From your mood and metabolism to growth, reproduction and energy, hormones quietly shape how your body works every single day. These molecules are produced by different glands and act as the body\u2019s chemical messengers, travelling through the bloodstream to coordinate a wide range of essential functions. Their overall job is to help preserve the body\u2019s internal balance, or homeostasis, so that the internal environment remains stable.<\/p>\n
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They are produced by the pituitary gland<\/strong>, which sits at the base of the brain and is about the size of a pea, as well as by the glands of the endocrine system<\/strong>. The main ones are the thyroid, parathyroids, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries in women and testes in men. In addition to secreting some hormones itself (growth hormone, prolactin and oxytocin), the pituitary gland also regulates the activity of the other glands.<\/p>\n The main hormones include:<\/p>\n \n Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood glucose levels by lowering them and allowing glucose to enter the cells, where it can be used for energy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Also produced by the pancreas, glucagon works in the opposite way to insulin. It raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of stored glucose from the liver.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Produced by the thyroid gland, which is located at the front of the neck, these hormones help regulate metabolism, raise body temperature (except in the brain, spleen and testes), regulate heart rate and increase the strength of the heart muscle\u2019s contractions, among other functions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys, cortisol regulates the body\u2019s metabolic response to stress and to circadian rhythms (the physical, mental and behavioural changes the body goes through over a 24-hour cycle). Its levels rise in the early hours of the morning to help activate us as we wake with daylight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These are also produced by the adrenal glands. They activate the body in situations of alert, fight or flight, increasing blood pressure and heart rate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These female sex hormones are produced by the ovaries. Oestrogen is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, the regulation of the menstrual cycle and bone health. Progesterone prepares the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, for implantation of a fertilised egg and helps maintain pregnancy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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