Watch: [Understanding Your Body] Hormones

⭐English subtitles available⭐

 

 

Our bodies have a natural tendency to maintain a consistent state.

This is known as homeostasis.

 

To maintain this homeostasis, our bodies contain substances that,

though small in quantity, exert a powerful influence.

 

Influencing everything from emotions and growth

to development, sleep, and stress, the hidden regulators of our bodies

They are hormones.

 

Hormones are a type of chemical substance secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream.

 

As they travel through the bloodstream and reach their target organs,

they work and affect the targeted organs.

 

When hormone levels in the blood increase,

the endocrine glands reduce hormone secretion.

When hormone levels are low, the glands increase hormone secretion

to maintain a consistent concentration in the bloodstream.

 

The human endocrine system includes

the pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas, testes, and ovaries.

 

Among them, the most important role is played by the pituitary gland, a small organ in the brain.

 

Controlled by the hypothalamus, it receives information about the body’s condition and environment.

Then, it sends signals to target organs, such as the thyroid, adrenal gland, and gonads,

prompting them to secrete their respective hormones.

 

Additionally, it secretes growth hormone to promote body growth,

prolactin to stimulate milk production,

antidiuretic hormone to reduce urine output and retain body fluids,

and oxytocin to contract the uterus during childbirth.

 

The pituitary gland is not the only organ that secretes hormones.

 

The functions of hormones vary widely depending on secretory organs.

 

Looking at the functions of hormones by secretory organ,

the thyroid secretes hormones that activate cells

to regulate body temperature and energy metabolism.

 

The parathyroid hormone acts on the bones to regulate calcium level.

 

The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys,

secrete steroid hormones that regulate metabolism and immune response.

 

The adrenal glands also secrete hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine,

which combat stress and regulate blood pressure.

 

The pancreas secretes hormones called insulin,

which lowers blood sugar, and glucagon, which raises it.

 

The ovaries secret female hormones that promote feminine traits,

while the testes secrete male hormones that promote masculine traits.

 

When excessive stress is placed on our bodies,

the endocrine system may not function properly,

leading to hormonal imbalances.

 

For example, when undergoing extreme, short-term diet,

women may experience irregular menstruation,

high blood pressure, temporary hyperlipidemia, depression, or even sleep disorders.

 

The key to hormonal balance is maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 

If hormonal imbalance is suspected, a blood test can be conducted to measure hormone levels,

and appropriate measures should be taken based on the underlying cause.