Hormones and Their Functions

What are Hormones?

• Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the body that regulate various physiological processes.
• They are secreted into the bloodstream and transported to specific cells, tissues, or organs to exert their effects.

Types of Hormones

• Steroid hormones: derived from cholesterol, examples include:
  • Sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone)
  • Adrenal cortex hormones (aldosterone, cortisol)
• Peptide hormones: composed of amino acids, examples include:
  • Insulin
  • Growth hormone
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Amine hormones: derived from amino acids, examples include:
  • Epinephrine (adrenaline)
  • Norepinephrine
  • Thyroxine (T4)

Hormone Regulation

• Negative feedback: hormones regulate their own production by inhibiting the production of other hormones or stimulating the production of inhibitory hormones.
• Positive feedback: hormones stimulate their own production, leading to an increase in hormone levels.

Hormone Functions

• Growth and development: hormones regulate growth, development, and maturation of tissues and organs.
• Metabolism: hormones regulate metabolic processes, such as glucose and energy metabolism.
• Electrolyte and water balance: hormones regulate electrolyte and water balance, affecting blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Reproduction: hormones regulate reproductive processes, including puberty, menstruation, and fertility.

Hormone Imbalance

• Hyposecretion: insufficient hormone production, leading to deficiencies or disorders.
• Hypersecretion: excessive hormone production, leading to disorders or diseases.

Examples of Hormone-Related Disorders

• Diabetes: insulin deficiency or resistance
• Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Growth hormone deficiency: dwarfism or growth retardation
• Hypogonadism: deficiency in sex hormones, leading to reproductive disorders

Hormones

• Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the body that regulate various physiological processes.
• They are secreted into the bloodstream and transported to specific cells, tissues, or organs to exert their effects.

Types of Hormones

• Steroid hormones: derived from cholesterol, regulate sex characteristics and electrolyte balance.
  • Examples: estrogen, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol
• Peptide hormones: composed of amino acids, regulate growth, metabolism, and other functions.
  • Examples: insulin, growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Amine hormones: derived from amino acids, regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate.
  • Examples: epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, thyroxine (T4)

Hormone Regulation

• Negative feedback: hormones regulate their own production by inhibiting the production of other hormones or stimulating the production of inhibitory hormones.
• Positive feedback: hormones stimulate their own production, leading to an increase in hormone levels.

Hormone Functions

• Growth and development: hormones regulate growth, development, and maturation of tissues and organs.
• Metabolism: hormones regulate metabolic processes, such as glucose and energy metabolism.
• Electrolyte and water balance: hormones regulate electrolyte and water balance, affecting blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Reproduction: hormones regulate reproductive processes, including puberty, menstruation, and fertility.

Hormone Imbalance

• Hyposecretion: insufficient hormone production, leading to deficiencies or disorders.
• Hypersecretion: excessive hormone production, leading to disorders or diseases.

Examples of Hormone-Related Disorders

• Diabetes: insulin deficiency or resistance
• Thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Growth hormone deficiency: dwarfism or growth retardation
• Hypogonadism: deficiency in sex hormones, leading to reproductive disorders

Learn about the different types of hormones, their functions, and how they regulate physiological processes in the body.