Hormones and the Endocrine System
The endocrine system uses hormones to control and coordinate your body’s internal metabolism (or homeostasis) energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and environmental factors. Consider the following hormones and their role in the workings of the endocrine system:
Where the hormone is produced
Regulates salt, water balance, and blood pressure
Controls key functions in the body; acts as an anti-inflammatory; maintains blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength; regulates salt and water balance
Affects water retention in kidneys; controls blood pressure
Controls production of sex hormones (estrogen in women and testosterone in men) and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men.
Affects growth and development; stimulates protein production; affects fat distribution
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Controls production of sex hormones (estrogen in women and testosterone in men) and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men
Stimulates contraction of uterus and milk ducts in the breast
Initiates and maintains milk production in breasts; impacts sex hormone levels
Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones
Controls blood pressure, both directly and also by regulating aldosterone production from the adrenal glands
Lowers blood sugar levels; stimulates metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat
Affects development of female sexual characteristics and reproductive development, important for functioning of uterus and breasts; also protects bone health
Stimulates the lining of the uterus for fertilization; prepares the breasts for milk production
Most important regulator of blood calcium levels
Controls metabolism; also affects growth, maturation, nervous system activity, and metabolism
Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow
Develop and maintain male sexual characteristics and maturation
Releases melatonin during night hours to help with sleep
Regulates growth hormone release in the pituitary gland
Regulates thyroid stimulating hormone release in the pituitary gland
Regulates LH/FSH production in the pituitary gland
Regulates adrenocorticotropin release in the pituitary gland