Adrenal gland hormone system

The adrenal gland produces the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are released mainly in stressful situations and which, among other things, increase heart rate and alertness. In contrast, the cortex of the adrenal gland is responsible for the production of steroid hormones. These have a variety of tasks and are released, for example, in stressful situations and with increased energy requirements, such as cortisol, or can contribute to the regulation of blood pressure and salt excretion.

In addition, they have an influence on gender-specific sexual characteristics and sexual function: for example, long-term therapy with cortisol (e.g. in joint diseases) can lead to hyperactivity of the adrenal cortex. This disease is called Cushing’s syndrome and has effects on the whole body due to the increased hormone production. It comes to symptoms like: However, degeneration or other causes can also lead to a loss of function of the adrenal cortex. This is known as Addison’s disease, which is characterized by a lack of important hormones and, above all, causes hyperacidity and redistribution of ions in the body, as well as weakness, nausea, weight loss, hypoglycemia and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

The full moon face
A truncal obesity
Muscular weakness
Depression
High blood pressure
And a diabetic metabolic condition with a too high blood sugar level.

Endocrine system of the gonads

Ovaries and testicles belong to the sex glands. These support the function of the adrenal cortex and produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone, androgen and testosterone. Since they are produced in different quantities in men and women, different primary and secondary sexual characteristics develop.

They are also used for reproduction and have other, non-sexual effects. For the female body, the sex hormones of the estrogens and gestagens group are particularly relevant. They control the female cycle and can prepare the body for an imminent pregnancy.

The cycle consists of the maturation of an egg cell and the alteration of the uterine lining in preparation for the implantation of an embryo. Oestrogen is produced in the follicles of the ovaries. As these mature at the beginning of the cycle, the concentration of estrogen in the body continues to increase until the day of ovulation.

After that, the concentration drops and the corpus luteum produces more progestins. The corpus luteum is the remaining cover of the egg cell, which is reduced if fertilization has not occurred. Progestins have pregnancy-maintaining effects and increase sharply in the event of fertilization.

Progestins are also used as oral contraceptives in the form of the contraceptive pill.If the egg has not been fertilized, the regressed corpus luteum stops producing gestagens and the mature uterine lining is rejected and sponged out during the period. Afterwards, the mucous membrane regenerates and the cycle starts again. In men, the hormone testosterone dominates, which is produced in the testicles and is responsible for growth, differentiation, libido and maturation of sperm and thus for potency.

In both men and women, the production of hormones in the gonads is dependent on hormones released in the pituitary gland. This control loop is also based on the principle of negative feedback. The growth hormone somatotropin differs from the previous hormones in that it is produced directly in the front lobe of the pituitary gland.

It controls many different metabolic processes and controls the growth and differentiation of body cells. By activating another hormone called IGF in the liver, it controls body growth and also influences protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism to create optimal growth conditions. In the case of a growth hormone deficiency, it can be supplied to the body from outside, usually by means of an injection with the appropriate dose.