What part of the body produces hormones? Discover the intricate workings of the endocrine system, the body’s chemical communication network that regulates mood, growth, development, metabolism, and more.

The Endocrine System: An Overview

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, the body’s chemical messengers. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, from mood and growth to metabolism and reproduction. The endocrine system is essential for maintaining homeostasis, the delicate balance that allows our bodies to function optimally.

The Glands of the Endocrine System

The major glands that make up the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal body, ovaries, and testes. Each of these glands has a specific function and produces a unique set of hormones that influence different aspects of the body’s operations.

The Hypothalamus and Pituitary: The Control Center

The hypothalamus, located in the lower central part of the brain, serves as the link between the endocrine system and the nervous system. It gathers information from the brain and sends signals to the pituitary gland, often called the “master gland,” to control the release of hormones. The pituitary gland produces a wide range of hormones that regulate growth, development, metabolism, and reproductive functions.

The Thyroid and Parathyroids: Regulating Metabolism and Calcium

The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, produces hormones that control the rate of cellular metabolism. These hormones are crucial for proper growth and development, especially in children and adolescents. The parathyroid glands, attached to the thyroid, regulate the level of calcium in the blood, which is essential for bone health and other physiological processes.

The Adrenal Glands: Responding to Stress

The adrenal glands, situated on top of the kidneys, have two distinct parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The cortex produces hormones that help the body cope with stress, while the medulla produces catecholamines, such as adrenaline, which increase blood pressure and heart rate during times of stress.

The Pancreas: Regulating Blood Sugar

The pancreas is unique in that it is part of both the endocrine and digestive systems. It produces hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels, as well as enzymes that aid in the digestion of food.

The Reproductive Glands: Orchestrating Sexual Development and Function

The ovaries in females and the testes in males are the primary reproductive glands. They produce sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the regulation of reproductive functions.

Hormonal Imbalances and Treatment

When the endocrine system produces too much or too little of a particular hormone, it can lead to hormonal imbalances and various health issues. Fortunately, many of these problems can be treated with medications or lifestyle changes that help to restore the body’s hormonal balance.

The Endocrine System’s Impact on Overall Health

The endocrine system’s influence extends far beyond its direct functions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being, affecting mood, growth, development, and various other physiological processes. Understanding the intricacies of the endocrine system is essential for recognizing and addressing any potential imbalances or disorders.

The Complexity and Interconnectedness of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a complex and highly interconnected network of glands and hormones, each with its own unique role. The delicate balance of this system is crucial for maintaining optimal bodily functions, and any disruptions can have far-reaching consequences. By understanding the endocrine system, we can better appreciate the intricate control mechanisms that govern our bodies and take steps to maintain our overall health and well-being.

Endocrine System (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

What Is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another.

The endocrine (EN-duh-krin) system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.

What Does the Endocrine System Do?

• Endocrine glands release
  hormonesinto the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body.
• The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work,
  metabolism, and reproduction.
• The endocrine system regulates how much of each hormone is released. This can depend on levels of hormones already in the blood, or on levels of other substances in the blood, like calcium. Many things affect hormone levels, such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood.

Too much or too little of any hormone can harm the body. Medicines can treat many of these problems.

What Are the Parts of the Endocrine System?

While many parts of the body make hormones, the major glands that make up the endocrine system are the:

• hypothalamus
• pituitary
• thyroid
• parathyroids
• adrenals
• pineal body
• the ovaries
• the testes

The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. That’s because it secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and makes and secretes enzymes into the digestive tract.

Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus (hi-po-THAL-uh-mus) is in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and nervous system. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus make chemicals that control the release of hormones secreted from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by the brain (such as the surrounding temperature, light exposure, and feelings) and sends it to the pituitary. This information influences the hormones that the pituitary makes and releases.

Pituitary: The pituitary (puh-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland is at the base of the brain, and is no bigger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary is often called the “master gland.” The hormones it makes control many other endocrine glands.

The pituitary gland makes many hormones, such as:

• growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body’s handling of nutrients and minerals
• prolactin (pro-LAK-tin), which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding
• thyrotropin (thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones
• corticotropin (kor-tih-ko-TRO-pin), which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones
• antidiuretic (an-ty-dy-uh-REH-tik) hormone, which helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidneys
• oxytocin (ahk-see-TOE-sin), which triggers the contractions of the uterus that happen during labor

The pituitary also secretes endorphins (en-DOR-fins), chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. The pituitary also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls
ovulationand the menstrual cycle in women.

Thyroid: The thyroid (THY-royd) is in the front part of the lower neck. It’s shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. It makes the thyroid hormones thyroxine (thy-RAHK-sin) and triiodothyronine (try-eye-oh-doe-THY-ruh-neen). These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to make energy. The more thyroid hormone there is in the bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions happen in the body.

Thyroid hormones are important because they help kids’ and teens’ bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Parathyroids: Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the parathyroids (par-uh-THY-roydz). They release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin (kal-suh-TOE-nin), which the thyroid makes.

Adrenal Glands: These two triangular adrenal (uh-DREE-nul) glands sit on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which makes a set of hormones and has a different function:

1. The outer part is the adrenal cortex. It makes hormones called corticosteroids (kor-tih-ko-STER-oydz) that help control salt and water balance in the body, the body’s response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.
2. The inner part is the adrenal medulla (muh-DUH-luh). It makes catecholamines (kah-tuh-KO-luh-meenz), such as epinephrine (eh-puh-NEH-frun). Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body is under stress.

Pineal: The pineal (pih-NEE-ul) body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin (meh-luh-TOE-nin), a hormone that may help regulate when we sleep at night and wake in the morning.

Reproductive Glands: The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. In boys the male gonads, or testes (TES-teez), are in the scrotum. They secrete hormones called androgens (AN-druh-junz), the most important of which is
testosterone(tess-TOSS-tuh-rone). These hormones tell a boy’s body when it’s time to make the changes associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a boy’s body when it’s time to make sperm in the testes.

A girl’s gonads, the ovaries (OH-vuh-reez), are in her pelvis. They make eggs and secrete the female hormones
estrogen(ESS-truh-jen) and
progesterone(pro-JESS-tuh-rone). Estrogen is involved when a girl starts puberty. During puberty, a girl will have breast growth, start to accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and have a growth spurt. Estrogen and progesterone are also involved in the regulation of a girl’s menstrual cycle. These hormones also play a role in pregnancy.

Pancreas: The pancreas (PAN-kree-us) makes insulin (IN-suh-lin) and glucagon (GLOO-kuh-gawn), which are hormones that control the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Insulin helps keep the body supplied with stores of energy. The body uses this stored energy for exercise and activity, and it also helps organs work as they should.

What Can Help Keep the Endocrine System Healthy?

To help keep your child’s endocrine system healthy:

• Get plenty of exercise.
• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Go for regular medical checkups.
• Talk to the doctor before taking any supplements or herbal treatments.
• Let the doctor know about any family history of endocrine problems, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Let the doctor know if your child:

• drinks a lot of water but is still thirsty
• has to pee often
• has frequent belly pain or nausea
• is very tired or weak
• is gaining or losing a lot of weight
• has tremors or sweats a lot
• is constipated
• isn’t growing or developing as expected

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD

Date reviewed: October 2018

Hormones and Endocrine Function | Endocrine Society

Hormones and Endocrine Function | Endocrine Society

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Patient Resources

January 24, 2022

Hormones are are the body’s chemical messengers, sending signals into the bloodstream and tissues.  Hormones work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including growth and development, metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat- sexual function, reproduction, and mood. When glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many aspects of life. 

Some factors that affect endocrine organs include puberty, aging, pregnancy, the environment, genetics and certain diseases and medications, including naturopathic medicine, herbal supplements, and prescription medicines such as opioids or steroids. Hormones are vital to your health and well-being. 

Hormone stability can be a delicate balancing act, which is why you want to work with a hormone specialist. If you suspect hormone or endocrine-related problems get help from an endocrinologist near you.

Endocrine Library >>

• Adrenal gland secretes steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. It also makes precursors that can be converted to sex steroids such as androgen, estrogen. Learn more about adrenal disorders that can be caused by too much or too little of a particular hormone.

  Adrenal Hormones

• Found deep inside the brain, the hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones and controls the “master gland”— the pituitary. Together, the hypothalamus and pituitary tell the other endocrine glands in your body to make the hormones that affect and protect every aspect of your health.

  Brain Hormones

• Several organs play a major role in helping the endocrine system to work well. Although these organs are not glands themselves, they do produce, store, and send out hormones that help the body to function properly and maintain a healthy balance.

  Endocrine-related Organs and Hormones

• Pancreas plays a crucial role in converting food into energy for cells and digestion. Learn what happens when too much or too little of the hormones glucagon and insulin affect the endocrine system.

  Pancreas Hormones

• Reproductive hormones play a big role in sexual development, weight, energy and fertility. Puberty, menstruation, sperm development and even menopause Learn more about the common hormones and disorders that impact both women and men.

  Reproductive Hormones

• Thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, whereas the parathyroid glands produces hormones that control calcium. Learn how too much or too little can affect endocrine function.

  Thyroid and Parathyroid Hormones

• This resource will help you decode the most important hormones and explain how changes in hormone levels can affect your body and your well-being.

  Download the Essential Guide to Hormones

• Descifraremos las hormonas más importantes del organismo humano y explicaremos de qué manera los cambios en los niveles hormonales pueden afectar su organismo y su bienestar.

  Descargar Guia Esencial De Sus Hormonas

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January 24, 2022

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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 cortex 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 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 the ovaries in women and the 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 there is too little or too much of one or more hormones. 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 a 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.

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ReSources

Hormones: What they are, functions and types

18. 1 Types of Hormones – Biology Concepts – 1st Canadian Edition

Endocrine System: What it is, Functions and Organs

Pituitary Overview – 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 it is, Benefits and Side Effects

What is TSH?

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): MedlinePlus Medical Test

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

Sex Hormones

• Progesterone 902 78
• Testosterone
• Prolactin
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• Free B-hCG
• Estradiol
• Androstenedione

Reproductive function in both sexes is completely controlled and regulated by hormones. The main sex hormones are divided into two classes – estrogens (female) and androgens (male). Both men and women have both types of hormones, but in completely different amounts. So, for example, the daily production of the male hormone testosterone in men is 20-30 times greater than in most women. In turn, the female sex hormone estradiol is also found in small amounts in men. In women, in addition to the two main classes of hormones, there is another class: gestagens, the main representative of this class is progesterone. In men, sex hormones are formed in the tissue of the testicles, in women they are synthesized by the ovaries, in addition, regardless of gender, a small amount of hormones is produced in the adrenal cortex. It is believed that estrogens are more responsible for memory, and androgens are responsible for cognitive functions, mood, and sexual desire. Excess and, conversely, deficiency of hormones equally adversely affect health. So, deficiency and excess of testosterone prevent the maturation of the egg.

Progesterone – The main function is to prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. It is necessary to maintain pregnancy and tone the smooth muscles of the uterus. Prevents excessive growth of the uterine mucosa and affects the tissue of the mammary glands (stimulates the growth and development of the glandular tissue of the mammary glands, helps prepare them for lactation).

Every month, estrogen causes the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium, to grow and renew itself, while luteinizing hormone (LH) releases an egg in one of the ovaries. In place of the released egg, the so-called corpus luteum is formed, which produces progesterone. Progesterone, along with a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, stops the growth of the endometrium and prepares the uterus for the eventual implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum disappears, progesterone levels fall and menstrual bleeding occurs. If the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone. After a few weeks, the placenta takes over the function of the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, being the main source of this hormone during pregnancy.

The test is used to identify causes of infertility, diagnose ectopic or pathological pregnancies, monitor the condition of the fetus and placenta during pregnancy, and determine if the patient has ovulated.

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics and sexual function. Its synthesis is stimulated and controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH) produced by the pituitary gland. Testosterone levels fluctuate significantly throughout the day, reaching their peak between 4 and 8 am, and the minimum occurs in the evening hours (between 4 and 8 pm).

In addition, its concentration increases after exercise and decreases with age. In especially large quantities, it is produced in adolescents during puberty. In men, testosterone is synthesized by the testicles and adrenal glands, and in women, by the adrenal glands and, to a small extent, by the ovaries .

Testosterone promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as penis enlargement, body hair growth, muscle development and a deep voice. In adult males, it regulates sexual instincts and the maintenance of muscle mass. Testosterone is also present in a woman’s body, although at a lower concentration. Libido (sexual desire), the ability to orgasm, insulin levels, a slim figure, the development of muscle mass, and bone tissue depend on it. Testosterone is responsible for the activity and tolerance of emotional stress. In postmenopause, when estrogens and gestagens disappear, it is testosterone that will maintain bone density, the cardiovascular system for some time and help to endure menopausal syndrome more easily.

The analysis is prescribed for male and female infertility or reduced sexual desire, delayed or premature puberty in boys and erectile dysfunction in men, with diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, testicular tumors.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland responsible for the smooth operation of the entire gonadal system, as well as for the production of male and female sex hormones – progesterone and testosterone. In women, LH acts on the cells of the ovary membrane and the corpus luteum, stimulates ovulation and activates the synthesis of estrogens and progesterone in ovarian cells, in men – on testicular cells, activating testosterone synthesis in them, due to which, in particular, maturation occurs spermatozoa .

The analysis is carried out to diagnose infertility and assess the functional state of the reproductive system.

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) regulates the production of sex hormones, but is not itself such, since it is produced not by the gonads, but by the pituitary gland. In the body, FSH regulates the activity of sex glands : promotes the formation and maturation of germ cells ( eggs and spermatozoa ), affects the synthesis of female sex hormones ( estrogens ).

In women FSH affects the formation of follicles . Reaching the maximum level of FSH leads to ovulation . In men FSH stimulates the growth of seminiferous tubules , increases the level of testosterone in the blood, thereby ensuring the process of maturation of spermatozoa and libido . In men FSH stimulates the growth of seminiferous tubules , increases the level of testosterone in the blood, thereby ensuring the process of maturation of spermatozoa and libido .

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels are used to assess pituitary function, reproductive function (both women and men), and puberty disorders in children and adolescents. The analysis is prescribed to determine the causes of menstrual irregularities of various origins, diagnosis of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, differential diagnosis of central and peripheral forms of diseases of the female reproductive system, monitoring the effectiveness of hormone therapy.

Prolactin is one of the hormones synthesized by the pituitary gland – a gland that controls metabolism, as well as the processes of growth and development of the body. Prolactin is necessary for the normal development of the mammary glands and ensuring lactation – it increases the production of colostrum, promotes its maturation and transformation into mature milk. It also stimulates the growth and development of the mammary glands, an increase in the number of lobules and ducts in them. It also controls the secretion of progesterone and inhibits the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FLH), ensuring a normal menstrual cycle, inhibiting ovulation and the onset of a new pregnancy. Normally, this physiological mechanism prevents the next child from becoming pregnant while the previous one is breastfeeding, and may prevent menstruation during the nursing period. In the blood of men and non-pregnant women, prolactin is usually present in small amounts. In everyday life, prolactin rises during sleep, exercise and sexual intercourse. But in men, an excessive increase in its level can disrupt sexual function by inhibiting the maturation of sperm in the testicles and causing infertility.

The test is used to diagnose infertility and sexual dysfunction, to study the function of the pituitary gland, to determine the cause of galactorrhea (excretion of milk or colostrum without regard to the process of feeding the child), headaches and visual impairment.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ( HCG ) is a hormone that is produced in the fetal membrane of the human embryo. HCG is an important indicator of the development of pregnancy and its deviations. It is produced by the cells of the chorion (the shell of the embryo) immediately after it is attached to the wall of the uterus (this happens only a few days after fertilization). The embryo at this stage of pregnancy is a microscopic vial filled with liquid, the walls of which consist of rapidly multiplying cells. From one part of these cells, the unborn child (embryoblast) develops, while from the cells outside the embryo, a trophoblast is formed – that part of the fetal egg, with which it is attached to the wall of the uterus. Later, the chorion is formed from the trophoblast.

Chorion performs the function of nourishing the embryo, being an intermediary between the body of the mother and the child. In addition, it produces chorionic gonadotropin, which, on the one hand, affects the formation of the child, on the other hand, it specifically affects the mother’s body, ensuring a successful pregnancy. The appearance of this hormone in the body of a future mother at the initial stage of pregnancy explains the importance of the test for early diagnosis of pregnancy.

Chorionic gonadotropin stimulates the secretory function of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, which should produce the hormone progesterone, which maintains the normal state of the inner lining of the uterine wall – the endometrium. The endometrium provides reliable attachment of the fetal egg to the mother’s body and its nutrition with all the necessary substances. Due to a sufficient amount of human chorionic gonadotropin, the corpus luteum, which normally exists for only about 2 weeks during each menstrual cycle, does not undergo resorption upon successful conception and remains functionally active throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Moreover, it is in pregnant women under the influence of chorionic gonadotropin that it produces very large amounts of progesterone. In addition, hCG stimulates the production of estrogens and weak androgens by ovarian cells and promotes the development of the functional activity of the chorion itself, and later the placenta, which is formed as a result of the maturation and growth of the chorionic tissue, improving its own nutrition and increasing the number of chorionic villi.

Thus, the role of human chorionic gonadotropin lies in the specific and multifaceted effect on the body of a woman and the fetus in order to ensure a successful pregnancy.

Based on the analysis of chorionic gonadotropin, the presence of chorionic tissue in the body of a woman is determined, and hence pregnancy. The analysis is used, among other things, for the diagnosis of multiple, ectopic and non-developing pregnancies, the detection of fetal developmental delays, the threat of spontaneous abortion, placental insufficiency. May be prescribed as part of a comprehensive examination to identify fetal malformations, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of artificial abortion.

Free B-hCG – Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin – one of the components of the specific hormone molecule – chorionic gonadotropin, formed in the shell of the human embryo. In the absence of pregnancy, the test result for beta-hCG will be negative. The detection of beta-hCG suggests that at least 5-6 days have passed since fertilization.

The analysis is carried out for the purpose of early diagnosis of pregnancy (3–5 days delay in menstruation), detection of its complications and diagnosis of diseases associated with impaired hCG secretion.

Estradiol is perhaps the main and one of the most active female sex hormones of the estrogen group. It refers to typical female hormones, since, in the female body in a significant amount, it is produced by the ovaries, realizing a large number of physiological functions. In men, estradiol is also produced, but in very small quantities, and has rather auxiliary functions.
In the female body, estradiol plays an extremely important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the functioning of the entire reproductive system. In childhood and puberty, the hormone is responsible for the growth and development of all organs related to the reproductive sphere. Under its influence, cyclic changes occur in the tissues of the genital organs, as well as the formation of secondary female sexual characteristics (growth of the mammary glands, pubic and armpit hair, etc.). In adult women, estradiol stimulates the first phase of the menstrual cycle, causes growth and proliferation (active cell division) of the endometrium, thus preparing it for the introduction of the ovum and the onset of pregnancy. During pregnancy, estradiol increases metabolism in all body tissues. As the pregnancy progresses, it begins to be produced by the placenta in greater and greater quantities, thus providing. increased needs for metabolic rate and blood flow in women. In the male body, estradiol is involved in the formation of sperm, i.e. needed for conception. But, nevertheless, for men, his role is not as significant as for women.

Determination of the level of estradiol in women of childbearing age is carried out in the diagnosis of a large number of diseases and conditions, such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, lack of ovulation, polycystic and ovarian tumors, etc., as well as to assess the functions of the placenta in early pregnancy and monitoring with in vitro fertilization. Used in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. In men, the analysis is carried out with low sperm quality and infertility, diseases of the adrenal glands and liver.

Androstenedione is the main steroid hormone, it is an intermediate product and the basis for the formation of testosterone and estrone.