Introduction

Hormones are chemical messengers that affect and manage

hundreds of bodily processes. Often, a bodily process involves
a chain reaction of several different hormones.

A hormone will only act on a part of your body if it “fits” — if the

cells in the target tissue have receptors that receive the
message of the hormone. Think of a hormone as a key and the
cells of its target tissue, such as an organ or fat tissue, as
specially shaped locks. If the hormone fits the lock (receptor)
on the cell wall, then it’ll work; the hormone will deliver a
message that causes the target site to take a specific action.

Your body uses hormones for two types of communication. The

first type is communication between two endocrine glands: One
gland releases a hormone, which stimulates another gland to
change the levels of hormones that it’s releasing. An example
of this is the communication between your pituitary gland and
thyroid. Your pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH), which triggers your thyroid gland to release its
hormones, which then affect various aspects of your body.

The second type of communication is between an endocrine

gland and a target organ. An example of this is when your
pancreas releases insulin, which then acts on your muscles
and liver to help process glucose.
Index
1 INTRODUCTION
2 HORMONES
3 Adrenal hormones

4 Aldosterone
5 Cortisol
6 DHEA
7 Norepinephrine
8 Brain hormones
9 Kissepetin
10 Serotonin

11 Prolactin
12 Oxytocin
13 CONCLUSION
Acknowledgement
I want to express my gratitude to my teachers Mrs
Bindhu and Mrs Femi, for their encouragement,
insightful suggestions, and mentorship. I’d also like to
extend my thanks to my principal, Mrs Bessy Thomas
for granting me this wonderful opportunity to be part of
this project.

Also, I would like to express my gratitude to all those

who have supported and contributed to the completion
of this project. Your assistance, guidance, and
encouragement have been invaluable. Thank you for
being a part of this project.

Lastly, I want to thank my family & friends for their

understanding and support during this project.
Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate different
functions in your body. Several glands, organs and tissues make and
release hormones, many of which make up your endocrine system.

Hormones and Endocrine Function

Hormones 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.

Adrenal hormones
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.
The adrenal (suprarenal) glands are located at the top of both
kidneys. The produce hormones that regulate the immune system,
blood pressure, metabolism, and the stress response. In addition,
also helps your body do the following:

 Promoting proper cardiovascular function

 Helps in how we respond to stress
 Properly utilizing carbohydrates and fats
 Helps distribute stored fat
 Gives you body odor and pubic hair
 Promotes healthy gastrointestinal functions

Adrenaline
Adrenaline is produced in the medulla in the adrenal glands as well
as some of the central nervous system's neurons. Within a couple
of minutes during a stressful situation, adrenaline is quickly
released into the blood, sending impulses to organs to create a
specific response.

What is the Function of Adrenaline?

Adrenaline triggers the body's fight-or-flight response. This reaction

causes air passages to dilate to provide the muscles with the
oxygen they need to either fight danger or flee. Adrenaline also
triggers the blood vessels to contract to re-direct blood toward
major muscle groups, including the heart and lungs. The body's
ability to feel pain also decreases as a result of adrenaline, which is
why you can continue running from or fighting danger even when
injured. Adrenaline causes a noticeable increase in strength and
performance, as well as heightened awareness, in stressful times.
After the stress has subsided, adrenaline’s effect can last for up to
an hour.

Adrenaline is an important part of your body's ability to survive, but

sometimes the body will release the hormone when it is under
stress but not facing real danger. This can create feelings of
dizziness, light-headedness, and vision changes. Also, adrenaline
causes a release of glucose, which a fight-or-flight response would
use. When no danger is present, that extra energy has no use, and
this can leave the person feeling restless and irritable. Excessively
high levels of the hormone due to stress without real danger can
cause heart damage, insomnia, and a jittery, nervous feeling.

Medical conditions that cause an overproduction of adrenaline are

rare, but can happen. If an individual has tumors on the adrenal
glands, for example, he/she may produce too much adrenaline;
leading to anxiety, weight loss, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and
high blood pressure. Too little adrenaline rarely occurs, but if it did it
would limit the body's ability to respond properly in stressful
situations.

Adrenaline rarely causes problems, but ongoing stress can cause

complications associated with adrenaline. Addressing these
problems starts with finding healthy ways to deal with stress.

Aldosterone
Aldosterone is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, which
are located above the kidneys. It affects the body's ability to
regulate blood pressure. It sends the signal to organs, like the
kidney and colon, that can increase the amount of sodium the body
sends into the bloodstream or the amount of potassium released in
the urine. The hormone also causes the bloodstream to re-absorb
water with the sodium to increase blood volume. All of these actions
are integral to increasing and lowering blood vessels. Indirectly, the
hormone also helps maintain the blood's pH and electrolyte levels.

Aldosterone is closely linked to two other hormones: renin and

angiotensin, which create the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
system. This system is activated when the body experiences a
decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, such as after a drop in blood
pressure, or a significant drop in blood volume after a hemorrhage
or serious injury. Renin is responsible for the production of
angiotensin, which then causes the release of aldosterone. Once
the body is rehydrated and has proper salt levels in the blood, renin
levels fall, and aldosterone levels lower as a result.

What Can Go Wrong With Aldosterone?

In a healthy individual, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

functions without interference, helping to regulate and control blood
pressure levels naturally. However, individuals can have too-high or
too-low amounts of aldosterone, and both of these can impact
aldosterone function.

Individuals with high levels of aldosterone have a condition known

as hyperaldosteronism, and this is typically caused by small, benign
tumors on the adrenal glands. Hyperaldosteronism can cause high
blood pressure, low potassium levels and an abnormal increase in
blood volume because of the way the hormone affects the body.

It's also possible to have low levels of aldosterone. Primary adrenal

insufficiency, a disease that causes a general loss of adrenal
function, can be a cause. Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency
causing low levels of aldosterone may experience low blood
pressure, increased potassium levels, and lethargy.

Genetic mutations can also affect the production of aldosterone.

Patients with this rare genetic disorder will experience symptoms
similar to primary adrenal insufficiency but the symptoms are
typically less severe.

If you are struggling with maintaining a healthy blood pressure, and

also have changes in blood potassium levels, you may want to talk
to your doctor about aldosterone. Consider asking your doctor if
your hormones could be the cause of your blood pressure and
potassium struggles, especially if lifestyle changes are not helping.
If aldosterone levels are not where they should be, talk to your
doctor about changes or treatments that are possible to help your
condition.
Cortisol
cortisol is often called the "stress hormone" because of its
connection to the stress response, however, cortisol is much more
than just a hormone released during stress. Understanding cortisol
and its affect on the body will help you balance your hormones and
achieve good health.

Cortisol is one of the steroid hormones and is made in the adrenal

glands. Most cells within the body have cortisol receptors. Secretion
of the hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus, the pituitary
gland, and the adrenal gland, a combination glands often referred to
as the HPA axis.

What Does Cortisol Do?

Most bodily cells have cortisol receptors, it affects many different

functions in the body. Cortisol can help control blood sugar levels,
regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation, and assist with
memory formulation. It has a controlling effect on salt and water
balance and helps control blood pressure. In women, cortisol also
supports the developing fetus during pregnancy. All of these
functions make cortisol a crucial hormone to protect overall health
and well-being.

Problems Associated with High Cortisol Levels

Sometimes tumors on the pituitary or adrenal

glands can contribute to a condition known as
Cushing syndrome, which is characterized by high
levels of cortisol in the blood. Individuals with
Cushing syndrome will experience rapid weight
gain in the face, abdomen, and chest. Often
doctors will notice this because of the individual's
slender arms and legs compared to the heavy
weight in the core of the body. Cushing syndrome
also causes a flushed face, high blood pressure,
and changes in the skin. Osteoporosis and mood
swings are also a factor considered with Cushing
disease.

High cortisol levels can also contribute to changes

in a woman's libido and menstrual cycle, even
without the presence of Cushing disease. Anxiety
and depression may also be linked to high cortisol
levels.

Low cortisol levels can cause a condition known

as primary adrenal insufficiency or Addison
disease. While rare, primary adrenal insufficiency
is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to
the adrenal glands. Symptoms may start slowly,
but they can be quite serious. Patients with
primary adrenal insufficiency can experience
fatigue, muscle loss, weight loss, mood swings,
and changes to the skin

DHEA

The brain controls the production of DHEA. The body uses a unique
mechanism known as negative feedback to control the production
of DHEA. Negative feedback tells your brain that once DHEA levels
drop in your body, the mechanism is switched “on” and begins to
produce more of the hormone. Once DHEA levels begin to rise,
negative feedback is switched “off”.
DHEA and Anti-Aging

There are many rumors and claims that taking DHEA can also help
slow down the process of aging. Claims include that DHEA can also
increase energy and muscle strength, boosts immunity, and
decrease body weight. However, these claims have yet to be
medically proven. Does DHEA have a role in treating certain health
problems? Some researchers have suggested that DHEA might be
used to treat-

 Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)

 Depression
 Lupus
 Obesity
 Alzheimer’s disease
 Osteoporosis
 Crohn’s disease
 Infertility
 Problems linked to menopause DHEA also might help induce
labor in childbirth.
What Problems Can Occur with DHEA?

Research has shown that women with hirsutism and polycystic

ovary syndrome may have higher levels of DHEA. Children
diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia also have high levels
of DHEA, as well as some cancer patients. Lower levels of DHEA
have been linked to a decreased life span in men. In women, low
DHEA levels are often associated with a lower libido and
osteoporosis.

Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine also called noradrenaline is both a hormone,
produced by the adrenal glands, and a neurotransmitter, a chemical
messenger which transmits signals across nerve endings in the
body. Norepinephrine is produced in the inner part of the adrenal
glands, also called the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla also
makes adrenaline (also known as epinephrine). Norepinephrine,
adrenaline and dopamine belong are part of the catecholamine
family.

Adrenal glands are making primarily adrenaline and most of the

norepinephrine in the blood comes from nerve endings. It plays a
role in your mood and ability to concentrate. Together with other
hormones, norepinephrine helps the body respond to stress and
exercise. Other hormones include:

 Adrenaline
 Cortisol
 Corticotropin releasing hormone
 Adrenocortical hormone
What Does Norepinephrine Do?

Together with adrenaline, norepinephrine increases heart rate and

blood pumping from the heart. It also increases blood pressure and
helps break down fat and increase blood sugar levels to provide
more energy to the body.

In the brain, norepinephrine plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle,

helping you to wake up, in increasing attention and focusing on
performing a task ,and in memory storage. It is also important for
emotions. Problems with norepinephrine levels are associated with
depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance
abuse. Bursts of norepinephrine can lead to euphoria (very happy)
feelings but are also linked to panic attacks, elevated blood
pressure, and hyperactivity. Low levels can cause lethargy (lack of
energy), lack of concentration, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), and possibly depression. Some anti-depressant
medications affect norepinephrine levels in the brain. In stressful
situations, norepinephrine increases as part of the fight or flight
response to mobilize the brain and body for action.

Norepinephrine can be used to treat low blood pressure

(hypotension) that can occur during certain medical procedures or
life-threatening situations where cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) is needed.
How Can you Increase Norepinephrine Naturally?

Norepinephrine and serotonin are a great pair. These chemicals

help combat antidepressant effects and have therapeutic benefits.
Serotonin, also called a “feel-good” hormone, improves mood and
norepinephrine improves alertness and energy. You can boost
these chemicals naturally through:

 Exercise
 Sleep
 Small accomplishments
 Music
 Meditation
 Eating dopamine rich foods such as chocolate
.

Brain 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. the pituitary gland and the
hypothalamus—are located in or near the brain. The hypothalamus
and the pituitary gland are like orchestra conductors. Their job is to
tell other endocrine glands throughout the body to make the
hormones that affect and protect every aspect of your health. 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.

Pineal glands is important for the sleep cycle regulation of female

reproductive hormone associated with fertility and menstrual cycle.
Researchers are still learning about the potential functions of the
pineal gland and the hormone melatonin.

Kissepetin
Kisspeptin, made in the hypothalamus, is an important hormone
that starts the release of several other hormones. Also called
metastin, this interesting hormone is connected to puberty and may
also help stop the spread of cancer.
What Does Kisspeptin Do?

Kisspeptin enters into receptor sites in the pituitary gland, starting a

reaction that causes the gland to release neurotransmitters. Those
neurotransmitters then signal the release of luteinizing hormone
and follicle stimulating hormone. These hormones have a role to
play in the production of testosterone and oestradiol. Without
kisspeptin, this entire chain reaction would be damaged.

Kisspeptin has a secondary function that is not related to hormones.

Its original name, metastin, points to its ability to prevent the spread
of cancer in the body.Kisspeptin is released in conjunction with two
other hormones: dynorphin and neurokinin B. These two hormones
are not understood well, but early research indicates they may have
a role in causing the release of kisspeptin.

Potential Problems with Kisspeptin Levels

Having high levels of kisspeptin is not related to any conditions or

symptoms, although preliminary research indicates that high
kisspeptin levels in childhood can lead to early puberty, but this has
not yet been proven. Research has also found that women have
high levels of kisspeptin in their blood streams during pregnancy,
but why this occurs is not yet understood.

Improper kisspeptin function or low kisspeptin levels, however, can

cause problems. Specifically, inadequate function of this hormone
can cause infertility by preventing menstruation in women.
Sometimes, just one injection of kisspeptin can trigger ovulation,
which can allow for artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization
using the woman's eggs.

In adolescents, low kisspeptin levels or poor kisspeptin signaling

can delay or prevent the onset of puberty. Other problems
connected to high or low kisspeptin levels are still being discovered
and researched.
Serotonin
How Does the Body Uses Serotonin?

Mood: Serotonin is in the brain. It is thought to regulate mood,

happiness, and anxiety. Low levels of serotonin are linked to
depression, while increased levels of the hormone may decrease
arousal.

Bowel Movements: Serotonin is found in your stomach and

intestines. It helps control your bowel movements and function.

Nausea: Serotonin is produced when you become nauseated.

Production of serotonin increases to help remove bad food or other
substances from the body. It also increases in the blood, which
stimulates the part of the brain that controls nausea.

Sleep: Serotonin is responsible for stimulating the parts of the brain

that control sleep and waking. Whether you sleep or wake depends
on the area is stimulated and which serotonin receptor is used.

Blood Clotting: Serotonin is released to help heal wounds.

Serotonin triggers tiny arteries to narrow, which helps forms blood
clots.

Bone Health: Having very high levels of serotonin in the bones can
lead to osteoporosis, which makes the bones weaker.

Mental Health: Serotonin helps regulate your mood naturally.

When your serotonin levels are at a normal level, you should feel
more focused, emotionally stable, happier, and calmer.
What Problems are Associated with Low Levels of Serotonin?

Low levels of serotonin are often associated with many behavioral

and emotional disorders. Studies have shown that low levels of
serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you are experiencing any of these
thoughts or feelings, consult a health care professional immediately.
The sooner treatment starts, the faster you’ll see improvements.

What Problems are Associated with High Levels of Serotonin?

Serotonin syndrome can occur when you take medications that

increase serotonin action leading to side effects. Too much
serotonin can cause mild symptoms such as shivering, heavy
sweating, confusion, restlessness, headaches, high blood pressure,
twitching muscles, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms include
high fever, unconsciousness, seizures, or irregular heartbeat.
Serotonin syndrome can happen to anyone, but some people may
be at higher risk. You are at a higher risk if you increased the dose
of medication that is known to raise serotonin levels or take more
than one drug known to increase serotonin. You may also be at risk
if you take herbal supplements or an illicit drug known to increase
serotonin levels.

Prolactin
Prolactin, as its name implies, is a hormone that promotes lactation
(breast milk production) in mammals and is responsible for a
number of other functions and systems. Prolactin is created in the
front portion of the pituitary gland in your brain, as well as in the
uterus, brain, breasts, prostate, adipose tissue, skin, and immune
cells.

Prolactin (also known as luteotropin) function is still being studied,

but research seems to show a variety of purposes for this hormone.
For instance, it also regulates behavior, the immune system,
metabolism, reproductive systems, and many different bodily fluids.
This makes it a crucial hormone for overall health and well-being,
for both men and women. Production of prolactin is controlled by
two main hormones: dopamine and estrogen. These hormones
send a message to the pituitary gland primarily indicating whether
to begin or cease the production of prolactin. Dopamine restrains
the production of prolactin, while estrogen increases it.

Possible Problems with Prolactin Production

For most people, prolactin does its job without a

problem, and few are aware of the impact it has on their
health. Yet some people can struggle with prolactin
levels, which can cause a variety of problems.Too much
prolactin in the blood causes hyperprolactinemia, a
condition that can lead to menstrual disturbances,
estrogen deficiency and testosterone deficiency. High
prolactin levels also can cause unwanted lactation. This
often occurs during pregnancy or when the thyroid is not
functioning properly. Pituitary tumors, known as
prolactinomas, and medications that reduce dopamine
can also lead to increased prolactin levels. High levels of
prolactin are linked to sexual problems. Some of these
conditions can be treated with medications that mimic
the action of dopamine.

It's also possible to have too little prolactin, a condition

known as hypoprolactinaemia. This is extremely rare,
but it can occur if people have under-active pituitary
glands. This is commonly noticed in women after
pregnancy who are not able to produce sufficient milk.
No other proven health effects of low prolactin levels
have been noted. Research is underway to determine if
those with low prolactin levels suffer from a reduction in
immune system responses.

Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted
by the pituitary gland. This important hormone plays a crucial role in
the childbirth process and also helps with male reproduction.
Understanding oxytocin will help you take better care of your health
and lead you toward a better understanding of how your body
functions.

In women, oxytocin is responsible for signaling contractions of the

womb during labor. The hormone stimulates the uterine muscles to
contract, so labor begins. It also increases the production of
prostaglandins, which move labor along and increases the
contractions even more. Because of this effect, synthetic oxytocin
(pitocin) is sometimes used to induce a woman to start labor if she
cannot start naturally, or it can be given to make contractions
stronger if a woman's labor is slowing.

Once the baby is born, oxytocin promotes lactation by moving the

milk into the breast. When the baby sucks at the mother's breast,
oxytocin secretion causes the milk to release so the baby can feed.
At the same time, oxytocin is released into the brain to stimulate
further oxytocin production. Once the baby stops feeding, the
production of the hormone stops until the next feeding.

For men, oxytocin function is less important, but it does have a role
to play in moving sperm. It also appears to affect the production of
testosterone in the testes.

Studies of oxytocin also have found that it is an important chemical

messenger that controls some human behaviors and social
interaction. It is oxytocin that triggers the bond between a mother
and an infant, and it may also play a role in recognition, sexual
arousal, trust, and anxiety. Some research shows that the hormone
may affect addiction and stress as well.
How is Oxytocin Production Controlled?

Oxytocin production is controlled by a positive feedback

mechanism. This mechanism allows the release of the oxytocin
hormone when a trigger occurs. The hormone then causes an
action in the body, such as the letdown of milk or the start of labor
contractions, which signals more production of oxytocin. The
feedback cycle continues until the action, such as childbirth or
feeding the baby, is complete.

Problems with Oxytocin Production

High and low oxytocin levels are possible, but research has not yet
found any implications of these conditions. Men with high levels of
oxytocin sometimes develop benign prostatic hyperplasia, or the
enlarging of the prostate gland. This condition can cause urinary
complaints. A lack of oxytocin can prevent the milk letdown reflex
and make breastfeeding difficult. Low oxytocin levels have also
been linked to depression, but using oxytocin to treat mental health
conditions has not yet been studied sufficiently.

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced from cells in

the hypothalamus. It is then released into small blood vessels that
carry the hormone to the pituitary gland. As a consequence, the
pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-
stimulating (FSH) hormones. These hormones, LH and FSH, are
essential to male and female reproductive health. GnRH causes the
pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH.

In childhood, GnRH levels are low. As puberty begins, GnRH levels

start to rise. When the testes and ovaries are fully developed,
GnRH, LH, and FSH production are controlled by the levels of
testosterone and female sex hormones (estrogen and
progesterone). In women, FSH encourages eggs to grow in the
ovaries. Leading to the production of estrogen, which signals to the
pituitary gland to decrease the release of FSH and to produce more
LH, causing ovulation and FSH and LH levels to drop. In men,
GnRH stimulates the production of LH from the pituitary gland. LH
attaches to receptor cells in the testes, which starts the production
of sperm cells.
What Problems Can Occur with GnRH?

Research is still being conducted on the effects of having too much

GnRH. In rare cases, pituitary tumors can develop, which
increases the production of gonadotropins (LH and FSH), which
might cause the body to overproduce testosterone and estrogen. If
GnRH levels are too low, it often means that a person does not
begin puberty. Kallmann’s Syndrome is an condition where
gonadotropin levels are low due to inadequate GnRH levels. This
condition is more common among men and is accompanied by a
decreased sense of smell. Also, damage to the hypothalamus can
halt GnRH production. This will also stop the regular production of
FSH and LH. This may lead to amenorrhea in women, loss of
sperm production in men, and loss of hormones made from the
ovaries or testes.

Melatonin is created by the pineal gland in the brain. In a healthy,

normally functioning individual, melatonin is released in a rhythmic
cycle, with more melatonin produced at night when the light
entering the eyes starts to diminish. The bloodstream carries it to
the different areas of the body, where receptors pick up the
melatonin to signal the need for sleep.

Melatonin is essential to signaling the relaxation and lower body

temperature that help with restful sleep. Levels of melatonin are
higher at night, signaling the body that it is time to rest. In animals,
the hormone also regulates seasonal biology, such as the
reproductive system, winter coat growth, and hibernation behaviors.
A connection between melatonin and human reproduction or
seasonal cycles has not yet been established. Because it is so
connected to sleep, melatonin has been called the "sleep
hormone." However, it is not necessary for sleep, and people can
sleep with inadequate levels of melatonin in the body. That said, the
secretion of melatonin does allow individuals to sleep better.

Problems Connected with Melatonin

People do not experience problems with melatonin secreted

naturally by the body. The amount of melatonin produced by the
body, whether low or high, is not associated with any health
problems. In fact, in a lifetime, melatonin levels increase and
decrease during the various stages of life. Low levels of melatonin
do not appear to have any serious effects on health — although it
can make sleep difficult to achieve if the levels change.

However, melatonin supplementation as a sleep aid is popular, and

sometimes people will take too much melatonin. This can cause
drowsiness and a reduced core body temperature. Extremely high
levels of melatonin can also contribute to headaches and fatigue.
It's also possible for very large doses of melatonin to affect human
reproduction.

Human growth hormone (GH) is a substance that controls your

body’s growth. GH is made by the pituitary gland, located at the
base of the brain. GH helps children grow taller (also called linear
growth), increases muscle mass, and decreases body fat. In both
children and adults, GH also helps control the body’s metabolism—
the process by which cells change food into energy and make other
substances that the body needs.

If children or adults have too much or too little GH, they may have
health problems. Growth hormone deficiency (too little GH) and
some other health problems can be treated with synthetic
(manufactured) GH. Sometimes GH is used illegally for non-medical
purposes.

How is Growth Hormone Therapy Used?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GH

treatment for certain conditions. GH is available only by prescription
and is injected. Synthetic GH seems to be safe and effective when
used as prescribed for the FDA-approved conditions.

In children, GH is used to treat:

Growth hormone deficiency

Conditions that cause short stature (being shorter than children of
the same age), such as chronic kidney disease, Turner syndrome,
and Prader-Willi syndrome

In adults, GH is used to treat:

Growth hormone deficiency

Muscle wasting (loss of muscle tissue) from HIV
Short bowel syndrome

GROWTH HORMONE SOLD WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION

Some companies sell human GH pills or GH releasers, claiming
that the pills are “anti-aging” substances. But these substances
have not been proven to increase the body’s production of GH or to
fight aging, increase muscle, or provide other benefits. GH has no
effect if it is taken as a pill because it is inactivated (loses its action)
during digestion.

In addition to these uses, doctors outside and a number within the

U.S. sometimes prescribe GH for other health problems. (When
doctors prescribe medicines for conditions other than the ones
officially approved, the process is called “off-label” use.)

If you’re worried about GH deficiency in yourself or a family

member, talk with a doctor.

Is Growth Hormone Use Appropriate for Healthy Adults?

Studies of healthy adults taking GH have produced conflicting

results. Some short-term studies showed that older adults
increased their endurance and strength, with increased muscle and
decreased fat mass. But other studies did not show similar benefits.
More studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and risks
of GH use in healthy adults.

Aside from its use in research studies, prescribing or using GH off-

label is illegal in the US. Adults can achieve improved health, body
composition, strength, and endurance by following a healthy diet
and getting frequent exercise.
How is Growth Hormone Abused?

People sometimes take GH illegally to stop or reverse

the effects of aging or to improve athletic performance.
Some athletes believe taking GH alone will not achieve
the desired results, so they take it along with anabolic
(tissue building) steroids in an effort to build muscle,
increase strength, and decrease body fat. Some athletes
also use insulin to increase the muscular effects of GH,
which is a dangerous practice because it lowers blood
sugar.

What Are the Risks of Growth Hormone Abuse?

People can experience harmful side effects when they

abuse GH. Side effects of short-term use include joint
and muscle pain, fluid build-up, and swelling in the
joints. If GH is injected with shared needles, people
may be exposed to HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis. Taking
high doses of GH over a long time may contribute to
heart disease.
Conclusion

Hormones may be regulated by other hormones, by

glands and organs, and by a negative feedback
mechanism. Hormones that regulate the release of
other hormones are called tropic hormones. The
majority of tropic hormones are secreted by the
anterior pituitary in the brain.
The hypothalamus and thyroid gland also secrete
tropic hormones. The hypothalamus produces the
tropic hormone thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH),
which stimulates the pituitary to release thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is a tropic hormone
that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and
secrete more thyroid hormones.
Organs and glands also aid in hormonal regulation by
monitoring blood content. For example,
the pancreas monitors glucose concentrations in the
blood. If glucose levels are too low, the pancreas will
secrete the hormone glucagon to raise glucose levels.
If glucose levels are too high, the pancreas secretes
insulin to lower glucose levels.
In negative feedback regulation, the initial stimulus
is reduced by the response it provokes. The response
eliminates the initial stimulus and the pathway is
halted. Negative feedback is demonstrated in the
regulation of red blood cell production or
erythropoiesis. The kidneys monitor oxygen levels in
the blood. When oxygen levels are too low, the kidneys
produce and release a hormone called erythropoietin
(EPO). EPO stimulates red bone marrow to produce
red blood cells. As blood oxygen levels return to
normal, the kidneys slow the release of EPO, resulting
in decreased erythropoiesis.
Bibliography
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