Do you know that our endocrine system is fundamental in maintaining hormonal balance? The endocrine system in our body plays a crucial role as an information signal system as it uses chemical messengers called hormones, each of which has its own unique function. There are numerous types of hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, adrenaline, progesterone, insulin, and many others.
Today, we will discuss the major composition and function of our endocrine system, how it stabilizes our body systems and simple ways how to maintain your hormonal balance.
The Major Composition and Function of Our Endocrine System
Patricia E. Molina wrote in Endocrine Physiology that the endocrine system is to coordinate and integrates cellular activity within the whole body by regulating cellular and organ function throughout life and maintaining homeostasis or the maintenance of a constant internal environment. This is very critical in order to ensure the proper cellular function of all the biological systems in our body.
Our endocrine organs are located throughout our body and their function is controlled by hormones delivered through the circulatory system or produced locally or by direct neuroendocrine stimulation.
Below are some examples of the endocrine glands and the hormones they released in the body:
- Hypothalamus – Releasing hormones: GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone); Inhibitory hormones: somatostatin, dopamine, vasopressin, oxytocin
- Pituitary gland – Growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone)
- Thyroid gland – T3, T4, calcitonin
- Parathyroid glands – Parathyroid hormone
- Adrenal glands – Cortisol, Aldosterone, Adrenal androgens, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine
- Pancreas – insulin, glucagon, somatostatin
- Ovaries – estrogens, progesterone
- Testes – testosterone
Key Functions of the Endocrine Glands
Here are the key functions of the endocrine glands:
- Sodium and water balance and blood volume and pressure control regulation
- Calcium and phosphate balance regulation to preserve extracellular fluid concentrations required for cell membrane integrity and intracellular signaling
- Coordination of the host hemodynamic and metabolic counterregulatory responses to stress
- Regulation of energy balance and control of fuel mobilization, utilization, and storage to ensure that cellular metabolic demands are reached
- Regulation of reproduction, development, growth, and senescence.
How the Endocrine System and Glands Stabilize our Body Systems
In this section, we will provide some information about the hormones produced by the endocrine system and how they fully control and coordinate various things in the body:
- Aldosterone – Adrenal glands – Controls salt, water balance, and blood pressure
- Cortisol – Adrenal glands – Controls key functions in the body as it fights inflammation, controls blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength, as well salt and water balance.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – Pituitary gland – Controls the making of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and the production of eggs and sperm.
- Oxytocin – Pituitary gland – Triggers contraction of the uterus and milk release in breasts during breastfeeding and it plays a role in building trust and bonding, especially between parents and children.
- Estrogen – Ovaries – Affects the growth and function of the uterus and breasts and it helps protect bone health.
- Progesterone – Ovaries – Grows the lining of the uterus for fertilization and prepares the breasts for milk production.
- Thyroid hormone – Thyroid gland – Controls metabolism, and affects growth, maturation, and nervous system activity.
- Testosterone – Testes (testicles) – Control sexual growth and function and helps protects bone health.
Ways How to Maintain Hormone Balance
Do you have acne and oily skin? Are you experiencing some digestion issues such as bloating, and constipation? Many people have these common health problems due to hormonal imbalance. Here are some simple ways to help you maintain hormonal balance and improve your endocrine system and overall body health:
- Avoid eating sugar and processed foods.
- Eat balanced and wholesome foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Self-care activities such as reading, meditation, mindfulness, spending time with nature, journaling, practicing gratitude, etc.
- Regular exercises such as brisk walking or light exercise, bodyweight training, pilates, etc.
- Minimize caffeine and alcohol.
- Get enough hours of sleep at least 7-8 hours).
- Take vitamins and supplements like our Belta Folic Acid, Sakura Collagen Supplement, and Sakura Omega-3 Dietary Supplement..
CONCLUSION
We need to take care of our body systems like our endocrine system so that we can improve our overall health and maintain our hormonal balance. We highly recommend that you follow the aforementioned ways in this article in order to keep your endocrine system and hormones in optimal condition.
