How Do Hormones and the Endocrine System Function in the Body?

Written and Fact-Checked by 1440

Updated July 19, 2024

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Hormones are chemicals in the body that carry information needed for vital body functions. They play a significant role in everything from reproduction to mood to metabolism.

The human body cannot function properly without hormones. Not only do you need these biological chemicals, but you need them in the correct proportions to ensure overall health. A hormone imbalance can lead to significant health problems, which can play a role in common conditions like diabetes.

Hormones are created by the endocrine glands, located in organs like the kidneys and pancreas, and are responsible for balancing processes in your body. The endocrine system is connected directly to your circulatory and nervous systems, so any flaw in hormone production immediately impacts the rest of your body.

Here is a closer look at your body's hormonal system and the role it plays in your overall health and quality of life.

The Basics of Hormones

The word hormones comes from the Greek word "hormao," which means "to set in motion." This describes the way hormones set bodily functions into motion.

Hormones travel from the endocrine glands where they’re made to organs and tissues around the body. Once they reach the target, they interact with its cells, specifically by interacting with specific receptor proteins in the cell. This interaction causes a specific response.

Insulin, a well-known hormone produced in the pancreas, provides an example of how this process works. Insulin travels through the blood and bonds to receptor proteins in or on cells located in the liver, muscles, and adipose, or fatty, tissue. Insulin prompts these cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

If any part of the pathway from the pancreas through the blood to the protein receptors is disrupted, it can cause health issues. For instance, the cells of people with type 2 diabetes do not respond to insulin correctly, causing glucose to build up in the blood.

Other types of hormones follow similar pathways through the body, with similar imbalances potentially causing problems.

Types of Hormones

Different types of hormones are active in the body, and each governs a specific set of functions. Most fit into three categories: steroids, peptides, and amines.

Steroid Hormones

Steroid hormones are made from cholesterol, and have the ability to enter their target cells instead of bonding to receptors in the exterior cell membrane. This quality allows steroid hormones to influence activity within each cell. Because of this, they can affect the expression of certain genes and impact development.

Sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are responsible for the development of sex characteristics and reproduction, the sex drive, and muscle and bone growth. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, while estrogen is the female equivalent.

Cortisol is also a steroid hormone. It regulates stress responses in several ways. For instance, it can increase the amount of glucose available to the brain to increase nervous system functions and awareness in stressful situations. It can also prevent inflammation and affect perceptions during events.

Peptide Hormones

Peptide hormones are derived from amino acids. They are water-soluble and cannot easily pass through cell membranes. Instead, they attach to receptor proteins on the outside of the cell.

Insulin is the most well-known peptide. It regulates the use of glucose for energy in the body. Human growth hormone is another peptide. It is produced by the pituitary gland, and it stimulates growth, development, and cell repair throughout the body. Ultimately, it influences height and other physical characteristics of people.

Amine Hormones

Amine hormones come from amino acids and produce immediate effects, which allows the body to quickly adapt to arising situations. They’re responsible for a diverse range of functions. For example, epinephrine, better known as adrenaline, governs body functions in response to stress. Meanwhile, dopamine is active in the brain, regulating mood, attention, and responses to pleasure.

The thyroid hormone regulates metabolism, which allows the body to extract energy from nutrients. It also plays a role in weight regulation and how we process foods.

Key Hormonal Functions in the Body

Ultimately, hormones regulate the body’s functions and responses. When properly functioning, they strive to achieve homeostasis, which occurs when all the body’s functions work together as needed. Homeostasis produces balanced growth and development, effective metabolism, and a well-functioning reproductive system.

Growth and Development

Hormones are essential as humans grow and develop. Human growth hormone spurs bone and muscle growth and cell regeneration. It primarily does this by stimulating insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which in turn acts on various developing body tissues.

Sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are especially important during puberty when they trigger the development of sexual characteristics. These hormones are also influential in bone and muscle growth.

However, thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are even more important for musculoskeletal development because they govern the metabolic processes necessary to fuel growth.

Metabolism Regulation

Hormones like insulin are essential for metabolism. Insulin helps the body store sugars from food as glycogen, which can be used for energy later. Then, glucagon can turn the stored glycogen back into sugar when the body needs more energy.

T3 and T4 thyroid hormones determine the rate at which your body burns calories when you’re resting. Balance is essential here because an excess or lack of these hormones can lead to unnatural weight gain or weight loss.

Reproduction

Estrogen stimulates the development of the female reproductive system. In adult women, it controls menstrual cycles and works alongside another hormone, progesterone, to prepare women for pregnancy.

Both estrogen and progesterone levels surge when a woman ovulates and fall during menstruation.

Testosterone is primarily a male hormone and is necessary for sperm production in the testes. However, females also have lower amounts of testosterone, and the hormone is responsible for increasing the sex drive in both men and women.

Hormonal Imbalances and Disorders

Human bodies are built to maintain hormonal balance, but some factors can disrupt the equilibrium. These disruptions, often referred to as hormonal imbalances, can lead to serious health problems and some common diseases, including:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal imbalance in women disrupts ovulation and menstruation and can lead to symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.
  • Thyroid disorders: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can disrupt metabolism, energy levels, and mood.
  • Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes comes from a lack of insulin, while type 2 diabetes causes the body to resist insulin. Both conditions can lead to a range of symptoms, including immune system problems and low energy.

Many developmental issues are tied to deficiencies in the production or use of growth hormones.

Managing Hormonal Health

Hormones help the body respond to specific situations. For example, if you experience a lot of stress, your body may produce abnormal amounts of cortisol, leading to weight gain and weak muscles. Meanwhile, your diet can cause weight gain, which brings an increased risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Your endocrine system and hormones can achieve homeostasis if your body is in a similarly balanced state. Exercise, a healthy diet, and proper stress management can help ensure that your endocrine functions properly and doesn’t get confused or overworked.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.