In the human body, hormones are responsible for metabolism, growth, sexuality, among others. The word “hormone”, of Greek origin, means movement or stimulus.
Main Hormones of the Human Body
Many hormones are produced by the glands that make up the endocrine system (pituitary, thyroid , parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas and sex glands) of the human body.
Thus, the main hormones in the human body are: growth hormone (GH), antidiuretic (ADH), thyroxine (T4), parathyroid hormone, adrenaline, glucagon, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone.
Types of Hormones
Learn about some types of hormones and how they act in our body.
Growth Hormone (GH)
Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is essential for human growth.
It acts on the body as it promotes the development of muscle mass and bone lengthening.
Its action is linked to the production of IGF-1, which is produced by the liver. It is from the combination of these GH and IGF-1 that tissue growth and development occur.
Antidiuretic (ADH)
Produced in the hypothalamus gland and secreted by the neurohypophysis, the antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin acts on the kidneys, more specifically on the renal tubules.
Its action is related to controlling the excretion of water in the body, thus regulating blood pressure and the volume of urine stored in the bladder.
Thyroxine (T4)
Thyroxine, also known as tetraiodothyronine (T4), is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland , which in turn is produced by the pituitary gland.
T4 acts together with another hormone, triiodothyronine (T3) and in the absence of these hormones, TSH is released, stimulating the production of these hormones.
It is responsible for several organic functions, such as: regulating metabolism, heartbeat, body development and growth, and maintaining body weight.
Parathyroid hormone
Parathyroid hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and is responsible for regulating the amount of calcium in the blood.
This hormone works in conjunction with calcitonin, which helps reduce blood calcium and stimulate the parathyroid gland to release parathyroid hormone and encourage the release of calcium from the bones into the blood.
Adrenaline
Produced by the adrenal glands , adrenaline is the hormone that acts on the nervous system, being released in moments of tension and stress, developing its function of preparing the body for action.
When the amygdala identifies the trigger for the reaction, it activates the hypothalamus so that it can connect the nervous system to the endocrine system. The pituitary gland releases the hormone activation to the adrenal glands.
The most common effects of adrenaline are: excessive sweating, contraction of blood vessels, tachycardia (increased heart rate), increased blood pressure and respiratory rate.
Glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that acts to balance blood glucose levels.
Its action is carried out through the activation of the phosphorylase enzyme, that is, when the liver’s glycogen molecules are transformed into glucose molecules.
It is through the action exerted by glucagon that hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar levels) is avoided.
Insulin
Produced by the pancreas , insulin acts on the absorption and control of glucose levels by cells.
It helps prevent diabetes or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).
Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the female ovaries. It is responsible for the development of sexual characteristics in women, such as breast growth, pubic hair, among others.
The body’s production of this hormone varies according to the woman’s age. During puberty, estrogen plays an important role in the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, its production increases as it prepares the body for childbirth.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries, as it acts in the development of the body to accommodate a pregnancy.
This hormone is essential for women, as it is related to menstruation, fertilization, transport and implantation of the fertilized egg.
Progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterus and breasts, as well as inhibiting uterine contractions in order to ensure fetal development.
Prolactin
Prolactin is the hormone produced in the female mammary glands.
It is responsible for producing milk to feed the baby and, therefore, during pregnancy the breasts are filled with milk in order to ensure the nutrition of the newborn.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the hormone produced by the testicles , responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics.
Testosterone levels decrease as we age. It plays a role in the development of the scrotum, beard growth, deepening of the voice, muscle growth, among others.
Hormonal Dysfunction and Disorders
When hormones are not working properly, we say that the body is suffering from hormonal dysfunction, which can occur in both men and women.
Hormonal dysfunction is very common in cases related to the sexual glands. The most common problems are related to infertility, weight gain, acne and body hair, as well as so-called “polycystic ovaries” in women and “andropause” in men.
However, hormonal disorders are characterized by a deficiency of the endocrine glands, which means they start to produce fewer hormones. Therefore, treatment is based on hormone replacement therapy.
See more:
- Endocrine system
- Stages of human life