HORMONES FOR THE LAYPERSON





 

                       Hormones in our daily lives

We eat and drink every day, we talk about being healthy, but few think
about the role hormones play in our daily lives.

The Endocrine System is made up of glands that secrete hormones. They are
necessary for regulating normal body functions.  Without hormones, our
bodies would function poorly.

 We will try to discuss the most important ones, as there are many.

An overview of hormones   

The Thyroid gland is described as the largest of the endocrine
glands.  It is controlled by the pituitary gland and secretes two
important hormones ,T3 and T4. Iodine is taken from the foods 
we eat and used to produce its hormones.
 
The pituitary gland is also part of the endocrine system. It is
located at the base of the skull. The pituitary gland is described
as pea - shaped and small. It is also known as "the master gland "
of the body.  
   

Insulin is a hormone which is secreted by special cells in the
pancreas, called the Islets of Langerhans. Insulin controls blood glucose.

The adrenal glands are small endocrine glands and are situated one on top
of each kidney. The hormone adrenaline ( epinephrine) is secreted by the 
adrenals. This hormone is commonly known as the  gland of " fight, flight
and fright".

Estrogen and Progesterone are two hormones produced by the ovaries initially,
then the placenta in the latter part of pregnancy. They are first produced by the 
ovaries and later the placenta. Estrogen and Progesterone also keep the placenta
healthy and help with lactation.













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