Hormones

#Hormones

Oestrogen

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Oestrogen is one of the main female sex hormones. It is needed for puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, bone strength and other functions of the body. Oestrogen levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle and fall after menopause. Having too much oestrogen can increase your risk of blood clots and stroke. Having too little oestrogen can increase your risk of weak bones and menopause symptoms. Some medicines contain oestrogen, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill and some types of menopause treatment. High levels of oestrogen can increase your risk of breast cancer, however the added risk from taking

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Endocrine glands and their hormones

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts There are many endocrine glands in your body that release different hormones. Many of these glands are controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland (also known as the master gland) in your brain. There are many medical conditions that can affect your glands and cause hormonal problems. What is the hormonal system? The hormonal system (also called the endocrine system) has various glands that release different hormones. Hormones are like the body’s communication system. They take messages from one part of your body (the gland) to another part of your body (the target cell). What are endocrine

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Thyroid gland

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Your thyroid is a small, bow-shaped gland that sits in the front of your neck. Your thyroid gland makes 3 thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and calcitonin. Thyroid problems, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid, are common. What is the thyroid gland? Your thyroid is a small, bow-shaped gland. It sits in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. What does my thyroid gland do? Your thyroid gland makes 3 hormones: thyroxine (T4) triiodothyronine (T3) calcitonin Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone made in your thyroid. Thyroxine is changed into triiodothyronine (the active thyroid

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testosterone

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Testosterone is a hormone that regulates sex drive and bone strength, and helps make sperm. Testosterone levels vary greatly depending on your sex, age and health. Low testosterone levels can be due to a problem with your testes or pituitary gland, obesity, some health conditions or the normal process of ageing. If your testosterone levels are low, you may notice changes in your sex drive, erections, mood, sleep, energy levels and muscle strength. You may need testosterone replacement therapy to increase your testosterone levels. Living a healthy lifestyle can also help. What is testosterone? Testosterone is a sex

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Pituitary gland

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Your pituitary gland is found at the base of your brain. The pituitary gland makes many different hormones. Some of the hormones made in your pituitary gland signal other glands in your body, telling them to make hormones. What is the pituitary gland? The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland. It is found at the base of your brain, in line with the top of your nose. Your pituitary acts as your body’s ‘master gland’. It tells other glands in your body what to do. What does my pituitary gland do? The pituitary gland is an important part

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Pineal gland

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Your pineal gland is a very small gland in the centre of your brain. The pineal gland makes a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin helps your body control day-night sleep patterns and your internal body clock (circadian rhythms). Medical conditions related to the pineal gland aren’t common, but cysts of the pineal gland or pineal gland tumours do sometimes develop. What is the pineal gland? The pineal gland is a very small gland found in the centre of your brain. It is shaped like a pinecone, which is where it gets its name. Your pineal gland is part of

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Parathyroid glands

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The parathyroid glands are 4 small glands found in your neck. Your parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone, which manages your blood calcium level. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where too much parathyroid hormone is made. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where too little parathyroid hormone is made. What are my parathyroid glands? Your parathyroid glands are 4 small glands, that are each about the size of a grain of rice. There are usually 2 parathyroid glands on each side of your neck. They sit behind another gland called the thyroid gland. Illustration showing the parathyroid glands. Illustration showing the parathyroid glands.

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Pancreas

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The pancreas is a small, thin organ that lies behind the stomach and under the liver. The pancreas is a vital organ with two crucial roles — helping the body digest food and making hormones that control blood sugar levels. Common diseases that can affect the pancreas include diabetes, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis.   The pancreas is a thin, 15 cm long organ that lies behind the stomach and under the liver. It is a vital organ with two crucial roles — helping the body to digest food and making hormones that control blood sugar levels.

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Oxytocin

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Oxytocin is a chemical messenger from the brain that acts in different areas of the body. Oxytocin is important in childbirth and breastfeeding — it also plays a role in how you form emotional bonds with others. Oxytocin is important in making the womb contract in labour and is sometimes used as a medicine for this purpose. It is also given to help birth the placenta and prevent or treat heavy bleeding after childbirth. In males, oxytocin is involved in making testosterone and the movement of sperm. What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is a natural hormone made in the

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Melatonin

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Melatonin is naturally produced in the brain and can help control your sleep cycle. Melatonin levels increase when it is dark and are lower when you are exposed to light. Melatonin is one way to help you control your sleep cycle, but if you are having trouble sleeping there may be other causes or treatments available. Melatonin can also be prescribed as a medicine for some people, and is available over the counter for people aged over 55 years. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether melatonin is right for you. What is melatonin? Melatonin is

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Insulin and diabetes

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Insulin is a hormone that is produced by your body to break down glucose (sugar) from the food you eat, so it can be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body can’t produce enough insulin, or use it effectively, to break down the glucose in your body and turn it into energy. All people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes need regular insulin replacement to keep their blood glucose (blood sugar) level under control. Insulin needs to be stored and used correctly to be safe and effective. Taking too little or

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Human growth hormone

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Human growth hormone (HGH) is made in your brain. HGH is important in childhood growth. HGH is used to treat children who aren’t growing as expected. The use of HGH prescribed by a doctor is generally safe. What is human growth hormone? Human growth hormone (HGH) is a small protein. It is made in part of the brain called the pituitary gland. It travels in your bloodstream all over your body to make your body grow. HGH is very important in the body. It is needed for children to grow normally. It helps make sure there is enough muscle and fat

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts HRT, also known as MHT, includes hormonal medicines used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. Different forms are available including tablets, creams, patches and intrauterine devices (IUDs). HRT can also cause side effects such as nausea, headache and breast tenderness. The relationship between HRT and breast cancer is complicated and there is evidence to support that some types reduce risk while others increase risk. Taking HRT is a personal decision — ask your doctor about the risks and benefits so you can decide that’s right for you. What is MHT/HRT? Menopausal hormonal therapy

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Hormonal medicines and periods

By Sama Mohamed

A period (menstruation) is bleeding from the vagina that happens once a month. A period is part of your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. Hormones make the lining of your uterus become thicker. This gets the body ready in case you become pregnant Hormones also cause an egg to be released from an ovary, which is known as ovulation.   Some forms of hormonal contraception (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, implant or injection) may affect your periods. They may affect how often you get your period and/or the flow. The pill Usually, oral contraceptive pills (the pill) will make your periods lighter. You may

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Hormonal system

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts The hormonal system, also called the endocrine system, is a network of glands and organs in the body that produce hormones. Hormones regulate all the cells in your body, controlling your body’s metabolism, growth and many other functions. Some examples of hormones in this system include growth hormone, insulin, thyroxine, testosterone, cortisol, oestrogen and progesterone. When a hormone is released from a gland, it travels in the blood through the body until it reaches its target. Medical conditions that affect the hormone system include diabetes, thyroid problems and Cushing’s disease. What is the hormonal system? The hormonal system,

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Follicle stimulating hormone

By Sama Mohamed

What is follicle stimulating hormone? Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone in the human body. It is made by your pituitary gland, which is in your brain. What is the role of follicle stimulating hormone? FSH is an important hormone for the reproductive system in both males and females. It plays a role in sexual development and functioning. What does FSH do in females? In females, FSH and another hormone called luteinising hormone (LH) help control the menstrual cycle (periods). FSH helps with ovulation — when an egg is released each month by the ovaries. The amount of FSH

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Cortisol

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Cortisol is a hormone naturally released from your adrenal glands with many essential functions for your health. Your cortisol levels normally increase at times of stress. You can have health problems if you produce too much or too little cortisol. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of cortisol, and if you have certain health conditions, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for you. Anabolic steroids are different to corticosteroids. Taking anabolic steroids without a doctor’s prescription is risky, and not recommended. The role of cortisol in the body What is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by your

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Adrenaline

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Adrenaline is a hormone that your body naturally releases from your adrenal gland. Adrenaline causes changes in your body that help you to act in a sudden stressful situation — also known as a ‘fight or flight response’. Adrenaline is also used sometimes as a medicine, for example, an adrenaline injection in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). If you or someone else is having symptoms of severe allergy (anaphylaxis), use an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector first — then call triple-zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. What is adrenaline? Adrenaline is a hormone that helps you react very quickly if you are

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Adrenal glands

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys. Your adrenal glands make many hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline. Some conditions affecting the adrenals glands include Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease — these are uncommon. What are the adrenal glands? Your adrenal glands are 2 triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They form part of your body’s hormonal system. What do my adrenal glands do? Your adrenal glands make hormones that are involved in: controlling your blood pressure your metabolism your body’s response to stress What hormones do my adrenal glands make? Your adrenal

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