Hormones, originating from the Greek word "hormon" meaning to excite, are chemical messengers produced by the body's endocrine system. These messengers regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, gender characteristics, sexual desire, and activity. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balanced function of the body's organ systems by transmitting information and instructions between cells.

Endocrine System

Endocrine refers to the process by which endocrine glands or cells release biologically active substances, specifically hormones, directly into body fluids to exert their effects.

Our endocrine system serves as the primary factory for human hormones. Within this system, specialized glands, known as endocrine glands, act as the main workshops for hormone production. These glands produce various hormones that regulate the body's functions.

Functions

1. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body's balance, influencing development and metabolism.

2. Hormones regulate physiological activities by stimulating male hormones in men and estrogen in women, contributing to enhanced hearing and vision in individuals with optimal hormone secretion.

3. Hormones contribute to enhanced vitality, supporting a positive outlook on work, life, and study, and promoting better overall mood and life satisfaction.

The interplay and balance of human hormones are core functions of the endocrine system, ensuring the normal operation of the body's various systems and the stability of its internal environment. This equilibrium is maintained through mechanisms such as antagonism, synergy, and feedback regulation among hormones.

Through complex interactions and regulatory mechanisms, the endocrine system ensures coordination between all parts of the body and maintains the stability of the internal environment, supporting the normal functioning of vital activities. Disruptions in these homeostasis mechanisms can lead to various endocrine diseases and metabolic disorders. Therefore, understanding and maintaining the balance between hormones is crucial for overall health.

Hormone Imbalance: What are the Symptoms

The human body contains numerous endocrine glands, each affecting the body differently when they develop diseases.

Endocrine disorders can severely disrupt normal bodily functions, impairing growth, development, reproduction, and metabolic activities.

Pancreatic islet dysfunction can lead to significant health issues: excessive insulin secretion can result in hypoglycemia, while inadequate secretion can lead to diabetes.

Thyroid dysfunction manifests in two primary ways: excessive thyroid hormone production (hyperthyroidism) leads to increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations. Conversely, insufficient thyroid hormone production (hypothyroidism) results in symptoms opposite to hyperthyroidism.

Insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland can lead to dwarfism, with adult height typically being less than 130 centimeters. Reduced pituitary function can also impact the thyroid gland, gonads, and adrenal glands, resulting in sexual underdevelopment, stunted growth and development, diminished physical strength, and cognitive impairment. Disorders of the endocrine system can also cause adolescent regression and issues during menopause.

Excess androgens, the primary sex hormones in men and present in smaller amounts in women, can lead to hair follicle shrinkage and thinning hair, ultimately resulting in hair loss. This condition, typically more common in men, often manifests as gradual thinning of hair on the forehead and crown.