Understanding the Major Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

Everyone goes through that infamously awkward phase called puberty when they are between 8 and 14. The process signifies the development of sexual maturity, where teens begin to undergo noticeable changes in their bodies. Boys begin to develop deeper voices, and girls begin their menstrual cycles. It is also the stage where their hormones are released to send messages to different body parts, sparking various transformations.

Handling hormonal fluctuations can be an unpleasant or awkward experience during this time. But they are a necessary stage that plays a vital role in maintaining normal body functions. This process is managed by the glands that make up the Endocrine System.

To better understand the importance of the endocrine system, identifying the different glands and their core functions, including the hormones, is essential.

What is the Endocrine System?

The Endocrine System is a collection of glands located in various areas of the human body. These glands play an essential part in producing, storing, and releasing different hormones used by the body for various functions.

Each gland in this network can produce one or more hormones, which travel through the bloodstream to reach specific organs and tissues. These keep a variety of body functions operating normally. They also lower the risk of developing any endocrine disease.

The Major Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

The Endocrine System is made up of nine (9) major glands that vary in size. Here is where each one is located, what they do, and their functions in the body:

Pituitary gland

This is also known as the master gland due to its control over the hormone secretions of the other glands. The Pituitary is a pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain under the Hypothalamus.

The Pituitary Gland produces hormones that affect growth and reproduction during puberty. A few examples of hormones which this gland produces include Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin (PRL), and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Hypothalamus

Found on the undersurface of the brain, this gland is responsible for producing two hormonal functions: releasing and inhibiting. During puberty, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is secreted, which is responsible for the human libido and reproduction cycle. It is also responsible for regulating other body functions such as sleep-wake cycles, appetite, body temperature, and sending out of hormones to other glands.

Pancreas

The Pancreas is a hand-sized organ tucked inside the abdomen and behind the stomach. The two most notable hormones that it secretes are insulin and glucagon, which regulate glucose (sugar) and Somatostatin (growth hormone) in the blood. The Pancreas also plays a major role in the Digestive System by breaking down food into enzymes.

Pineal Gland

Situated deep in a part of the brain called the Epithalamus, the Pineal Gland is responsible for producing Melatonin (sleep hormone). This helps the body respond to darkness and light, and control the timing of its circadian rhythm, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Melatonin also plays a role in controlling immune function as it can significantly affect health conditions.

Thyroid Gland

This can be found wrapped around the trachea (windpipe) and neck below the larynx. During puberty, the Thyroid Gland plays a vital role in secreting hormones needed for growth, reproductive functions, and sexual development. The organ itself can grow during this stage in life and get smaller over time.

Apart from its endocrine functions, the Thyroid is also associated with regulating metabolism and heart rate.

Thymus

This endocrine gland remains active until puberty and can be found behind the breast bone between the lungs. The Thymus releases a hormone called Thymosin, which stimulates the development of T cells such as natural killer T (NKT) cells, naive T cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells for fighting pathogens.

After puberty, the body begins to slowly shrink down the Thymus and converts it to fat.

Adrenal Gland

The Adrenal Gland is a small triangular-shaped gland can be found on top of both kidneys and holds multiple functions. It sends out hormones called Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Testosterone during puberty, regardless of gender, for muscle and bone strength and libido.

The Adrenal Gland is also in charge of the development of other changes such as body odor, the growth of pubic hair, and oil production in the skin.

Ovaries (for women)

The Ovaries are oval-shaped glands positioned on both sides of a woman’s uterus. During puberty, hormones called Estrogen and Progesterone are released, helping control the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy.

This organ is also responsible for producing eggs, which can develop into a new organism when fertilized.

Testes (for men)

The male body has two Testes (or testicles), which are located inside the scrotum. During puberty, this male organ produces great amounts of Testosterone, which promotes the development of deeper voices, facial hair, and larger muscles. It is also responsible for the production of sperm, which later slows down with aging.

Hormonal Balance: The Key to a Healthy Endocrine System

The body produces different hormones that deliver biochemical messages through the blood to various organs, which act as vital signals, telling the body what to do and when to do it. Despite the relatively unpleasant effects, which may occur during puberty, maintaining hormonal balance through a healthy endocrine system is a must.

There are many ways to keep this complex network of glands healthy and avoid the development of certain diseases. Reach out to MakatiMed’s Section of Endocrinology to learn more about the different hormones and our world-class healthcare service