The human body is a complex system that performs a huge number of operations. Hormones play an important role in the proper organization of the human body. These are catalysts for biochemical processes that are produced by endocrine glands. There are different types of hormones, and each has a specific function.
Classification of hormones
Depending on the chemical structure, these types of hormones are isolated. The protein-peptide group combines the secrets of such glands as the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pancreatic and parathyroid hormones. 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 types of hormones. They are synthesized mainly in the gonads, as well as the adrenal glands (estrogen, progesterone). Hormones of the first two groups are mainly responsible for metabolic processes in our body. Steroid hormones controlphysical development and the process of reproduction. Depending on the method of signal transmission from the secret to the cells, lipophilic and hydrophilic hormones are distinguished. The former easily penetrate 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 messenger molecules. It is characteristic that hydrophilic hormones are transported with the blood stream, while lipophilic ones bind to its proteins and are thus transported.
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 endocrine system includes the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary and pineal glands, adrenal glands, hypothalamus. It also includes organs such as testicles and ovaries. All hormones enter directly into the blood or lymph. Any disruption in the work of the human endocrine system can cause serious diseases (diabetes mellitus, neoplastic processes, obesity, hyper- and hypothyroidism).
Tissue hormones, their types and functions
This type of hormones is produced in the tissues of the body and their action is usually local. Sometimes these hormones can enter the bloodstream. Histamine is a substance that actsimportant 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 spasms in the bronchi. Serotonin has the following effect: the vessels narrow, their permeability decreases. It is also called the hormone of happiness. If its production is normal, a 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, kallidin, T-kinin, bradykinin (reduces blood 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 secretions is prostaglandins. They act on the smooth muscles of the organs, reduce the secretion of gastric juice. Substances such as kalons control cell division. Another type of tissue hormones is gastrin, secretin.
The thyroid gland. 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 he alth. In order for them to form, a sufficient intake of iodine is necessary. Actionthese hormones are similar, but triiodothyronine is more active. First of all, these substances take part in energy metabolic processes. They also affect the functioning of the heart muscle, intestines, and 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 and 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.
Analysis for hormones produced by the thyroid gland
If a person has changes such as weight fluctuations (sudden 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 is mandatory. To pass it, you should prepare 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 a day before). Blood sampling takes place in the morning on an empty stomach. Thyroid hormones can be both in a bound and in a free state. Therefore, in the course of research, the amount of free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, as well as the level of antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, are determined. As a rule, the study takes oneday. Depending on the results obtained, one can speak of a particular disease.
The 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 exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Depending on the characteristics of a person, the gland can be of a mesh type, alveolar or in the form of a continuous mass. It synthesizes parathyroid hormone, which, like calcitonin, takes part in calcium metabolism. It also affects the skeletal system, intestines, kidneys. If the production of parathyroid hormone is impaired, then mental disorders, bone problems, calcification of internal organs and blood vessels are possible. With hypoparateriosis, muscle cramps appear, the heart rate quickens, and headaches may occur. If these signs are present, 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 bones.
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are paired organs located at the top of the kidneys. These types of hormones and their functions are as follows. The cortical layer of the glands produces substances that regulate the exchange of nutrients and minerals. Also, hormones of this type control glucose levels. The adrenal medulla synthesizes adrenaline and norepinephrine. Often they are developed during strong emotional outbursts (fear, danger). When these hormonesenter the bloodstream, blood pressure rises, the heart rate quickens, the excitability of the receptors of the organs of vision and hearing increases. Thus, the body prepares for the need to endure a stressful situation. The adrenal glands produce glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol) that regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Their concentration depends on the time of day: the maximum amount of cortisol is observed at about 6 o'clock in the morning. Mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone) regulate s alt metabolism. Thanks to them, 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 a libido. In a blood test for adrenal hormones, the level of DEA is examined. Its high content may indicate the presence of tumors of the glands. In addition, an excess of this hormone leads to serious consequences during pregnancy (miscarriage, malnutrition of the child, 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
Besides the fact that the pancreas takes an active part in the processes of digestion, it also produces hormones that are essential for the normal functioning of the body. All of them enter directly into the human blood. This body produces such types of hormones: insulin, c-peptide, glucagon. The main function of insulin is to regulate the levelSahara. If the processes of its synthesis are disturbed, the development of diabetes mellitus is possible. Insulin also affects the production of active substances in the gastrointestinal tract, the synthesis of estrogens. It can be found in the body in free and bound form. If the amount of insulin is insufficient, then the process of converting glucose into fat and glycogen is disturbed. 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, increases the level of glucose in the blood. It also reduces the level of calcium, phosphorus in the blood. Types of action of pancreatic hormones are closely interrelated. Their combined influence ensures optimal glucose levels.
Pituitary hormone functions
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 hormone 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. Thyrotropic hormone coordinates the secretion of biologically active substances of the thyroid gland. Somatotropin takes an active part in the growth of the body and protein synthesis. It can also affect glucose levels, lipid breakdown. This hormone is responsible for normalphysical development of the human body. An increase in its level leads to gigantism. If somatotropin is below normal (in children), then short stature 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 responsible for milk production in women. Also, due to its production 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 contributes to the contraction of the uterus, colostrum is produced. Vasopressin stimulates the muscles of organs such as the intestines, uterus, and blood vessels.
Sex glands
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 can 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 ones. It should be noted that their level does not tolerate such fluctuations compared to women's secrets. Thanks to testosterone, seminal fluid is produced, attraction to the opposite sex is stimulated. Also, the muscles, the skeleton develop in a special way, a characteristic male voice timbre appears. Other types of steroid hormones (in particular, dihydrotestosterone) provide male behavior, as well ascharacteristic appearance: body hair in certain areas, body structure. The 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 the egg (fertilized) to be fixed in its cavity. Progesterone prepares a woman for pregnancy, and also contributes to the bearing of a child. If the amount of the hormone is not enough, then the menstrual cycle will be disrupted, bleeding is possible. The low level of progesterone also affects the emotional state: as a rule, a woman suffers from sudden mood swings. An elevated level of the hormone may indicate either 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 the female type of figure, increase the tone and elasticity of the skin. In addition, hormones of this type contribute to the normal course of menstruation. They also protect blood vessels from the accumulation of lipid plaques, promote the growth of bone tissue, and retain calcium and phosphorus in it. If the level of estrogen is insufficient, there is a male type of hair growth, the skin ages earlier, excess weight accumulates in the abdomen, hips, bones become more fragile.
Blood test for sex hormones
Types of tests for hormones include the study of blood for the content of sexual secrets in it. They appoint himif there are such violations: problems with the menstrual cycle, the inability to conceive a child, miscarriage, etc. For men, such an analysis is indicated in cases of suspected tumor processes, infertility. Blood should be donated in the morning, before that 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 to take the test, since the level of hormones depends on the day of the menstrual cycle. Several indicators are being studied at the same time. 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. When diagnosing infertility, special attention is paid to luteinizing hormone. In women, it is responsible for the maturation of the follicle, ovulation, the formation of a gland such as the corpus luteum. If it is impossible to become pregnant, the indicators of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones are examined in combination. A blood test is also carried out 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 its indicators are below the norm in men, then the quality of sperm deteriorates. It also negatively affects potency. In women, excess testosterone can cause miscarriage.
