HORMONES

▪️ These are chemical messengers which are secreted by ductless glands into the blood and other bodily fluids in an organism. They affect and manage very many bodily processes- including controlling and regulating the activities of cells and organs. Even for biological activities such as reproduction, growth and development, energy use amidst others use hormones. Furthermore, our mood swings are determined by hormones!-

📌 So don't blame an agitated moody girl who's experiencing her periods … the roller-coaster of hormones inside her is very crazy. Sexual function and sleep-wake cycle are also greatly determined by hormones.

▪️ Hormones are majorly produced under the endocrine system. The endocrine system contains glands that make and release most hormones in the body, directly to the bloodstream.

Examples of glands in the endocrine system include:

Pituitary gland, Thyroid gland, Adrenal glands, Hypothalamus, Pineal glands, Ovaries, Testes and Pancreas.

📍 Pituitary Gland

This gland is found in the brain and consists of two lobes- anterior lobe and posterior lobe. Both work in releasing hormones which aid in important body processes.

📌 Anterior Pituitary makes and releases the following hormones:

▪️ Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):- Aids in reproduction, sexual development and function of ovary( especially in the menstrual cycle) and testes.

▪️ Growth Hormone:- Helps in hair growth and skin, improves skin quality, improves brain function, memory, concentration and cognitive function, boosts immune system, promotes bone healing, and improves sexual function in both men and women.

▪️ Luteinizing Hormone (LH):- Works together with FSH to aid in sexual development and reproduction such as release of an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.

▪️ Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH):- Helps in releasing cortisol which helps the body in responding and managing stress.

▪️ Prolactin Hormone:- This enables production of breast milk after birth.

▪️ Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH):- This regulates the body's metabolism.

📌 Posterior Pituitary releases the following hormone:

▪️ Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)/Vasopressin:- Maintains body's osmotic pressure and kidney function.

▪️ Oxytocin:- It's commonly known as the love hormone. It plays roles in childbirth, social bonding and reproduction.

📍 Thyroid Gland

This gland is located on the front side of the neck and it produces thyroid hormone. Its main function is to control the way the body transforms food into energy I.e. metabolism.

📍 Adrenal Glands

These glands are located immediately on top of each of the two kidneys in the human body. They make the following hormones:

▪️ Aldosterone:- This regulates blood pressure by managing the sodium and potassium levels in the blood through the kidney, sweat glands, salivary glands etc.

▪️ Adrenaline:- This hormone prepares the body's stress response by stimulating faster heart rate and glucose secretion.

▪️ Cortisol:- This hormone prepares the ' flight or fight ' response by stimulating rapid heart rate and breathing. This helps in regulating the body's stress response.

▪️ Androgens:- These are sex hormones that help to start puberty and help in reproductive health and body development.

📍 Hypothalamus

This is a small region of the brain that releases certain hormones that help control bodily processes. These include:

▪️ Dopamine:- This is commonly known as the reward chemical. It aids in mood, attention, motivation and movement.

▪️ Oxytocin:- This is the love hormone. Even though the pituitary glands store and release it, it is made in the hypothalamus.

▪️ Somatostatin:- This hormone regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and rapid reproduction of cells.

📍 Ovaries

These are two bodies found in the female reproductive tract below the opening of the fallopian tubes. They not only contain and produce egg cells, but they also produce hormones such as:

▪️ Oestrogen:- Helps in development of sex characteristics and facilities reproductive processes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

▪️ Progesterone:- Helps in preparing the endometrium for conception and maintaining pregnancy.

📍 Testes

These are two sex-glands usually found in males- they hang in a pouch outside the body below the Penis. They produce hormone testosterone which is responsible for male sex characteristics and the developments that follow thereafter.

📍 Pancreas

This organ is located slightly between the duodenum and the intestines. It produces hormones insulin and glucagon which helps in the blood sugar regulation.

📍 Kidney

These are two bean- shaped organs that take part in urine production and filtering blood. It produces hormone erythropoietin which stimulates red blood cell production.

THE 4 MOST COMMON HORMONE THAT ADD HAPPINESS TO OUR LIVES🥰❤️

▪️ Dopamine:- a reward chemical that helps us feel pleasure as part of the brain's reward system. Examples include shopping, eating good food, treating yourself. Nuts, seeds and apples 🍎 🍎 tend to raise dopamine levels.

▪️ Oxytocin:- this is the love hormone ❤. Plays a role in social bonding, romantic attachment, mother-infant bonding, Labour in childbirth, lactation amidst others. Vitamin C and citrus fruits🍊🍋 boost this hormone.

▪️ Endorphin:- This hormone is released to relieve pain, reduce stress and improve mood - for example in laughing. It also triggers a positive feeling in the body. Exercise helps a lot to boost its production.

▪️ Serotonin:- This is the mood stabilizer and sunlight, massage, remembering happy events etc. can boost its levels.

QUICK CHECK INTO HORMONAL IMBALANCES

▪️ Hormonal imbalances are common occurrences nowadays which cause conditions like Thyroid disease and diabetes, Irregular menstrual periods in ladies, low testosterone levels hence infertility in males, growth of male features in ladies like beard growth, and growth of female features in males like enlarged breasts.

▪️ These imbalances can be caused by tumors/growths, damage to the endocrine glands, autoimmune conditions or inheritance of the mutated genes from your family line.

▪️ It is important to note the working of hormones in your body and cooperate accordingly- for example, when the pineal gland in the brain produces hormone melatonin which alerts you to sleep, please sleep. It controls the sleep- wake cycle . So if you usually have insomnia, something is amiss.🤔

💡Fun Fact: The dominant male hormone, testosterone, is also produced in smaaaall amounts in women😃but it is converted to estrogen before working in the body. Now you know what 'female bisexuals 'have to activate or induce in order to have manly features …

How to help your body balance the hormones well?:- Practice good eating habits(eating foods high in fiber, healthy fats and low in sugar); Do regular exercises; Get enough sunshine; Get enough sleep and rest; Manage stress; and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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