat when you’re hungry and try to avoid overeating. Stay in tune with what your body is asking for and give your system a break. Digestion-related hormones can lose their effectiveness if they’re constantly being overworked. Eat slowly and mindfully to aid in not over-eating.

      Hormones can get a bad rap—especially at certain stages in our lives. But the more we understand our hormones and what we can do to work with them, the better chance we have of making them work in our favor.

      What are hormones – different types and their functions

      Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that help regulate various processes in the body. There are many different hormones, and each of them performs a specific job.

      What are hormones?

      The brain, pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands can produce hormones. Through the bloodstream, they enter various parts of the body, interacting with cells, tissues and organs. Hormones affect many bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. According to the chemical composition, hormones can be divided into three categories: steroid hormones, peptide hormones, and amino acid derivatives.

      Steroid hormones

      Steroid hormones derived from cholesterol include sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, as well as adrenal hormones including cortisol, aldosterone and androgens. Steroid hormones are transported throughout the body in the bloodstream by transport proteins.

      Peptide hormones

      Peptide or protein hormones include pituitary hormones, growth hormone, prolactin, LH and FSH, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), insulin, glucagon and PTH. Peptide hormones are rapidly degraded, allowing organisms to efficiently use them to control processes without a long signal.

      Endocrine system and endocrine glands

      The endocrine system consists of many organs called glands that produce hormones. Hormones then act as chemical messengers to coordinate many bodily functions. The main endocrine glands are the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, which are part of the endocrine system. The hormones produced by these glands help regulate critical bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and the response to stress.

      Pituitary gland

      The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is often referred to as the “master gland” because it produces hormones that regulate the production of hormones by other glands. The pituitary gland is controlled primarily by the hypothalamus, which detects the level of hormones in the body and signals the pituitary gland to secrete hormones that increase or decrease the hormone production of the target glands. The pituitary gland consists of two parts: the anterior and posterior lobes. The anterior pituitary gland produces six hormones: growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. The posterior pituitary gland produces only two hormones: vasopressin and oxytocin.

      Growth hormone

      Growth hormone (hCG), also known as growth hormone, is responsible for bone and muscle growth and cell reproduction. It is involved in the regulation of bone and muscle growth and energy metabolism. Growth hormone plays an important role in increasing height during puberty and maintaining bone strength in adulthood.

      Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

      Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Thyroid-stimulating hormone tries to ensure the correct levels of thyroid hormones in your body. Too high thyroid hormone levels can cause hyperthyroidism, and too low thyroid hormone levels can cause hypothyroidism.

      Adrenocorticotropic hormone

      Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates the functioning of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce hormones involved in the stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. ACTH regulates the production of the adrenal hormone cortisol, the stress hormone. Abnormal levels of cortisol can negatively affect the body and indicate other diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome.

      Follicle stimulating hormone

      Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is an important hormone for the reproductive organs. FSH regulates the functioning of the ovaries in women and testicles in men. In particular, FSH is involved in the development of eggs in women and sperm in men.

      Luteinizing Hormone

      Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is another hormone involved in the reproductive system that regulates ovaries in women and testicles in men. LH is involved in ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) in women and testosterone production in men.

      Prolactin

      Prolactin is involved in milk production and development of the mammary glands.

      Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)

      Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), regulates the body’s water balance by regulating the excretion of water by the kidneys. For example, vasopressin helps the body retain water by reducing urine output.

      Oxytocin

      Oxytocin is involved in reproduction, lactation and bonding. It is sometimes referred to as the “hug hormone” because oxytocin is released during hugs and other forms of physical contact.

      Thyroid gland

      The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones help regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

      Adrenals

      The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and produce hormones involved in the body’s response to stress, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. The adrenal glands are composed of two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla oblongata. The adrenal cortex produces three main hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. The adrenal medulla produces two hormones: epinephrine and norepinephrine. All of these hormones are involved in the body’s “fight or flight” response.

      Glucocorticoids

      Glucocorticoids are involved in the stress response, regulation of the immune system and metabolism. The most important glucocorticoid is cortisol, the main stress hormone in the body.

      Mineralocorticoids

      Mineralocorticoids are involved in electrolyte balance and blood pressure regulation. The most important mineralocorticoid is aldosterone, which controls sodium and potassium levels in the body.

      Androgens

      Androgens are male sex hormones. The most important androgen is testosterone, which regulates the development of the male reproductive system and plays a role in the development of muscle and bone mass. Androgens may also be present in small amounts in women.

      Epinephrine

      Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, prepares the body for the flight or fright response during times of acute stress. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output and increases glucose levels.

      Norepinephrine

      Norepinephrine is considered a neurotransmitter and hormone. Norepinephrine is also released in response to acute stress and affects many organs and tissues in the body. This includes dilating the pupils, opening the airways, and increasing the heart rate.

      Ovaries

      The ovaries are located in the pelvic area. They produce two main hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is involved in the development of female sexual characteristics and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is involved in preparing the uterus for pregnancy.

      Testes

      The testicles are located in the scrotum and produce two main hormones: testosterone and inhibin. Testosterone is involved in the development of male sexual characteristics, such as muscle and hair development, and in sperm production. Inhibin is involved in the regulation of sperm production.

      Pancreas

      The pancreas is located in the abdomen and produces hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. These hormones help regulate blood sugar levels. The pancreas releases insulin to lower blood sugar levels and releases glucagon to raise blood sugar levels. Somatostatin inhibits the release of glucagon and insulin.

      Parathyroid gland

      The parathyroid gland is located behind the thyroid gland. It produces a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the blood, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones.

      Pineal gland

      The pineal gland is located in the brain and produces the hormone melatonin. Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

      Hormone imbalance

      A hormonal imbalance occurs when one or more hormones are too low or too high. Too high or too low levels of certain hormones can have a noticeable effect on the body. Hormone imbalances can lead to diabetes, infertility, thyroid disease, and obesity. Several natural processes in the body can change hormone levels, including puberty, menopause, and pregnancy.

      Other factors that can cause abnormal changes in hormone levels include high levels of stress, environmental exposure, lifestyle including diet and exercise, or medication. Some natural ways to keep your hormone levels normal include eating a balanced diet with enough protein, exercising regularly, finding ways to reduce stress like meditation or yoga, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

      Frequently Asked Questions: What are hormones

      Which hormone is the most important in the body?

      There is no one “most important” hormone in the body. Different hormones are needed to perform different functions. For example, thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, while adrenal hormones help regulate the stress response.

      What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

      Hormonal imbalance symptoms can vary depending on which hormones are out of balance. For example, an imbalance in thyroid hormones can cause fatigue, weight gain, or depression. An imbalance of sex hormones can cause irregular periods, hot flashes, or decreased libido. If you experience any unusual symptoms, you should see your doctor to determine if a possible hormone imbalance is causing these symptoms. Laboratory tests can help identify hormone imbalances.

      What is the difference between a hormone and a neurotransmitter?

      Hormones are chemicals that help the body control its growth and function. Hormones are chemicals produced by the glands. Through the blood, they enter various parts of the body. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that helps relay messages between nerve cells in the nervous system.

      ANAHANA PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES

      PHYSICAL HEALTH WIKI

      Fight or Flight Response

      Sleep Hygiene

      Guided Sleep Meditation

      Neuroplasticity

      PHYSICAL HEALTH BLOGS

      Understanding the Nervous System

      900 02 What is the central nervous system

      What is the vagus nerve

      What is the peripheral nervous system

      What is the somatic nervous system

      What is the autonomic nervous system

      What is spinal stenosis

      What is the Sympathetic Nervous System

      What is Back Spasms

      What is Diverticulitis

      Benefits of a Cold Shower

      What is the Circulatory System

      Spondylosis and Spondylolysis

      9000 2 What are hormones

      ReSources

      Hormones: What are they , functions and types

      18. 1 Types of hormones – Biology concepts – 1st Canadian edition

      Endocrine system: What it is, functions and organs

      Overview of the Pituitary – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders – Merck Manuals Consumer Version

      Reactome | Glycoprotein hormones

      Pancreas | Johns Hopkins Medicine

      Epinephrine | Description, production and functions | Britannica

      Norepinephrine: What it is, functions, deficiency and side effects.

      HGH (human growth hormone): What is it, benefits and side effects

      What is TSH?

      Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Medical Test MedlinePlus

      Cortisol: What it does and how to regulate cortisol levels

      Aldosterone | You and Your Hormones from the Society of Endocrinology

      10 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones

      Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

      10 Hormones That Affect Our Beauty

      Our body is a complex system in which all processes are interconnected and adjusted by nature. The slightest failures in its work affect the functioning of the entire system, including our appearance. Initial data, such as hair color and body type, are recorded in the DNA code and do not change throughout life, and how elastic our skin looks and how slender our body looks depends largely on hormone levels. There are ten main hormones that affect our beauty. We decided to find out what exactly each of them does and how hormonal imbalance affects the appearance.

      Estrogen

      Estrogens are a whole group of female sex hormones, which include estrone, estriol and estradiol. All of them are produced in the ovaries, are responsible for the formation of a female figure, the development of the genital organs and regulate the menstrual cycle. “If estrogen is produced in a normal amount, it has a very positive effect on the appearance of a woman,” says Irina Vyatkina, a gynecologist-endocrinologist at the Marina Ryabus Clinic. – This hormone is involved in the process of cell renewal throughout the body, including the skin. Estrogen also has a positive effect on the beauty of the hair: it gives it shine, keeps it young and healthy. Estrogens cheer up, encourage flirting and coquetry, prevent the deposition of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels, make eyes shine, smooth wrinkles, make the skin supple and elastic, thereby making a woman beautiful. In addition, estrogens cheer up and are conducive to flirting and coquetry – they contribute to the development of attraction in women to males. Against the background of an increase in estrogen production, coordination of movements and, thereby, gait improves, and the quality of speech changes. It becomes more pleasing to the eye.”

      Estrogen is considered to be the main female beauty hormone. Its deficiency affects not only well-being, but also appearance: hair becomes dull and can grow in unnecessary places (for example, on the chin or chest), and the skin looks pale and begins to fade early. It is with the level of estrogen that such a phenomenon as “autumn hair loss” is associated. In spring and summer, hormone levels naturally rise, and by autumn they decrease. Seasonal hair loss within reasonable limits is a normal state of the body, and there is no reason to worry about it.

      There are situations when a woman’s estrogen level is elevated. This is accompanied by a violation of sexual function (loss of menstruation or ovulation), the formation of fat on the abdomen and thighs, as well as premenstrual syndrome.

      Progesterone

      The main task of progesterone is the development of the egg and its placement in the uterus, which is why it is often called the pregnancy hormone. In non-pregnant women, progesterone is also present and rises in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, which, alas, negatively affects the appearance. “Progesterone contributes to fluid retention in the body, increases the permeability of the vascular wall, the skin becomes extensible, the secretion of sebum increases and acne appears. Puffiness of the face may appear due to fluid retention, ”says Irina Vyatkina. Progesterone also actively promotes fat storage, preparing us for pregnancy, even if we do not plan it. Therefore, in the second phase of the cycle, many gain one or two extra pounds. In addition, progesterone reduces the body’s resistance to infections, which has a beneficial effect on the pathogenic microflora of the skin due to a weakened immune system and often leads to the formation of acne.

      DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

      “DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor of sex hormones, is responsible for sexual desire, a clear mind, a strong memory, muscle strength and physical endurance, and improves mood – all this is an integral part of youth and beauty, ”says Elena Shatkar, endocrinologist at the GLMED Beauty and Longevity Residence. The reduced content of dehydroepiandrosterone negatively affects both the entire hormonal background, and directly on appearance and well-being. First of all, DHEA deficiency is manifested by brittle nails and hair loss, bad mood and a change in the duration of the menstrual cycle.

      Melatonin

      Known as the sleep hormone, melatonin also affects many other bodily functions. It is involved in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and immune systems, is responsible for the normal functioning of brain cells and protection against free radicals. Yes, melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, the level of which affects how the skin and other organs can independently fight free radicals that destroy cells. And that is not all. “The action of melatonin affects the burning of fat during sleep,” says Elena Shatkar. – The production of the hormone occurs during sleep in its deepest phase – from about 12 o’clock at night to 4 o’clock in the morning. The main essential condition for its development is that a person should sleep in a dark room. The criterion of darkness can be the fact that it is impossible to see one’s outstretched hand. Any light is the enemy of melatonin, including the dial of an electronic alarm clock, not to mention the screen of a smartphone, computer, TV or street lamp. A decrease in melatonin levels is a signal to other organs and glands that it is time to rest. The ovaries in women stop working, the level of estrogen is greatly reduced, menopause comes. In men, the amount of the hormone testosterone is significantly reduced. Thus, the nocturnal lifestyle is directly related not only to the deterioration of the whole body, but also to excess weight and rapid fading of the skin.

      Cortisol

      Melatonin affects the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that is synthesized by the adrenal glands and helps to survive in emergency situations. “When cortisol production changes, carbohydrate metabolism and insulin production change, which leads to a change in the appearance and quality of the skin. With a high level of insulin, the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands is disrupted, the skin loses its natural protective properties, is easily affected by bacterial and fungal infections, loses its firmness, elasticity, and collagen synthesis decreases. As cortisol levels rise, the skin becomes thinner and more prone to pigmentation. With normal production of cortisol, the skin is elastic, even and beautiful, ”says Irina Vyatkina. Elevated cortisol contributes to the accumulation of fat in the face and abdomen, so it is true that stress prevents you from losing weight.

      Testosterone

      Testosterone, although conventionally considered a male hormone, is also produced in women by the adrenal glands and gonads. Testosterone has a direct impact on the beauty of the skin. “It increases the rate of renewal of epidermal cells and increases collagen production by stimulating connective tissue that produces proteins necessary for collagen synthesis,” says Irina Vyatkina. – With age, there is a decrease in testosterone synthesis. As a result, skin regeneration slows down, its protective functions and elasticity decrease. The same symptoms can be observed at a young age due to hormonal disorders. An increase in testosterone levels normally occurs in the second phase of the cycle, which, together with progesterone, provokes the formation of acne. Testosterone therapy is now gaining popularity, which improves skin quality with an age-related decrease in hormone synthesis. Doctors warn that self-administration of testosterone can greatly harm your health – such therapy is carried out only according to indications under the supervision of an endocrinologist.

      Somatotropin

      Somatotropin is known as growth hormone. Its influence on beauty and youth is difficult to overestimate. “Somatotropin is responsible for the growth and restoration of bones, helps to normalize metabolic processes, enhances fat burning and helps the liver produce energy for the whole body,” says Elena Shatkar. – With age, the production of growth hormone slows down, in connection with this, the aging process begins. Regular exercise, proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep help to increase the level of somatotropin. The production of growth hormone begins to decline after the age of 25, and by the age of 45 its synthesis is two times less than in childhood. This is accompanied by a decrease in the quality of sleep, a violation of appetite and an increase in body weight.

      Thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine and triiodothyronine

      Thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are all thyroid hormones that work together. They participate in almost all metabolic processes of the body, regulate metabolism, the rate of vitamin synthesis and maintain normal respiratory function. “With a lack of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), the skin becomes dry, nails become brittle, and hair falls out. And with an excess of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), the skin becomes moist, sweating increases, and, despite a healthy appetite and sufficient food intake, a person loses weight. However, the lost kilograms are not at all encouraging, since the work of the heart is seriously disrupted, – says Yuri Poteshkin, Ph.D., endocrinologist at the Atlas clinic. – At the first symptoms indicating a malfunction of the thyroid gland, a blood test for thyroid-stimulating hormone should be done. It is he who regulates the functions of thyroxine and triiodothyronine and reflects their level in the body.

      Cosmetologist’s comment

      Yulia Shcherbatova, dermatologist, cosmetologist, maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Clinic of Modern Cosmetology of Yulia Shcherbatova:

      “Any hormonal imbalance is a condition that has developed in the body for a long time, and its correction too take some, often quite a long time. All this time, the beautician can and should help the patient to solve the problems that he applied to. In no case should we wait for the completion of the treatment in order to engage in cosmetology. The work in this case will be rather symptomatic. If the problems are related to the vascular network, we use laser therapy, if the patient complains of acne – we treat acne, if he is worried about the pigment – we fight the pigment with injections and a laser. In a word, we act according to indications and condition.

      Typology of skin problems and their connection with hormonal disorders is hardly possible, because they can manifest themselves in very different ways. But I can definitely say that the correction of the hormonal background with the participation of a competent endocrinologist will make the result more pronounced and effective. But the desire to do with one cosmetology, without planned therapy, is, as a rule, a waste of money and time on procedures that do not work or do not work well enough. And it’s not about the procedures themselves, but about the pathologies of the patient. So, for example, if you remove the vascular network from the face with a laser, but do not solve the problems with excess estrogen or progesterone deficiency, due to which it often occurs, the vessels will quickly return. The same applies to hyperpigmentation: it would seem that pigment spots completely removed by a laser will return until steroid hormones and pituitary hormones that affect melanocyte cells come at least in relative order. In a word, with endocrine problems that a large number of patients have today, the combination of cosmetology with planned therapy works much better than just one.