Hormones are the body's chemical messengers and form part of the endocrine system. Hormones are mostly produced by glands in the human system. Hormones control most major bodily functions, from simple basic needs like hunger to complex systems like reproduction, and even the emotions and mood. There are different hormones in the human body and each performing a specific function. Lets look at them.
1. TESTOSTERONE
It is primary male sex hormone which plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass and the growth of body hair. Females also produce testosterone, but usually in smaller amounts. It also contributes to sex drive. Testosterone is produced by the gonads (by the lyeding cells in the testes in men and by the ovaries in women). Smaller quantities can also be produced by the adrenal glands in both sexes. Testosterone levels are controlled by the brain and pituitary gland.
2. INSULIN
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to use glucose (body sugar) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use. Insulin helps keeps your blood sugar level from getting too high (hyperglycemia). Insulin is produced in the beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The main function of insulin is that it regulates glucose levels in the body. It gives signal to the liver, muscle and fat cells to take in glucose from the blood thereby lowering glucose level when its high in the bloodstream. Insulin therefore helps cells to take in glucose to be used for energy. If the body has sufficient energy, insulin signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
3. GLUCAGON
Glucagon is a hormone which works to raise the concentration of glucose in the blood. It is produced by the alpha cells in Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. When the glucose in the bloodstream falls too low, the pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream. Glucagon causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream.
4. ALDOSTERONE
Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates blood pressure, salt and water in the bloodstream. It is produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal glands.If blood pressure is decreased, the adrenal gland is stimulated to release aldosterone, which increases sodium re-absorption from the urine, sweat and the gut. This causes increased osmolarity in the extracellular fluid, which will eventually return blood pressure toward normal.
5. ESTROGEN
Estrogen is a female sex hormone which is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary characteristics. The secondary characteristics includes breast, endometrium, regulation of the menstrual cycle, wider hips. pubic hairs and etc. Men produce estrogen but in smaller amounts. Estrogen in helps in maturation of the sperm and maintenance of a healthy libido. Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat tissues. During pregnancy, estriol, a form of estrogen is produced by the placenta.
6. PROGESTERONE
Progesterone is a female hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and very crucial for pregnancy. Progesterone is mainly produced in the corpus luteum in the ovaries. Progesterone is also produced by the adrenal glands and during pregnancy, the placenta. Progesterone plays a role in thickening the lining of the uterus every month. It also helps in maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone balance or opposed the effects of estrogen. Unopposed estrogen creates a strong risk for breast cancer and reproductive cancers.
7. OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland. It is sometimes referred to as love hormone because levels of oxytocin helps in childbirth where it stimulates the uterine muscles to contract during labour. Oxytocin also plays a role in lactation. During breastfeeding, oxytocin promotes the production of milk in the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipple. Oxytocin is also important in human behaviors including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, anxiety and mother- infant bonding. oxytocin in men helps the production of testosterone by the testes.
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