The human body is a complex system that performs a huge number of operations. A significant role in the proper organization of the human body is played by hormones. These are catalysts for biochemical processes that are produced by endocrine glands. There are different types of hormones, and each of them performs a certain function.
Hormone classification
Depending on the chemical structure, these types of hormones are secreted. Protein-peptide group combines the secrets of such glands as the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, hormones of the pancreas and parathyroid gland. This type also includes calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland. The second group includes derivatives of amino acids (norepinephrine and adrenaline, thyroxine, etc.). There are also steroid hormones. They are synthesized mainly in the gonads, as well as the adrenal glands (estrogen, progesterone). The hormones of the first two groups are mainly responsible for metabolic processes in our body. Steroid hormones also control physical development and the process of reproduction. Depending on the method of signal transmission from secretion to cells, lipophilic and hydrophilic hormones are distinguished. The former easily penetrate through the cell membrane into its nucleus. The latter bind to receptors on the surface of the structural element, thus triggering the synthesis of the so-called intermediary molecules. It is characteristic that hydrophilic hormones are carried with the blood stream, while lipophilic hormones bind to its proteins and are transported in this way.
Human endocrine system
This is the name of the totality of all glands and organs in the human body that secrete special biologically active elements - hormones. The endocrine system is responsible for many processes, while ensuring the normal development of the body. It controls chemical reactions, generates energy, affects the psycho-emotional state of a person. The thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary and pineal gland, adrenal glands, hypothalamus are referred to the endocrine system. Also included here are organs such as the testes, ovaries. All hormones go directly to the blood or lymph. Any abnormalities in the work of the human endocrine system can cause serious diseases (diabetes mellitus, tumor processes, obesity, hyper- and hypothyroidism
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Tissue hormones, their types and functions
This type of hormone is produced in the tissues of the body and their effect is usually local. Sometimes such hormones can enter the bloodstream. Histamine is a substance that plays a large role in the occurrence of allergic reactions. In the active state, it causes vasodilation, increases their permeability. Also, histamine promotes contractions of the intestinal muscles, can cause cramping in the bronchi. Serotonin has such an effect: blood vessels narrow, their permeability decreases. It is also called the hormone of happiness. If its production is normal, the person has a good mood, he feels a surge of strength. Both histamine and serotonin are actively involved in the transmission of impulses to the brain. Kinins are another tissue hormone. Their types and functions are as follows. Nanopeptide, callidine, T-kinin, bradykinin (reduces pressure) - all of them, getting into the blood, cause symptoms of the inflammatory process. These hormones are involved in the regulation of blood circulation. Another category of biologically active tissue secrets is prostaglandins. They affect the smooth muscles of organs, reduce the secretion of gastric juice. Substances such as keilons control cell division. Another type of tissue hormone is gastrin, secretin.
Thyroid. Types of hormones and their functions
This organ has the shape of a butterfly and is located in the neck (front). Its weight is relatively small - about 20 grams. Regulation of the functions of the sexual (reproductive), digestive systems, metabolic processes, maintaining a normal psycho-emotional state - all this is controlled by thyroid hormones. Their types are as follows. Thyroxine, triiodothyronine are extremely important secrets for human health. In order for them to form, a sufficient intake of iodine into the body is necessary. The action of these hormones is similar, but triiodothyronine is more active. First of all, these substances take part in energy metabolism. They affect the work of the heart muscle, intestines, central nervous system. Also, these types of hormones take part in the development of the whole organism, the maturation of the reproductive system. Calcitonin is responsible for the level of calcium in the blood, and also takes part in water-electrolyte metabolism. Insufficient production of thyroid hormones leads to rapid fatigue of a person, lethargy, all metabolic processes slow down. If they are produced in excess, then excessive activity and excitability can be observed.
Thyroid hormone test
If a person has changes such as weight fluctuations (abrupt weight gain or weight loss), problems with sexual desire, cessation of menstruation, developmental delay (psychological) in children, then a blood test for hormones produced by the thyroid gland must be prescribed. To surrender it should be prepared in a special way. It is best to limit any physical activity on the eve of the test. It is also worth excluding alcohol, coffee, tobacco (at least per day). Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Thyroid hormones can be in both bound and free state. Therefore, in the course of studies, the amount of free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, as well as the level of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin are determined. Typically, the study takes one day. Depending on the results, you can talk about a particular disease.
Parathyroid gland and its secrets
On the back surface of the thyroid gland are small glands, which are also called parathyroid. They are directly involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Depending on the characteristics of a person, iron can be of the reticular type, alveolar or in the form of a continuous mass. It synthesizes parathyroid hormone, which, like calcitonin, takes part in the metabolism of calcium. It affects the bone system, intestines, kidneys. If the production of parathyroid hormone is disturbed, then mental disorders, bone problems, calcification of internal organs, blood vessels are possible. With hypoparateriosis, muscle cramps appear, the heart rate quickens, headaches can be observed. If there are any signs, a blood test for parathyroid hormones may be needed. Their high content increases the level of calcium in the blood, and as a result, causes brittle bone tissue.
Adrenal hormones
The adrenal glands are paired organs that are located in the upper part of the kidneys. These types of hormones and their functions are as follows. The cortical layer of glands produces substances that regulate the exchange of nutrients and minerals. Also, hormones of this type control glucose levels. The adrenal medulla ball synthesizes adrenaline and norepinephrine. Often they are produced with strong emotional outbursts (fear, danger). When these hormones enter the blood, blood pressure rises, the heart rate quickens, and the excitability of the receptors of the organs of vision, hearing increases. Thus, the body prepares for the need to endure a stressful situation. The adrenal glands produce glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol), which regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Their concentration depends on the time of day: the maximum amount of cortisol is observed at about 6 in the morning. Mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone) regulate salt metabolism. Thanks to them, the fluid is retained in the body. The adrenal glands also secrete androgens such as androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DEA). They regulate the work of the sebaceous glands, form libido. In a blood test for adrenal hormones, the level of DEA is examined. Its high content may indicate the presence of gland tumors. In addition, an excess of this hormone leads to serious consequences during pregnancy (miscarriage, baby's malnutrition, problems with the placenta). If there are complaints of increased hair growth, earlier puberty, menstrual irregularities, muscle weakness, a blood test for cortisol may be needed.
Pancreas. Types of hormones and their functions
In addition to the fact that the pancreas is actively involved in digestion, it also produces hormones that are essential for the normal functioning of the body. All of them enter directly into the blood of a person. This body produces these types of hormones: insulin, c-peptide, glucagon. The main function of insulin is to regulate sugar levels. In violation of the processes of its synthesis, the development of diabetes is possible. Also, insulin affects the production of active substances of the gastrointestinal tract, estrogen synthesis. It can be in the body in a free and bound form. If the amount of insulin is insufficient, then the process of converting glucose to fat and glycogen is disrupted. At the same time, toxins (for example, acetone) can accumulate in the body. Glucagon is also an essential element for our body. It activates the process of splitting fats, helps increase blood glucose levels. Also, with its help, the level of calcium, phosphorus in the blood is reduced. The types of action of pancreatic hormones are closely related. Thanks to their combined influence, an optimal glucose level is ensured.
The functions of the pituitary hormones
The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland, which consists of the anterior and posterior lobes, as well as a small area between them. This organ weighs only 0.5 grams, but it performs quite important functions. The pituitary gland synthesizes the following types of human hormones. Adrenocorticotropic homon stimulates the adrenal cortex. It also affects the formation of melanin. Luteinizing hormone affects the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Thanks to him, ovulation is stimulated, androgens are produced. Thyroid-stimulating hormone coordinates the secretion of biologically active substances of the thyroid gland. Somatotropin is actively involved in the growth of the body and protein synthesis. It can also affect glucose levels, lipid breakdown. This hormone is responsible for the normal physical development of the human body. Increasing its level leads to gigantism. If somatotropin is below normal (in children), then stunting is observed. By the way, different types of growth hormone (synthetic) are used in the fight against dwarfism, to increase weight in athletes. Prolactin is the main hormone that is responsible for milk production in women. Also, due to its development during breastfeeding, the next pregnancy does not occur. Melanotropin is produced in the middle lobe. The posterior lobe produces such types of human hormones as oxytocin, vasopressin. The first helps to reduce the uterus, colostrum is produced. Vasopressin stimulates the muscles of organs such as the intestines, uterus, and blood vessels.
Gonads
The ovaries and testicles produce sex hormones. Their types are as follows. First of all, they are divided into female and male. However, in small quantities, they may be present in the opposite sex. Types of male hormones: testosterone, androsterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenediol. All of them provide the development of both primary sexual characteristics and secondary. It should be noted that their level does not tolerate such fluctuations in comparison with women's secrets. Thanks to testosterone, the production of seminal fluid occurs, and attraction to the opposite sex is stimulated. Musculature and skeleton also develop in a special way, and a characteristic male voice timbre appears. Other types of steroid hormones (in particular, dihydrotestosterone) provide male behavior, as well as a characteristic appearance: hair growth in certain areas, body structure. Types of female hormones are: progesterone, estrogen, prolactin (produced by the pituitary gland).
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum. This gland is formed after ovulation. It performs the following functions: promotes the growth of the uterus, provides an opportunity for an egg (fertilized) to become fixed in its cavity. Progesterone prepares a woman for pregnancy, and also promotes the bearing of a child. If the amount of the hormone is not enough, then the menstrual cycle will be violated, bleeding is possible. Affected by low levels of progesterone and the emotional state: as a rule, a woman suffers from sudden mood swings. An elevated hormone level may indicate either a pregnancy or a tumor process. Estrogens are special types of hormones in women. These include estradiol, estrone, estriol. These substances are responsible for the formation of a female type of figure, increase skin tone and elasticity. In addition, hormones of this species contribute to the normal course of menstruation. They also protect vessels from the accumulation of lipid plaques, promote bone growth, retain calcium and phosphorus in it. If the estrogen level is insufficient, a male type of hair growth is observed, the skin ages earlier, excess weight accumulates in the abdomen, hips, bones become more fragile.
Blood test for sex hormones
Types of hormone tests include blood tests for sexual secrets. It is prescribed if there are such violations: problems with the menstrual cycle, inability to conceive a child, miscarriage, etc. Men are shown this analysis in cases of suspected tumor processes, infertility. Blood should be donated in the morning, before this you can not eat. On the eve it is worth giving up tobacco and alcohol, heavy physical exertion. A woman needs to choose the right time for the analysis, since the level of hormones depends on the day of the menstrual cycle. At the same time, several indicators are being investigated. The content of follicle-stimulating hormone in the maximum number indicates the onset of ovulation. In men, this hormone promotes the growth of the seminiferous tubules and affects the concentration of testosterone. In the diagnosis of infertility, special attention is paid to luteinizing hormone. In women, he is responsible for the maturation of the follicle, ovulation, the formation of a gland such as the corpus luteum. If it is impossible to get pregnant, the follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone in the complex are examined. A blood test is also performed for the presence of a certain amount of prolactin. With deviations from the norm, the onset of ovulation is difficult. Blood is also tested for testosterone. It is present in the body in both sexes. If his indicators are below normal in men, then the quality of sperm is deteriorating. It also negatively affects potency. In women, excess testosterone can cause miscarriage.