A hormone is a chemical messenger which
helps cells communicate with each other in the body. Hormones help
regulate many functions of the body’s systems and organs.
Click on each gland area or individual hormone for details
A master endocrine gland, about the size of a pea and with two lobes, closely linked with the hypothalamus, and with various functions. These include regulating the activities of other endocrine glands in the body, monitoring information from the autonomic nervous system and controlling the pituitary
Growth Hormone (GH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
A hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which stimulates the growth and function of the thyroid gland
Pineal
The pineal gland gets information from the eyes. Depending on the light that is received at the eyes, the pineal gland secretes melatonin
Melatonin
A hormone secreted by the pineal gland which regulates many biorhythms. It is the body’s timekeeper. It is secreted in different amounts throughout a 24 hour period. Among other things, the sleep-wake cycle is regulated. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant. It helps to regulate stress. It modulates the immune system. If the level of melatonin is too low, then sleep dysfunction can occur, susceptibility to free-radical diseases is increased and immunity is reduced. Melatonin is made by serotonin in the body, so if serotonin levels are low (as in depression) then less melatonin is made, thus there are more problems with sleeping.
Thyroid
The thyroid is a large endocrine gland situated in the front base of the neck. It regulates the rate of metabolism. A deficiency can lead to overweight
Pancreas
Insulin
Adrenals
The adrenals are a pair of small glands located one above each kidney. Each gland is composed of two parts, the cortex, the outer part (which makes up about 80% to 90% of the gland) and the medulla, the inner part (which makes up about 10% to 20% of the gland).
Cortex
The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones involved in water balance, glucose metabolism, and electrolyte balance.
Cortisol
It is important for normal carbohydrate metabolism and response to stress.
Aldosterone
The principal electrolye-regulating steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex. It controls excretion of potassium by the kidneys and thereby maintains the balance of sodium and water in the body fluids.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
After Cholesterol, DHEA is the second most abundant steroid in the body. Low levels of DHEA may be associated with diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, age associated memory impairment and senility.
Androstenedione
Androgens (male hormone) are produced in two sites in the male body. Most originate in the testes, but some potent male hormones are produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. Androstenedione is a pivotal adrenal steroid that’s actually one step closer to being converted to testosterone than DHEA.
Medulla
The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are involved in glucose metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Adrenaline
Noradrenaline
Placenta
Progesterone
Cyclic changes in the uterine endometrium are stimulated by progesterone that allows the fertized egg to be implanted. The maintenance of the uterus during pregnancy, the suppression of uterine contractions and the preperation of the breasts for lactation are the responsibility of progesterone.
Estrogen
A group of endogenous steroids.
Gonads
Testis
Testosterone
A steroid hormone synthesized mostly by the testes in males and by the ovaries in females as well as the adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone is synthesized from androstenedione, a metabolite of DHEA and progesterone, the precursors being pregnenolone and cholesterol.
Estradiol
The most potent of the estrogen steroids. Long bones, development of breasts, reproductive organs and secondary female characteristics are the responsibility of estradiol. It is mainly produced by the ovaries. It is also produced by the adrenal glands and by the precursors converting into estrogen in fatty tissue.
Androstenedione
Androgens (male hormone) are produced in two sites in the male body. Most originate in the testes, but some potent male hormones are produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. Androstenedione is a pivotal adrenal steroid that’s actually one step closer to being converted to testosterone than DHEA.
Ovary
Estradiol
The most potent of the estrogen steroids. Long bones, development of breasts, reproductive organs and secondary female characteristics are the responsibility of estradiol. It is mainly produced by the ovaries. It is also produced by the adrenal glands and by the precursors converting into estrogen in fatty tissue.
Progesterone
Cyclic changes in the uterine endometrium are stimulated by progesterone that allows the fertized egg to be implanted. The maintenance of the uterus during pregnancy, the suppression of uterine contractions and the preperation of the breasts for lactation are the responsibility of progesterone.
Testosterone
A steroid hormone synthesized mostly by the testes in males and by the ovaries in females as well as the adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone is synthesized from androstenedione, a metabolite of DHEA and progesterone, the precursors being pregnenolone and cholesterol.