What Everybody Ought to Know About Hormones
What are hormones? (1)
Hormones are substances that move throughout the body coordinating the processes of the cells such as growth, metabolism and fertility. They even promote the function of the immune system, and before birth, are crucial in the development of the brain and reproductive system.
In response to a signal from the brain, the glands that produce and store them, release hormones directly into the blood. Although all the cells are exposed to the hormones in the bloodstream, the only cells which react are those with receptors for a particular hormone.
Hormones are the reason why you are alive, and the glandular system is the producer which sends hormones to specific target areas of the body.
What do hormones do in the body? (1)
Specific glands secrete specific hormones, with specifically targeted organs, and each has specific effects and functions.
Listed are glands, the hormones produced, target areas, and how the organs are affected.
- Adrenal gland, produces adrenalin for organs like the liver and heart, and prepares the body for action known as flight or fight.
- Ovary, provides estrogen for the ovaries and uterus, controls female puberty and the menstrual cycle. The ovary also produces progesterone for the uterus, and maintains the lining of the womb.
- Pancreas, produces insulin which helps the liver to control blood sugar levels.
- Pituitary gland, releases anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) to help kidneys control blood water level, by promoting kidney flushing.
- Pituitary gland also aids egg ripening in the ovaries, and promotes release of ripe eggs.
- Anterior pituitary gland, secretes the growth hormone, plus a hormone which stimulates milk production after childbirth, as well as a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the ovaries, and promotes the development of sperm in the testes.
- Testes, secretes testosterone for the development of the male reproduction organs, and controls proper progression of puberty in males. Testosterone contributes to muscle strength and can add to sexual stamina. It can also help to promote proper function of the liver.
Hormones regulate and coordinate the function of many cells and organs. This can only be done in conjunction with the glandular system, which in itself is a complex networking operation. Each gland is important in its own way for optimal health, and while some are more necessary to body function than others, life can still be sustained with the help of medical science.
There are however, two glands in the body which research has shown to be almost indispensable when it comes to sustaining life.
Two of the most important glands in the body.
Both the Thyroid and the Pituitary glands control multiple parts of the body. A malfunction of either of these glands can have a serious, negative impact on your health.
The pituitary gland is often referred to as the main gland of the body. It is very tiny, no bigger than a pea, and is situated at the base of the brain. The hormones produced by the pituitary gland have a major effect on kidney function, the ovaries, and the growth and development of bones and muscle. (2)
It is possible to live without a pituitary gland, but it will require almost lifelong hormonal replacement therapy such as estrogen, thyroid, and growth hormones. (3) Life would be somewhat difficult, and may be potentially limited in some ways.
The thyroid gland is absolutely essential for sustaining life. If it malfunctions, or has to be removed due to cancer or another problem, you will be dependent on thyroid hormone medication for the rest of your life to stay alive. The correct dosage will also have to be carefully established.
The thyroid is a thin, soft organ, situated in the front of the neck. It is usually not noticeable unless it is swollen due to a problem. The swelling is a good indication that there might be a malfunction that needs medical attention.
This gland constantly secretes a steady stream of hormones into the bloodstream which regulate the body’s temperature, metabolism and heart rate. An interruption of its efficient operation, can lead to alarming, distressing symptoms, such as severe heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and body temperature fluctuations. (4)
Iodine, found in sea vegetables and potatoes, as well as iodized salt, helps to keep the thyroid healthy. (5)
Why the glandular system is so important?
The glands secrete the hormones vital to support health in the body. In fact, many of the hormones they secrete, are necessary to maintain life. If any of the glands break down, and there is an interruption or decrease in the supply of certain hormones to some organs, these hormones need to be manually replaced.
Natural hormone replacement therapy.
Most of the conventional hormone replacement supplements are chemically manufactured, and are completely synthetic. They also bear no resemblance to the molecules of hormones produced naturally in the body. Research has shown that synthetic hormones may have potentially unpleasant or dangerous side effects. (6)
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones manufactured from plant extracts and are an exact replica of the hormones produced in your body. Studies have shown that there is less likely to be any dangerous side effects, and if the correct hormone balance is achieved, possibly no side effects worth noting. (7)
Visit us at www.renewmetoday.com for more information about BHRT, and find the location of your nearest Renew office. http://www.hormone.org/hormones–and–health/what–do–hormones–do (1) http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-pituitary-gland (2) https://www.quora.com/Is–it–possible–to–live–without–a–pituitary–gland (3) https://www.verywell.com/what–to–do–when–you–dont–have–a–thyroid–gland–3233203 (4) http://www.thyroid.org/iodine–deficiency/ (5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15551359 (6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25795991 (7)
