What are hormones? Functions of hormones: tuners of fine instruments.

Hormones are of no small importance in all processes occurring in the human body, so it is worth paying attention to which hormones are responsible for certain processes occurring in our body, so that you can fully appreciate and understand the role of hormones in the human body and his life. The main role of hormones is to fine-tune the body so that it functions properly.

Testosterone

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, androgen. Its secretion is carried out by the cells of the testes. It is produced in small quantities by the ovaries in women, as well as by the adrenal cortex in both sexes. Testosterone is biologically inactive and binds weakly to androgen receptors. This hormone is responsible for sexual desire. The more testosterone a woman has, the faster she builds muscle, but if there is excess testosterone, her character becomes more aggressive, and acne may appear on the skin.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone of the corpus luteum of the ovaries. In my own way chemical structure it belongs to the steroid hormones. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries. During pregnancy, a woman has a large amount of progesterone, thanks to which the fetal placenta is produced, there is a progressive increase in the amount of progesterone produced by the placenta from the 1st to the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, after which it sharp drop a few days before giving birth. The basis of the action of progesterone is to ensure that the uterus is at rest, preparing it for pregnancy. Progesterone is capable of reducing feelings of hunger and thirst, as well as influencing the emotional state.

Estrogens

Estrogens belong to the steroid subclass of hormones, produced mainly in women by the follicular apparatus of the ovaries. Estrogens are produced in small quantities by the testicles in men and by the adrenal cortex in both sexes. The production of estrogen in women by the ovaries begins from the moment of puberty and ends with the onset of menopause. Estrogen accelerates cell renewal and protects blood vessels from cholesterol deposits, the density of the skin increases, they help moisturize it, they regulate activity sebaceous glands, maintains bone strength and stimulates the formation of new bone tissue. If the body contains an excess amount of estrogen, this leads to fullness of the lower abdomen and thighs, this provokes the development. If there is a lack of hair on the arms, face, legs, it is noted enhanced growth, rapid aging.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone enters the bloodstream large quantities. It helps the uterus contract, and manifestations of mother-child affection arise.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone of peptide nature. They have a multifaceted effect on the metabolism occurring in almost all tissues. Insulin reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood, increases permeability plasma membranes for glucose, key enzymes of glycolysis are activated, the formation of glycogen in the muscles and liver is stimulated, and the synthesis of fats and proteins is enhanced. If there is insufficient insulin production, diabetes mellitus develops.

Progestins

Progestins are hormones produced by the corpus luteum. They prepare the woman’s body for pregnancy and ensure the formation of mammary glands. When excess quantity progestin may cause kidney problems and the formation of ovarian cysts. If the amount of progestins is reduced, this entails the threat of miscarriage.

Androgens

In a woman’s body, androgens ensure the development of the skeleton and the appearance of sexual desire. If there is an excess amount of androgens, tumors appear.

Hormones in the human body play the role of unique conductors - they are responsible for absolutely all biochemical processes that occur. Without exception, all hormones are produced in the human body and in healthy condition replacement therapy is not required. The mechanism of action of hormones is so subtle that any third-party intervention leads to a colossal failure in this system. It is very difficult to overestimate the effect of hormones on the body; without them, the process of biological life itself is impossible. We invite you to learn about the importance of hormones in the human body in more detail from the material provided.

Endocrinology- region clinical medicine, studying the structure and functions of organs endocrine system and the hormones it produces, as well as human diseases caused by disruption of their functions, and developing methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing these diseases.

Biological and regulatory function of hormones in the human body

The regulatory function of hormones is to form balanced interactions between various systems. The human body is a multicellular system capable of existing as a single whole due to the presence complex mechanisms regulating division, growth, cell needs for structural and energy materials, cell apoptosis. The relationship between cells and their normal functioning is carried out by four main regulatory systems:

• central and peripheral nervous systems through nerve impulses and transmitters;
• the endocrine system through the functions of hormones in the human body, which are released into the blood and affect the metabolism of various target cells;
• paracrine and autocrine systems through various compounds secreted into the intercellular space and interacting with nearby cells;
• the immune system through specific proteins (antibodies, cytokines).

The biological functions of hormones are that they regulate intracellular and intrasystemic chains of connections at various levels. The systems for regulating metabolism and body functions form three hierarchical levels.

I level- the central nervous system (CNS), the cells of which receive signals from the external and internal environment and convert them into the form of nerve impulses, which, using chemical signals - mediators, turn on the second level of regulation.

Level II- endocrine system: hypothalamus, pituitary gland, peripheral endocrine glands, which synthesize hormones that transmit signals from the central nervous system to the third level of regulation.

Level III- intracellular - changes in metabolism in target cells.

The production of hormones in the body: which organ produces

The human body must receive a certain amount of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins every day, minerals- these are elements of the external factor; At the same time, the human body is affected by external factors such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and air composition. The production of hormones in the human body requires the mandatory presence of all essential vitamins And nutrients. Human blood constantly contains about 1,000 different chemical compounds that make up internal factor. Under the influence of constantly changing internal and external factors, impulses arise in the central nervous system and are transmitted to the hypothalamus. Which hormone producing organ is activated first in response to an incoming reaction? The hypothalamus, in response to nerve impulses, produces peptide hormones:

1. Common name- releasing factors (releasing hormones):

• corticoliberin;
• gonadoliberin;
• luliberin;
• melanoliberin;

2. Release factors:

• prolactoliberin;
• prolactostatin;
• somatoliberin;
• somatostatin;
• Thyroliberin;

3. From the hypothalamus these two hormone-peptide By nerve fibers move to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and then are released into the blood:

• oxytocin;
• vasopressin

Releasing factors act on the adenohypophysis (pituitary gland), causing the biosynthesis and secretion into the blood of triple hormones:

• corticoliberin stimulates the secretion of corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone - ACTH);
• GnRH stimulates the secretion of gonadotropins (follitropin, FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone)
• luliberin stimulates the secretion of lutropin (luteinizing hormone, LH)
• melanoliberin stimulates the secretion of melanotropin;
• prolactoliberin stimulates the secretion of prolactin;
• prolactostatin inhibits the secretion of prolactin;
• somatoliberin stimulates the secretion of somatotropin (growth hormone);
• somatostatin inhibits the secretion of somatotropin;
• Thyroliberin stimulates the secretion of thyrotropin;
• Lipotropin stimulates lipolysis in adipose tissue.

All tropic hormones, with the exception of ACHT, are complex proteins by chemical nature - glycoproteins. AKGT is a peptide consisting of 39 amino acid residues.

Tropic hormones, entering the blood, stimulate the biosynthesis and secretion of hormones in the peripheral endocrine glands:

• adrenal glands;
• gonads;
• thyroid gland;
• parathyroid glands;
• pancreas;
• thymus;
• placenta (during pregnancy).

Chemical nature of hormones of peripheral endocrine glands:

• Group 1 - protein hormones, peptide hormones, hormones - amino acid derivatives (adrenaline, thyroxine);
• Group II - hormones, cholesterol derivatives - steroid hormones (corticosteroids).

What are the types and principles of action of hormones?

The effect of hormones on the body depends on the type of substance and the organ that produces it. Next, the types of action of hormones of the so-called tropic group are considered. They differ in stimulating or suppressive activity. The main principle of action of hormones of this type is to regulate the process of production of subsequent hormonal substances in special glands.

1. AKGT, acting on the adrenal cortex, stimulates the biosynthesis and secretion of corticosteroids (about 40 types).

2. FSH, affecting the ovaries in women, causes the growth and maturation of follicles, the release of estrogen hormones; in men it affects the testes, stimulates spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.

3. LH affects the ovaries in women, stimulating the growth and development of the corpus luteum, with the release of progesterone into the blood; in men, it stimulates the biosynthesis of male sex hormones - androgens (especially testosterone) in the testes.

4. Melanotropin affects skin cells and retina, stimulating the biosynthesis of pigments (melanins).

5. Somatotropin stimulates the formation and growth of bones, the biosynthesis of proteins in the body, it is a growth hormone. There is evidence of its effect on the biosynthesis of insulin and glucagon in the pancreas.

6. Thyrotropin affects the thyroid gland, stimulating the release of iodothyronine hormones: tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine.

Target cells in organs and tissues are cells that have receptor proteins for interacting with this type of hormone.

According to the mechanism of signal transmission to target cells, hormones are divided into two large groups.

Group I - membrane-intracellular mechanism

1. Receptor proteins are located on outer surface cytoplasmic membrane of the target cell.

2. The hormone does not penetrate into the target cell.

3. Signal transmission occurs through a secondary messenger (most often c-AMP).

4. The second messenger includes a cascade mechanism for phosphorylation of enzyme proteins.

5. This leads to changes in enzyme activity

Group II - cytosolic mechanism

When transmitting a signal by this mechanism:

1. Receptor proteins are located in the cytosol of the target cell.

2. The hormone penetrates the membrane into the cytosol of the cell.

3. A hormone-receptor complex is formed.

4. This complex penetrates the nucleus of the target cell.

5. The complex interacts with DNA.

6. This leads to induction or repression of the synthesis of enzyme proteins.

7. The amount of enzymes changes

Hormones of peripheral endocrine glands are divided into 5 groups according to their biochemical functions.

Group I - hormones that regulate the metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates:

• insulin;
• glucagon;
• adrenalin;
• cortisol

Group II - hormones regulating water-salt metabolism:

• aldosterone;
• vasopressin.

Group III - hormones regulating mineral metabolism(calcium ions, phosphates):

• parathyroid hormone;
• calcitonin;
• calcitriol.

Group IV - hormones that regulate reproductive functions in the human body:

• female sex hormones;
• male sex hormones.

Group V - hormones that regulate the functions of the endocrine glands:

• thyrotropin;
• somatotropin;
• ACTH;
• gonadotropins;
• melanotropin.

Features of the biological action of hormones

The biological action of hormones ensures that all biochemical processes occurring in the body are maintained in appropriate balance. Some features of the action of hormones are as follows:

1. Maintaining homeostasis in the body.
2. Adaptation of the body to changing environmental conditions.
3. Maintaining cyclical changes in the body (day, night, gender, age).
4. Maintaining morphological and functional changes in ontogenesis.

To maintain normal interaction of target cells with surrounding cells or the macroorganism as a whole, 3 conditions are necessary:

• normal hormone levels;
• a normal number of receptor proteins for these hormones;
• a normal cell response to the hormone-receptor reaction, depending on various enzyme systems.

If there is a violation of one of these conditions, then a disease occurs.

Hormones are humoral regulators, organic substances produced by the cells of the body and influencing the cells of the body.

Hormones of the hypothalamus regulate the functions of the body, individual organs, tissues, and influence all processes in the body. Hormones from the hypothalamus enter the pituitary gland through the capillary system; the secretion of pituitary hormones is regulated and biosynthesized in the pituitary gland.

Pituitary hormones

Prolactin - together with cortisol and insulin promotes the growth of mammary glands, the production breast milk. An increase in hormone levels leads to infertility - the menstrual cycle is disrupted and ovulation stops. Lack of the hormone leads to cessation of lactation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone - affects the development and growth of follicles in the ovaries, the conversion of testosterone into estrogens, the synthesis of estrogens in women, the growth of testes and seminiferous tubules, the synthesis of protein that binds sex hormones, and the maturation of sperm in men. High FSH levels lead to precocious puberty, low level to infertility.

Luteinizing hormone is responsible for the functioning of the gonads and the production of sex hormones in men and women. An increase and decrease in the level of the hormone LH causes disorders similar to disorders when the level of FSH changes - premature puberty or infertility.

Lipotropin – activates the breakdown of triacylglycerols in adipose tissue, activates the synthesis fatty acids, glucose metabolism, affects the preservation of good memory. If the hormone level is high, the patient faces exhaustion. When the hormone level is low, obesity develops.

Growth hormone - affects all cells of the body: metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, enhances the biosynthesis of glycogen, RNA, protein, DNA, enhances the breakdown of fatty acids, glucose in tissues. Regulates metabolic rate, activates assimilation processes. With a high level of the hormone, excessive body growth occurs (acromegaly); with a low level of the hormone, short stature and dwarfism occur.

Corticotropin is a physiological stimulator of the adrenal cortex, enhances the production of corticosteroid hormones and androgens. The hormone has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic effect, affects protein, carbohydrate metabolism, has immunosuppressive activity. At high levels, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome (severe neuroendocrine disease) develops; at low levels of the hormone, secondary hypofunction of the adrenal cortex develops.

Vasopressin - participates in water-salt metabolism, regulates the amount of urine secreted by the body; a lack of the hormone can cause diabetes insipidus.

Oxytocin is transported from the hypothalamus by neurophysin and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates stretching of the uterine muscles in the last months of pregnancy and irritation of the nipple during feeding. Used in medicine to induce labor.

Thyroid hormones

Triiodothyronine is a hormone similar in action to thyroxine and is a product of the metabolism of thyroglobulin.

Calcitonin – synthesized in parafollicular cells thyroid gland, ensures the concentration of calcium in the blood, suppresses resorptive processes in bone tissue.

Low or high levels of thyroid hormones lead to the development of malfunctions in the functioning of organs and systems of the body. Lack of hormones in early childhood leads to the development of cretinism, in mature age to the development of myxedema. High levels of thyroid hormones cause hyperthyroidism, toxic goiter and other diseases.

Hormones of the adrenal cortex

Mineralocorticoids are responsible for water-salt metabolism in the human body.

Glucocorticoids are responsible for mineral, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Glucocorticoid hormones - hydrocortisone and cortisol, have an anti-inflammatory effect, are used in the treatment of rheumatism, bronchial asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and many other diseases. Glucocorticoids are used in organ transplantation; the hormones have an immunosuppressive effect on the body, helping to suppress organ rejection.

Hydrocortisone – has antiallergic, antishock, anti-inflammatory, antiexudative, immunosuppressive, antipruritic effects. Hormone treatment reduces hypersensitivity, exudate in connective tissue at the site of the inflammatory process.

Cortisol - supports the body during injury, severe stress, shock. Its level rises sharply when injured, increases in a state of shock and stress, and severe depression. High cortisol levels can occur with adrenal cancer, thyroid disease, corticosteroid use, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, pituitary adenoma, benign adrenal tumors. Reduced level hormone is observed in toxicosis in pregnant women, cachexia, hepatitis and other diseases.

Adrenal medulla hormones

Adrenaline - affects the increase in blood glucose, increased tissue metabolism, the release of adrenaline increases the heart rate, increases blood pressure, and dilates blood vessels in the brain. Adrenaline promotes complete mobilization of the body during times of danger, fear, fright, stress, trauma, shock.

Norepinephrine - causes a feeling of confidence, readiness for action, is produced in stressful situations, has a relaxing effect on the body, normalizes processes in the body after stress.

Isopropyladrenaline - has an effect on vascular system body, carbohydrate metabolism.

Sex hormones

Female sex hormones – estrogens, progestins. Hormones ensure a woman's reproductive function.

Progesterone is produced by the adrenal glands, corpus luteum, and placenta. Affects the onset and development of pregnancy, psychological changes in the character of a pregnant woman, preparing her for the birth of a child.

Estrogens - synthesized by the ovaries, influence the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, form the type female figure, regulate the menstrual cycle. stimulate protein synthesis.

Male sex hormones are androgens.

Androgens - affect the differentiation of male gonads and functioning reproductive system. In the adult body, hormones regulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, and reduce fat mass, increase muscle mass, lower cholesterol and lipid levels, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hormones affect libido. A decrease or increase in hormone levels can cause male and female female infertility, decreased libido, in boys - impaired sexual development, skeletal formation, poor muscle development (eunuchoidism), in girls - impaired sexual development, developmental pathologies.

Knowing your hormonal levels is just as important for a woman as monitoring your weight, blood pressure and hemoglobin. Your hormone levels determine how you look and feel. Let's take a closer look at the role hormones play in a woman's body.

What are hormones?

IN healthy body it should be hormonal balance the entire endocrine system as a whole (between the endocrine glands, the nervous system and the organs to which the action of hormones is directed). If the functioning of one of the components of the endocrine system is disrupted, the functioning of the entire body, including the reproductive system, changes, therefore, the ability to conceive is reduced.

More about hormones

Excess estrogen can cause excessive fullness in the lower abdomen and thighs. In addition, various benign tumors Doctors associate it with an excess of this female hormone.

Its deficiency often causes increased hair growth in unwanted places: on the face, legs, arms. If there is a lack of this hormone, a woman ages faster: the skin is more prone to wrinkles and fading, hair becomes dull and lifeless, etc.

This hormone is given on the 3-7th (depending on the purpose of the study) day of the cycle. The study is carried out on an empty stomach.

Estradiol- has an effect on all female organs, promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics: the formation of mammary glands, distribution subcutaneous fat, the emergence of libido. Its role is especially important in the development of the uterine mucosa and its preparation for pregnancy - the growth of the functional layer of the uterus, which reaches its maximum thickness by the middle of the cycle. This hormone is secreted by the maturing follicle, corpus luteum of the ovary, adrenal glands and even adipose tissue under the influence of FSH, LH and prolactin. In women, estradiol ensures the formation and regulation menstrual function, egg development. Ovulation occurs 24-36 hours after a significant peak in estradiol. After ovulation, the hormone level decreases, and a second, smaller amplitude, rise occurs. Then there is a decline in the concentration of the hormone, which continues until the end of the luteal phase. Estradiol is responsible for the accumulation of fat in female body, including during pregnancy.

Insufficient output estradiol in a woman childbearing age may manifest as hot flashes, autonomic disorders, increase blood pressure, as happens during physiological menopause. In addition, the lack of this hormone threatens excessive hair growth. male type, deepening of the voice, lack of menstruation.

However, an excess of estradiol is bad sign. A sharp increase in estrogen can lead to the formation of tumor processes in the organs of a woman’s reproductive system. That is why regular monitoring of this hormone is necessary, and you can take it throughout hormonal cycle depending on medical indications.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates the activity of the gonads: promotes the formation and maturation of germ cells (eggs and sperm), affects the synthesis of female sex hormones (estrogens). If there is a deficiency in the production of this hormone, then diseases of the pituitary gland and inability to conceive are observed.

The maximum concentration of FSH is observed in the middle of the cycle, which leads to ovulation. This hormone is given on the 2-8th (depending on the purpose of the study) day of the cycle. At the same time, to determine the growth of the follicle, it is more advisable to take this hormone on days 5-7 of the cycle. The study is carried out on an empty stomach. 3 days before the study you need to exclude strong physical exercise, within 1 hour before it - smoking and emotional stress.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)- ensures the completion of the maturation of the egg in the follicle and ovulation (the release of a mature female egg from the ovary), the formation of a “corpus luteum” with the secretion of the hormone progesterone.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is given in the same way as FSH on days 3-8 menstrual cycle. The study is carried out on an empty stomach.

Progesterone- this hormone is involved in the maturation and preparation of the uterus for pregnancy; under its influence, the mucous membrane of the uterus “looses” and “moisturizes.” In general, progesterone is the “hormone of pregnant women”; it is actively involved in the development of the egg and its placement in the uterus. In addition, progesterone affects the nervous system, sebaceous and mammary glands.

When its level decreases in the second half of the menstrual cycle, the woman experiences some discomfort: pain in the lower abdomen and in the mammary glands, irritability, tearfulness, and sometimes depression may appear.

When progesterone levels are low, there is a lack of ovulation. There may be long delays, problems with conception and pregnancy. An increase in progesterone can provoke the formation of a corpus luteum cyst and menstrual irregularities. This hormone is studied on days 19-21 of the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to conduct the study on an empty stomach.

Testosterone– male sex hormone, produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. A decrease in testosterone levels can cause menstrual irregularities, excessive sweating and oily skin. When there is an excess of it, purely male characteristics: hair on the face and chest, deepening of the voice. Women with increased testosterone usually have a masculine build: average height, narrow pelvis, broad shoulders.

Exceeding the level of this hormone is dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause early miscarriage. The maximum concentration of testosterone is determined in the luteal phase and during the period of ovulation, that is, in the first half of the menstrual cycle. The study is recommended to be carried out on days 3-7 of the menstrual cycle, on an empty stomach.

Hormone prolactin secreted by the pituitary gland. It ensures the growth and enlargement of the mammary glands, milk production during breastfeeding. Prolactin levels experience a clear periodic change during the day: an increase at night (associated with sleep) and a subsequent decrease. An increase in prolactin is also observed in a number of physiological conditions, for example, eating, muscle tension, stress, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, postpartum period, breast stimulation. To determine the level of this hormone, it is important to do an analysis in the follicular (2-6 days of the cycle) and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (21 days of the cycle) strictly on an empty stomach and only in the morning. Immediately before taking blood, the patient should be at rest for about 30 minutes, since prolactin is a stress hormone: anxiety or even slight physical activity can affect its level.

During the luteal phase, prolactin levels are higher than during the follicular phase. Increased level The hormone prolactin can cause pain in the mammary glands before and during menstruation and even the development of mastopathy. A pathological increase in this hormone blocks ovulation, and thereby interferes with conception.

Androgenic hormones- mainly male hormones, but are also produced in small quantities in women, responsible for libido and the development of bone and muscle tissue, maturation of follicles in the ovarian glands. With an increase in the concentration of androgenic hormones, ovarian dysfunction and infertility often occur, increased hair growth on a woman’s body, “male-type” hair growth, and a decrease in the timbre of the voice are observed. With androgen deficiency in the female body, vitality decreases.

All androgenic hormones are released on days 2-8 of the menstrual cycle. The study is carried out on an empty stomach.

It is also necessary to remember that in addition to reproductive hormones, other hormones also take part in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, because in the body there is a functional interdependence between many endocrine glands. These connections are especially pronounced between the pituitary gland, ovaries, adrenal glands and thyroid gland. In women with severe hypo- and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, menstrual function is impaired, and sometimes the menstrual cycle is completely suppressed.

Thyroid produces two important hormone Thyroxine (T4) And Triiodityronine (T3). These hormones regulate metabolic processes, carbohydrates, proteins, mental and sexual function. But the intensity of the production of these hormones is regulated by the hormone Thyroid stimulating (TSH), which, like sex hormones, is produced by the pituitary gland. Changes in its concentration are a marker of thyroid diseases.

If there are disturbances in the concentration of thyroid hormones, the woman becomes irritable, whiny, and quickly gets tired. Deviations in thyroid hormone levels are extremely dangerous for pregnant and lactating women.

Diagnosis of thyroid diseases is carried out on an empty stomach. 2-3 days before collecting blood for analysis, it is recommended to stop taking iodine-containing drugs and 1 month - thyroid hormones (except on special instructions from the treating endocrinologist), as well as limit physical activity and psycho-emotional stress on the eve of the study.

All these hormones influence...

Reasons for violation hormonal levels may vary: depending on availability serious illnesses organs and systems to the influence of external factors. Such external factors consider stress chronic fatigue, frequent shifts climatic zones, etc. Often enough hormonal disorder provoked by irrational intake hormonal drugs.

Diseases that can be a consequence and cause of the development of hormonal imbalance: uterine fibroids, atherosclerosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrocystic formations in the mammary gland, migraines, early menopause.

If we talk about young women, then hormonal disbalance– this is, as a rule, a violation of the body’s functioning, and it must be treated. Quite often, hormonal imbalance occurs after childbirth and in most cases these deviations return to normal without additional intervention. And here hormonal imbalance after an abortion requires special attention; its consequences can be the most unpredictable.

A special category is women over forty years old, when disturbances in the cyclic production of hormones are caused by the approach of physiological menopause. During this period, the formation of eggs gradually stops, and the concentration of the hormone estrogen decreases significantly. Usually these deviations appear night sweats, irritability, severe fatigue, hot flashes. This condition is well compensated by hormone replacement therapy, against the background of which clinical manifestations are kept to a minimum. In this case, the hormonal imbalance itself is caused by natural factors, so it cannot be cured.

The word “hormones” today refers to several groups of biologically active substances. First of all this chemical substances, which are formed in special cells and have a powerful effect on all development processes of a living organism. In humans, most of these substances are synthesized in the endocrine glands and distributed through the blood throughout the body. Invertebrate animals and even plants have their own hormones. A separate group is medical supplies, which are made on the basis of such substances or having a similar effect.

What are hormones

Hormones are substances that are synthesized (primarily) in the endocrine glands. They are released into the blood, where they bind to special target cells, penetrate into all organs and tissues of our body and from there regulate all kinds of metabolic processes And physiological functions. Some hormones are also synthesized in the exocrine glands. These are hormones of the kidneys, prostate gland, stomach, intestines, etc.

Scientists became interested in these unusual substances and their effect on the body back in the late XIX century, when the British doctor Thomas Addison described the symptoms strange illness, caused by . The most clear symptoms such a disease - eating disorders, eternal irritation and bitterness and dark spots on the skin - hyperpigmentation. The disease later received the name of its “discoverer,” but the term “hormone” itself appeared only in 1905.

The mechanism of action of hormones is quite simple. First, an external or internal stimulus appears that acts on a specific receptor in our body. Nervous system immediately reacts to this, sends a signal to the hypothalamus, and it gives a command to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland begins to secrete tropic hormones and sends them to various endocrine glands, which in turn produce their own hormones. Then these substances are released into the blood, bind to certain cells and cause certain reactions in the body.

Human hormones are responsible for the following processes:

• control of our mood and emotions;
• stimulation or inhibition of growth;
• ensuring apoptosis (the natural process of cell death, a kind of natural selection);
• change life cycles(puberty, childbirth, menopause);
• regulation of the immune system;
• sexual desire;
• reproductive function;
• regulation of metabolism, etc.

Types of hormone classifications

Modern science knows more than 100 hormones, their chemical nature and the mechanism of action have been studied in sufficient detail. But, despite this, a general nomenclature for these biologically active substances has not yet appeared.

Today there are 4 main typologies of hormones: according to the specific gland where they are synthesized, according to biological functions, as well as functional and chemical classification hormones.

1. By the gland that produces hormonal substances:

• adrenal hormones;
• thyroid gland;
• parathyroid glands;
• pituitary gland;
• pancreas;
• gonads, etc.

2. By chemical structure:

• steroids (corticosteroids and sex hormones);
• fatty acid derivatives (prostaglandins);
• amino acid derivatives (adrenaline and norepinephrine, melatonin, histamine, etc.);
• protein-peptide hormones.

Protein-peptide substances are divided into simple proteins (insulin, prolactin, etc.), complex proteins (thyrotropin, lutropin, etc.), as well as polypeptides (oxytocin, vasopressin, peptide gastrointestinal hormones, etc.).

3. By biological functions:

• metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, amino acids (cortisol, insulin, adrenaline, etc.);
• calcium and phosphate metabolism (calcitriol, calcitonin)
• control water-salt metabolism(aldosterone, etc.);
• synthesis and production of hormones of intrasecretory glands (hormones of the hypothalamus and tropic hormones of the pituitary gland);
• provision and control reproductive function(testosterone, estradiol);
• changes in metabolism in cells where hormones are formed (histamine, gastrin, secretin, somatostatin, etc.).

4. Functional classification of hormonal substances:

• effector (act specifically on the target organ);
• tropic hormones of the pituitary gland (control the production of effector substances);
• releasing hormones of the hypothalamus (their task is the synthesis of pituitary hormones, mainly tropic ones).

Hormone table

Each hormone has several names - the full chemical name indicates its structure, and the short working name can indicate the source where the substance is synthesized or its function. The full and well-known names of the substances, their place of synthesis and mechanism of action are indicated in the following table.

Synthetic hormones

The unique effect of hormones on the human body, their ability to regulate the processes of growth, metabolism, puberty, and influence the conception and bearing of a child, prompted scientists to create synthetic hormones. Today, such substances are used mainly for the development of medical drugs.

Synthetic hormones may contain substances from the following groups.

• Hormone extracts obtained from the endocrine glands of slaughtered livestock.
• Artificial (synthetic) substances that are identical in structure and function to conventional hormones.
• Chemical synthetic compounds, which in structure are very close to human hormones and have a clear hormonal effect.
• Phytohormones – herbal preparations, which exhibit hormonal activity when they enter the body.

Also, all such drugs are divided into several types depending on their origin and medicinal purposes. These are preparations of thyroid and pancreatic hormones, adrenal glands, sex hormones, etc.

There are several types of hormonal therapy: replacement, stimulating and blocking. Replacement therapy involves taking a course of hormones if the body for some reason does not synthesize them itself. Stimulating therapy is designed to activate vital processes for which hormones are usually responsible, and blocking therapy is used to suppress the hyperfunction of the endocrine glands.

Also, drugs can be used to treat diseases that are not caused by dysfunction of the endocrine system. These are inflammations, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, autoimmune diseases– diseases caused by the immune system going crazy and unexpectedly attacking native cells.

Plant hormones

Plant (or phytohormones) are called biologically active substances, which are formed inside the plant. Such hormones have regulatory functions similar to the action of classical hormones (seed germination, plant growth, fruit ripening, etc.).

Plants do not have special organs that synthesize phytohormones, but the pattern of action of these substances is very similar to that of humans: first, plant hormones are formed in one part of the plant, then move to another. The classification of plant hormones includes 5 main groups.

1. Cytokinins. They stimulate plant growth through cell division and provide correct form and the structure of its various parts.
2. Auxins. Activate the growth of roots and fruits by stretching plant cells.
3. Abscisins. They inhibit cell growth and are responsible for the state of plant dormancy.
4. Ethylene. Regulates the ripening of fruits and the opening of buds and ensures communication between plants. Ethylene can also be called adrenaline for plants - it is actively involved in the response to biotic and abiotic stress.
5. Gibberellins. They stimulate the growth of the primary root of the grain embryo and control its further germination.

Also, phytohormones sometimes include B vitamins, primarily thiamine, pyridoxine and niacin.

Phytohormones are actively used in agriculture to enhance plant growth, as well as to create female hormonal preparations during menopause. IN natural form plant hormones are found in flax seeds, nuts, bran, legumes, cabbage, soy, etc.

Another popular area of ​​application of plant hormones is cosmetics. In the middle of the last century, Western scientists experimented with adding natural, human hormones to cosmetics, but today such experiments are prohibited by law in both Russia and the USA. But phytohormones are very actively used in women's cosmetics for any skin - both young and mature.