Hormone Function -- a Brief Description
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Cortisol – (stress hormone)

  • Increases during stress, also with aging.
  • Reduced inflammatory response; impairs immune function
  • Associated with diabetes, osteoporosis, memory loss and Alzheimer’s.

DHEA
  • Energizes
  • Enhances libido
  • Restores memory
  • Rejuvenates the immune system
  • Tames stress
  • Fights cancer
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Reduces body & fat
  • Therapy for menopause
  • Helps erase fine wrinkles
  • Helps dry eye
  • New hope for lupus suffers
  • Heals burns
  • Increases testosterone levels

Estrogen
  • Relieves menopausal symptoms
  • Protects against heart disease
  • Restores sexual function
  • Sharpens thinking
  • Enhances mood
  • May prevent Alzheimer’s disease
  • Prevents osteoporosis
  • Reduces risk of colon cancer
  • Prevents tooth loss
  • Improves skin quality

Glucagon
  • Reverses the action of insulin

The Gonadotropins

  • FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a gonadotropin produced by the pituitary and is released under the control of the hypothalamus. FSH is also required for the testicular growth and spermatogenesis. In the female, FSH stimulates follicular (ovum/egg) growth of the ovary and prepares ovarian follicles for action by luteinizing hormone (LH), and enhances the LH-induced ovarian release of estrogen. After menopause, decreased ovarian estradiol secretion results in increased FSH and LH levels. Primary testicular failure also results in increased FSH and LH levels.

In the male, FSH secretion is regulated by inhibin, a peptide hormone produced by Sertoli cells from the testes, and also by circulating testosterone feedback inhibition on the pituitary and the hypothalamus.

  • LH (luteinizing hormone) is another gonadotropin produced by the pituitary, and is also released under the control of the hypothalamus. Production is regulated by hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and feedback by gonadal steroid hormones, as is FSH. In the female, LH stimulates ovarian steroid hormone production (estrogen and progesterone).

LH concentrations are low during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, rise to a midcycle peak to cause ovulation, and following ovulation, fall to levels lower than during the follicular phase. After menopause, LH concentrations rise to levels as high or higher than those found in the midcycle peak; similar high levels are seen in castrated men.

In the male, LH stimulates androgen production by the testicular Leydig cells. The testes require the androgen, testosterone, to maintain the process of spermatogenesis, and the accessory organs are dependent on androgen for proper secretory function. The production of LH is regulated by feedback inhibition of circulating testosterone on the pituitary and hypothalamus.

Human Growth Hormone [Click here for information on Human Growth Hormone]

  • Builds muscle
  • Enhances immune function
  • Strengthens the heart
  • Helps control stress-induced damage
  • Aids kidney function
  • Enhances orgasmic intensity
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Long-term use reduces insulin requirements in diabetics
  • Stimulates nerve cell growth and repair in brain, spinal cord, & peripheral nerves
  • Stimulates joint repair from damaged cartilage, tendons
  • Decreases body fat (particularly abdominal organs)
  • Increases extracellular fluid
  • Speeds healing from burns, surgery, fractures
  • Restores bone loss of osteoporosis
  • Reverses congestive heart failure
  • Restores youthful drive & energy
  • Restores pulmonary function in chronic lung disease
  • Improves mood & sleep patterns
  • Thickens skin, restores tone & elasticity
  • Promotes hair & nail growth
  • Reduces susceptibility to illness
  • Protects against early cancer cell formation
  • Stimulates growth & repair of all organs of the body

Amylin -- Insulin’s Partner Hormone

  • A pancreatic beta-cell hormone that is co-located and co-secreted with insulin.
  • In people without diabetes, amylin is believed to suppress glucagon secretion during the postprandial period through a central effect mediated by an efferent pathway of the vagus nerve.
  • It also is believed to modulate nutrient delivery from the stomach to the small intestine through a similar pathway.
  • The result is tight regulation of circulating glucose in the postprandial state.

Resistin 

  • A hormone produced by adipose tissue (fat cells), has recently been described by Lazar and co-workers. 

  • Derives its name from its effects on insulin action. In some animal models, resistin has been shown to increase insulin resistance in peripheral target tissues, although the mechanism of action is not known.

Adiponectin 

  • Produced by adipose tissue, is a beneficial hormone with regard to lipotoxicity. 
  • Enhances FFA uptake (free fatty acids) and oxidation, resulting in less triglyceride being stored in the muscle. It also reduces free fatty acid uptake and triglyceride storage in the liver. 
  • Reduces circulating lipids and enhances insulin sensitivity and, therefore, is considered to be antiatherogenic. Not surprisingly, a recent study found that obese patients, with and without type 2 diabetes, had low serum levels of adiponectin.

Leptin 

  • Also produced by adipose tissue, has direct effects on fat cells in addition to its effect on appetite. 
  • It increases glycerol release and FFA oxidation and reduces lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis.

Insulin
  • Transports glucose into the cells

Melatonin
  • Extends life
  • Maintains youthful health vigor
  • Enhances sexual vitality
  • Strengthens immune system
  • Is a potent antioxidant
  • Protects against stress
  • Protects against cancer
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Restores normal sleep patterns
  • Cures jet lag

Pregnenolone
  • Potent memory enhancer
  • Improves concentration
  • Fights mental fatigue
  • Relieves arthritis

Progesterone
  • Protects against cancer
  • Natural tranquilizer
  • Promotes feeling of well-being
  • Enhances action of estrogen
  • Relieves menopausal symptoms
  • May stimulate new bone formation
  • Potential treatment for nerve disease

Somatomedin-C
  • Cellular growth factor released in response to growth hormone stimulation.

Somatostatin
  • Inhibits the release of growth hormone

Testosterone
  • Enhances sex drive
  • Builds muscle
  • Elevates mood
  • Prevents osteoporosis
  • Improves memory
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Protects against heart disease
  • Reduces urinary obstruction from the prostate gland
  • Decreases fasting blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides
  • Decreases diastolic blood pressure
  • Decreases visceral adipose tissue (organ fat)

Thymus Extracts
  • Regulate, empower, and fine tunes the entire immune system

Thyroid Hormone
  • Provides energy and "fuel" for all body functions
  • Enhances immunity
  • Maintains body temperature
  • Helps reduce body fat
  • Prevents hair loss in old age
  • Lowers cholesterol in all ages
  • Stimulates mental function
  • Aids digestion and elimination

Here's some excellent additional information on hormone function.
 http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/

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