Human hormones and their functions nutrition. Types of hormone classifications

Hormones are biologically active substances of organic nature. Produced in glands internal secretion, enter the blood, bind to target cell receptors and affect metabolism and others physiological functions. They cause us fear and rage, depression and happiness, attraction and attachment.

Adreanaline- hormone of fear and anxiety. The heart sinks into the heels, the person turns pale, the reaction is “hit and run.” Stands out in situations of danger, stress and anxiety. Vigilance, internal mobilization, and a feeling of anxiety increase. The heart beats strongly, the pupils dilate (“the eyes are large from fear”), and vasoconstriction occurs abdominal cavity, skin and mucous membranes; Constricts blood vessels to a lesser extent skeletal muscles, but dilates the blood vessels of the brain. Increases blood clotting (in case of wounds), prepares the body for long-term stress and increased physical activity due to muscles. Relaxes the intestines (crap oneself from fear), hands and jaws shake.

Norepinephrine - a hormone of hatred, rage, anger and permissiveness. The precursor of adrenaline is produced in the same situations, the main action is the heart beating and the constriction of blood vessels, but more and more violently and briefly, and the face turns red. A short flash of anger (norepinephrine), then fear (adrenaline). The pupils do not dilate, the blood vessels of the brain do the same.
Animals determine by smell whether adrenaline or norepinephrine is released. If there is adrenaline, they recognize the weakling and chase him. If there is norepinephrine, they recognize the leader and are ready to obey.
Great commander Julius Caesar formed the best military detachments only from those soldiers who, at the sight of danger, blushed and did not turn pale.
Joy comes in different forms. There is calm and bright joy, giving us transparent happiness, and there is violent, unbridled joy, overflowing with pleasure and euphoria. So, these two different joys are made by two different hormones. Unbridled joy and euphoria are the hormone dopamine. Joy is bright and calm - this is the hormone serotonin.

Dopamine- a hormone of unbridled joy, pleasure and euphoria. Dopamine pushes us to exploits, madness, discoveries and accomplishments; high levels of this hormone turn us into quixotes and optimists. On the contrary, if we lack dopamine in our body, we become sad hypochondriacs.
Any activity or state from which we receive (or, more precisely, anticipate) sincere joy and delight provokes a powerful release of the hormone dopamine into the blood. We like it, and after a while our brain “asks to repeat it.” This is how hobbies, habits, favorite places, adored foods appear in our lives... In addition, dopamine is released into the body in stressful situations so that we do not die from fear, shock or pain: dopamine alleviates pain and helps a person adapt to inhuman conditions . Finally, the hormone dopamine takes part in such important processes, like remembering, thinking, regulating sleep and wake cycles. Lack of the hormone dopamine for any reason leads to depression, obesity, chronic fatigue and sharply reduces sexual desire. The easiest way to produce dopamine is to have sex or listen to music that makes you shiver. In general, do something the very anticipation of which gives you pleasure.

Serotonin- a hormone of bright joy and happiness. If there is a lack of serotonin in the brain, the symptoms are: Bad mood, increased anxiety, loss of strength, absent-mindedness, lack of interest in the opposite sex, depression, including in the most serious forms. A lack of serotonin is also responsible for those cases when we cannot get the object of our adoration out of our heads, or, alternatively, we cannot get rid of obsessive or frightening thoughts. If a person’s serotonin levels increase, his depression disappears, he stops dwelling on unpleasant experiences, and problems quickly take their place. good mood, joy of life, a surge of strength and vigor, activity, attraction to the opposite sex. Melatonin is a hormone of melancholy, the antipode of serotonin. For more information about serotonin, see →

Testosterone - the hormone of masculinity and sexual desire. Testosterone triggers male forms of sexual behavior: the most obvious differences between men and women, such as aggressiveness, risk-taking, dominance, energy, self-confidence, impatience, and the desire to compete, are determined primarily by the level of testosterone in the blood. Men become "roosters", easily flaring up with anger and showing pugnacity. Increasing testosterone levels improves intelligence and improves empathy.

Estrogen- hormone of femininity. Influence on character: fears, pity, empathy, attachment to babies, crybaby. Estrogen develops in F an attraction to a dominant male, strong and experienced, recognized in society, and provides a number of other advantages: it improves coordination and accuracy of movements (F is better than M at coping with tasks that require quick, skillful movements), and enhances language abilities. If during intrauterine development the boy will be exposed to abnormally high levels of estrogen, he will end up in a male body but with a female brain, and he will grow up to be peaceful, sensitive, feminine.
Is it possible to change your testosterone levels on your own? Yes. If a man practices martial arts, strength and extreme sports, and allows himself to be angry more often, his body increases the generation of testosterone. If a girl plays blonde more often and allows herself to have fears, her body increases the production of estrogen.

Oxytocin- a hormone of trust and tender affection. An increase in the level of oxytocin in the blood causes a person to feel a sense of satisfaction, a decrease in fears and anxieties, a feeling of trust and calm next to a partner: a person who was perceived as mentally close to oneself. At the physiological level, oxytocin triggers the attachment mechanism: it is oxytocin that makes a mother or father attached to their child, binds a woman to her sexual partner, and creates a romantic mood for a man, sexual attachment and a willingness to be faithful. In particular, oxytocin causes married men to stay away from attractive women. Based on the level of oxytocin in the blood, we can confidently speak about a person’s propensity for fidelity and readiness to become attached in close relationships. Interestingly, oxytocin is a good treatment for autism: both children and adults with autism, after treatment with oxytocin, not only became more emotional themselves, but also better understood and recognized the emotions of other people. People with high level oxytocin live healthier and long life, since oxytocin improves the condition of the nervous and cardiac systems, plus stimulates the production of endorphins - hormones of happiness.

Oxytocin analogue - vasopressin , gives approximately the same effect.

Phenylethylamine - the hormone of love: if it “jumps up” in us at the sight of an attractive object, living sympathy and love attraction ignite in us. Phenylethylamine is present in chocolate, sweets and diet drinks, but feeding these products will not help much: to create a state of love, another phenylethylamine is needed, endogenous, that is, secreted by the brain itself. Love potions exist in the tale of Tristan and Isolde or in Shakespeare's drama "The Dream of summer night", in reality our chemical system jealously guards its exclusive right to control our emotions.

Endorphins are born in a victorious battle and help you forget about pain. Morphine is the basis of heroin, and endorphin is an abbreviated name for endogenous morphine, that is, a drug that is produced by our body itself. In large doses, endorphin, like other opiates, improves mood and triggers euphoria, but it is incorrect to call it a “hormone of happiness and joy”: dopamine causes euphoria, and endorphins only promote the activity of dopamine. The main effect of endorphin is different: it mobilizes our reserves and allows us to forget about pain.

Conditions for endorphin production: healthy body, serious physical activity, a little chocolate and a feeling of joy. For a fighter, this is a victorious fight on the battlefield. The fact that the wounds of the victors heal faster than the wounds of the vanquished was known back in Ancient Rome. For an athlete, this is a “second wind” that opens up over a long distance (“runner’s euphoria”) or in a sports competition, when strength seems to be running out, but victory is close. Joyful and long sex is also a source of endorphins, while in men it is more triggered by vigorous physical activity, and in women it is triggered by a feeling of joy. If women are more active in sex, and men are more enthusiastically joyful, the stronger their health will be and the richer their experiences.

The main thing that is important to know about hormones is that most of them are triggered by the same physical activity that they produce. Read the article again:
In order for a man to increase his masculinity, he needs to start behaving courageously: testosterone triggers healthy aggressiveness, but it is also triggered by martial arts, strength and extreme sports. If a girl plays blonde more often and allows herself to have fears, her body increases the production of estrogen, which triggers fears and anxieties.

Oxytocin strengthens trust and close affection, but at the same time it is triggered by the same thing: start trusting your loved ones, say kind words to them, and you will increase your level of oxytocin.

Endorphin helps overcome pain and gives strength to the almost impossible. What is needed to start this process? Your readiness for physical activity, the habit of overcoming yourself...

If you want to experience a state of delight and euphoria more often, go where this behavior is practiced. If you are in the company of people like you, you will begin to scream with delight - the dopamine swirling in your blood will delight you. The behavior of delight triggers the experience of delight.

A depressed person chooses gray tones, but serotonin, which improves mood, is primarily triggered by bright sunlight. A person in a bad mood slouches and prefers to lock himself in alone. But just good posture and walking will contribute to the production of serotonin, which makes you feel joy and happiness. Total: get out of the dens, straighten your back, turn on bright light, that is, behave as a joyful person behaves, and your body will begin to produce serotonin, the hormone of joy and happiness.

DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR CONDITION - START CHANGING YOUR BEHAVIOR!

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.

What are hormones
Hormones are biologically active signaling chemical substances, secreted by the endocrine glands in the body and having a remote effect on the body or certain of its organs and target tissues. Hormones play the role of humoral regulators of certain processes; they function in various organs and systems.

In the human body, hormones are used to maintain homeostasis and regulate many functions, such as growth, metabolism, development, and response to changes in conditions. environment. What are hormones? They not only manage all the processes occurring in the body, hormones are what are responsible for human behavior. In addition, love, affection, self-sacrifice, desire for intimacy, altruism, romance - all these feelings depend on hormones

The role of different hormones
The human body contains a huge variety of hormones responsible for certain functions. The role of different hormones is to ensure that the body is finely tuned and functions correctly.

Human hormones are designed to control body functions, regulate and coordinate them. Their work defines our appearance, activity and excitement are manifested. These biologically active chemicals have a powerful effect on the entire body through interaction with receptors. Hormones transmit information from one organ to another and connect one organ to another. This allows you to achieve balance in the functioning of the whole body.

• Pituitary hormones

Growth hormone (Somatotropin) - responsible for enhancing growth processes and physical development. It regulates the growth of the entire body, stimulates muscle growth, and prevents fat deposition. Anomalies such as pituitary dwarfism (decreased pituitary function) and gigantism (excess GH) are associated with this hormone. The condition of acromegaly also occurs. It occurs when more GH is produced after reaching maturity. Accordingly, only individual parts of the body grow, because some bones lose their ability to lengthen. Those. a person’s eyebrows, nose, jaw begin to protrude, feet become enlarged, hands, nose and lips thicken.

Prolactin- responsible for the enlargement of the mammary glands during pregnancy and the formation of milk (lactation). But with lactation combined with the absence of menstruation, it speaks of a pituitary tumor.

Thyrotropin - stimulates education in thyroid gland thyroxine.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (Corticotropin) - stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands and the formation of cortisol in them. Excess ACTH leads to Cushing's syndrome (weight gain, moon face, fat deposits in the upper body, muscle weakness).

Gonadotropins - follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the development of eggs in the ovaries and sperm in the testes. Luteinizing hormone is the production of female sex hormones in the ovaries, as well as the secretion of testosterone.

Oxytocin- responsible for tenderness, loyalty and reliability. It has a strong influence on the formation of maternal instinct in women. The more of this hormone, the stronger mother loves his child. Bananas and avocados stimulate oxytocin production

Vasopressin ( Antidiuretic hormone) - prevents the loss of fluid by the body by reabsorbing it into the kidneys and retaining water. When the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is destroyed, it develops diabetes insipidus- loss of huge amounts of water.

• Pancreatic hormones

Glucagon- increases blood glucose levels (promotes gluconeogenesis - the breakdown of glycogen and the release of glucose from the liver).

Insulin- lowers blood sugar (promotes glucose inside the cell, where it will be used as “fuel” for muscles or stored in fat cells).
When there is a lack of insulin production, diabetes mellitus occurs. Symptoms: extreme thirst, excessive urine output, itchy skin. This then develops into pain in the limbs, blurred vision, decreased appetite, dry skin and most severe complication- diabetic coma!

• Thyroid hormones

Thyroxine- accelerates metabolism in the body, increases central excitability nervous system.

Triiodothyronine - in many ways similar to thyroxine.

It is important to remember that a lack of thyroid hormones in children leads to delayed mental and physical development. In adults, with hypofunction of the thyroid gland, inhibition of neuropsychic activity is observed (lethargy, drowsiness, apathy); with an excess of hormones, on the contrary, agitation and insomnia are observed.

Thyrocalcitonin - regulates calcium metabolism in the body. Those. reduces the amount of calcium in the blood and increases bone tissue.

• Parathyroid glands

Parathyroid hormone (Parathyrin) - parathyroid glands secrete this hormone. When the level of calcium in the blood decreases, parathyroid hormone increases. For example, with rickets (caused by low content calcium in the blood) there is an increase in the activity of the parathyroid glands.

• Adrenal hormones

Especially important role The following hormones play:
Cortisol- produced in large quantities during stress. It triggers immune defense mechanisms and protects against stress (activation of the heart muscle is activated, brain function improves). With elevated cortisol levels, increased fat deposition begins on the abdomen, back, and back of the neck. A decrease in cortisol leads to worsening immune system. The person will start to get sick often. This can lead to adrenal gland failure.

Adrenalin- activates in a state of fear, danger. A person’s blood sugar increases for muscle work, breathing quickens, and tone increases blood vessels. Thus, a person is at the maximum of physical and mental abilities. But an excess of this hormone dulls the feeling of fear, which can lead to bad outcomes.

Aldosterone - regulation of the water-salt balance of the body. It affects the kidneys, signaling what to leave in the body and what to excrete in the urine (potassium, sodium, chlorine, etc.).

• Sex hormones (male and female)

Estrogens- are responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy; in addition, estrogens cause a surge of strength, elevate mood, give a joyful shine to the eyes, and smooth the skin.

Progesterone - promotes gestation, increases appetite, promotes fat deposition, and in large quantities has a sedative and analgesic effect.

Androgens- male sex hormones. These include testosterone. It is this hormone that is responsible for the development of male primary and secondary sexual characteristics. In addition, testosterone enhances protein synthesis ( anabolic effect), which leads to acceleration of growth processes, physical development, increase muscle mass.

• Thymus hormones (endocrine gland that plays an important role in the formation of immunity)

Thymosin- regulates skeletal growth, participates in the management of immune reactions during the first 10-15 years of life.

• Pineal gland hormones

Melatonin- regulates the sleep cycle, body rhythms, increases appetite, promotes fat deposition (for example, before hibernation).

- biologically active substances. Their production occurs in specialized cells of the endocrine glands.

Translated from ancient Greek, the word “hormones” means “to stimulate” or “to excite.”It is this action that is their main function: when produced in some cells, these substances induce cells of other organs to act, sending them signals.

That is, in the human body, hormones play the role of a unique mechanism that triggers all vital processes that cannot exist separately.

Humans produce hormones throughout their lives. On this moment science knows more than 100 substances produced by the endocrine glands, which are characterized by hormonal activity and which regulate metabolic processes.

Story

The term “hormone” itself was first used in the works of English physiologists W. Bayliss and E. Starling in 1902, and the active study of endocrine glands and hormones was initiated by the English physician T. Addison in 1855.

Another founder of endocrinology is the French physician C. Bernard, who studied the processes of internal secretion and the corresponding glands of the body - organs that secrete certain substances into the blood.

Subsequently, another French doctor, C. Brown-Séquard, made his contribution to this branch of science, linking the development of certain diseases with insufficiency of the function of the endocrine glands and showing that extracts of the corresponding glands can be successfully used in the treatment of these diseases.

According to modern research It has been reliably established that insufficient or excessive synthesis of hormones negatively affects the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of metabolic processes in the body, and this, in turn, contributes to the development of almost all diseases of the endocrine glands.

How hormones work

External or internal stimuli of one kind or another affect the body’s receptors and generate impulses in them that enter first the central nervous system and then the hypothalamus.

In this part of the brain, the primary active substances of the remote hormonal action- the so-called releasing factors, which, in turn, are sent to the pituitary gland. Under the influence of releasing factors, the production and release of pituitary tropic hormones either accelerates or slows down.

At the next stage of the process, hormones are delivered through the circulatory system to certain organs or tissues (the so-called “targets”). Moreover, each hormone has its own chemical formula, which determines which organ will become the target. It is worth noting that the target may be not one organ, but several.

They act on target organs through cells equipped with special receptors that can perceive only certain hormones. Their relationship is like a lock with a key, where the receptor cell acts as the lock, which is opened by the hormone key.

By attaching to receptors, hormones penetrate into internal organs, where, with the help of chemical influence, they are forced to perform certain functions, due to which, in fact, the final effect of the hormone is realized.

Having completed their task, the hormones are either broken down in target cells or in the blood, transported to the liver where they are broken down, or finally eliminated from the body primarily through urine (e.g., adrenaline).

Regardless of the location, there is always a clear structural and spatial correspondence between the receptor and the hormone.

An increase or decrease in the production of hormones, as well as a decrease or increase in the sensitivity of hormonal receptors and disruption of hormonal transport leads to endocrine diseases.

The role of hormones in the human body

Hormones have a huge biological significance, with their help, coordination and coordination of the work of all organs and systems is carried out:

• Thanks to these substances, each person has a certain height and weight.
• Hormones influence emotional condition person.
• Throughout life, hormones stimulate the natural process of cell growth and breakdown.
• They participate in the formation of the immune system, stimulating or inhibiting it.
• Substances produced by the endocrine glands control metabolic processes in the body.
• Under the influence of hormones, the body can more easily tolerate physical exercise and stressful situations.
• Assisted biologically active substances preparations are underway for a certain life stage, including puberty, childbirth and menopause.
• Certain substances control the reproductive cycle.
• A person also experiences feelings of hunger and satiety under the influence of hormones.
• With normal production of hormones and their function increases sexual desire, and with a decrease in their concentration in the blood, libido decreases.
• Hormones maintain homeostasis.

Basic properties and features of the action of hormones

1. High biological activity. Hormones regulate metabolism in very low concentrations - in the range from 10-8 to 10-12M.
2. Distance of action. Hormones are synthesized in endocrine glands, and have biological effects in other target tissues.
3. Reversibility of action. It is ensured by dosed release adequate to the situation and subsequent mechanisms of hormone inactivation. The duration of action of hormones varies:

• peptide hormones: sec – min;
• protein hormones: min – hours;
• steroid hormones: hours;
• Iodothyronines: 24 hours.

1. Specificity biological action (each hormone has a special effect on a specific organ or tissue through a specific receptor cell).
2. Pleiotropy(variety of) actions. For example, catecholamines have been viewed as short-term stress hormones. Then it was revealed that they are involved in the regulation of matrix synthesis and processes determined by the genome: memory, learning, growth, division, cell differentiation.
3. Dualism of regulations(duality). Thus, adrenaline both constricts and dilates blood vessels. Iodothyronines in large doses increase protein catabolism, in small doses they stimulate anabolism.

Classification of hormones

Hormones are classified according to chemical structure , biological functions, place of education And mechanism of action.

Classification by chemical structure

According to their chemical structure, hormones are divided into the following groups:

1. Protein-peptide compounds. These hormones are responsible for carrying out metabolic processes in the body. A essential component for their production is protein. Peptides include insulin and glucagon, produced by the pancreas, and growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland. They can contain a wide variety of amino acid residues - from 3 to 250 or more.
2. Amino acid derivatives. These hormones are produced by several glands, including the adrenal glands and thyroid gland. And the basis for their production is tyrosine. Representatives of this type are adrenaline, norepinephrine, melatonin, and thyroxine.
3. Steroids. These hormones are produced in the testicles and ovaries from cholesterol. These substances perform essential functions, allowing a person to develop and acquire the necessary physical fitness, decorating the body, and also to reproduce offspring. Steroids include progesterone, androgen, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone.
4. derivatives arachidonic acid – eicosanoids (have a local effect on cells). These substances act on cells located near those organs that are involved in their production. These hormones include leukotrienes, thromboxanes and prostaglandins.

Peptide (protein)

1. Corticotropin
2. Somatotropin
3. Thyrotropin
4. Prolactin
5. Lutropin
6. Luteinizing hormone
7. Follicle-stimulating hormone
8. Melonocyte-stimulating hormone
9. Vasopressin
10. Oxytocin
11. Parathyroid hormone
12. Calcitonin
13. Insulin
14. Glucagon

Amino acid derivatives

1. Adrenalin
2. Norepinephrine
3. Triiodothyronine (T3)
4. Thyroxine (T4)

Steroids

1. Glucocorticoids
2. Mineralocorticoids
3. Androgens
4. Estrogens
5. Progestins
6. Calcitriol

Cells of some organs that are not related to the endocrine glands (cells of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney cells, endothelium, etc.) also secrete hormone-like substances (eicosanoids), which act at the sites of their formation.

Classification of hormones according to biological functions

According to their biological functions, hormones can be divided into several groups:

Table. Classification of hormones according to biological functions.

This classification is arbitrary, since the same hormones can perform different functions. For example, adrenaline is involved in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and, in addition, regulates arterial pressure, heart rate, smooth muscle contraction. Estrogens regulate not only reproductive function, but also influence lipid metabolism and induce the synthesis of blood coagulation factors.

Classification by place of education

According to the place of formation, hormones are divided into:

Classification by mechanism of action

According to the mechanism of action, hormones can be divided into 3 groups:

1. Hormones that do not enter the cell and interacting with membrane receptors (peptide, protein hormones, adrenaline). The signal is transmitted inside the cell using intracellular messengers (second messengers). The main end effect is a change in enzyme activity;
2. hormones that enter the cell(steroid hormones, thyroid hormones). Their receptors are located inside cells. The main final effect is a change in the amount of enzyme proteins through gene expression;
3. hormones membrane action (insulin, thyroid hormones). The hormone is an allosteric effector transport systems membranes The binding of a hormone to a membrane receptor leads to a change in the conductivity of membrane ion channels.

Adverse factors affecting the functioning of hormones

The main human hormones ensure the stability of the body throughout life. Under the influence of certain factors, the stability of the process may be disrupted. Their sample list as follows:

• various diseases;
• stressful situations;
• changes in climatic conditions;
• unfavorable environmental situation;
• age-related changes in the body. (In the body of men, the production of hormones is more stable than in women. In female body the amount of hormones secreted varies depending on various factors, including phase menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

The following signs indicate that a hormonal imbalance may have occurred:

• general weakness of the body;
• cramps in the limbs;
• headache and ringing in the ears;
• sweating;
• impaired coordination of movements and slow reaction;
• memory impairment and lapses;
• sudden changes in mood and depression;
• unreasonable decrease or increase in body weight;
• stretch marks on the skin;
• disruption of the digestive system;
• hair growth in places where it should not be;
• gigantism and nanism, as well as acromegaly;
• skin problems, including increased oily hair, acne and dandruff;
• menstrual irregularities.

How are hormone levels determined?

If any of these conditions manifest themselves systematically, you should consult an endocrinologist. Only a doctor, based on an analysis, will be able to determine which hormones are produced in insufficient or excess quantity, and prescribe the correct treatment.

How to achieve hormonal balance

For mild hormonal imbalance lifestyle adjustments are indicated:

Maintaining a daily routine. Full functioning of the body's systems is possible only by creating a balance between work and rest. For example, the production of somatotropin increases 1-3 hours after falling asleep. In this case, it is recommended to go to bed no later than 23 hours, and the duration of sleep should be at least 7 hours.

Physical activity. Stimulates the production of biologically active substances physical activity. Therefore, 2-3 times a week you need to do dancing, aerobics, or increase your activity in other ways.

Balanced diet with increasing protein intake and decreasing fat intake.

Compliance with drinking regime. During the day you need to drink 2-2.5 liters of water.

If more intensive treatment is required, a table of hormones is studied and medical supplies, which contain their synthetic analogues. However, only a specialist has the right to prescribe them.

Regulation of our weight directly depends on the functioning of the endocrine system, which includes glands that produce hormones.

These biologically active substances affect the performance of organs and cells, are responsible for the activity of almost every function of the human body. That is why hormones play an important role in the processes of losing weight or gaining weight and fat deposits, affecting the speed of metabolic processes and regulating appetite.

Hormones affecting weight - Leptin

The hormone leptin (Greek “leptos” - slender) is responsible for two senses: appetite and satiety. It tells our brain that there is just enough fat in the body as it needs, and it’s time to stop eating. When leptin levels decrease, sudden jump appetite, because the brain believes that the body urgently needs to replenish fat reserves. Then we reach for chips, sausage, and chocolate for a snack.

Leptin has ambiguous effects on our body. On the one hand, during laboratory experiments, the hormone was injected into mice, and this caused them to lose body weight. The reason for this was the property of leptin to break down fats and reduce the amount of food consumed. On the other hand, in the body of obese people the level of this hormone is off the charts - tens of times higher than the normal level of leptin in thin people. At the same time, with a decrease in body weight, its level also decreases. This phenomenon could not be explained. Presumably, in the body of an obese person, sensitivity to this hormone disappears, which causes its unregulated production in huge quantities, in order to return the sensitivity threshold.

The amount of leptin in the body is affected by how much we sleep. With a lack of sleep, its level decreases. Proof of this is the fact that people who sleep less than 7 hours a night have a greater tendency to obesity than those who get enough sleep. It is known that leptin levels are normalized by regular use eating seafood. And this, in turn, is associated with maintaining a balance between the content of this hormone and reducing obesity and metabolism.

Hormones that affect weight - Cortisol

The stress hormone cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, just like adrenaline. It is secreted by the body as defensive reaction for stress. This happens involuntarily. Cortisol is a corticosteroid.

This hormone different ways affects excess weight and metabolic processes. Since its isolation is associated with protective functions body, then during the production of cortisol, some biological defense processes become active, and some are suspended. For example, many people in moments of stress have increased appetite and find solace in food. This is necessary for the body to receive additional energy to protect itself. At the same time, the metabolism slows down so that energy reserves are preserved longer.

We cannot influence the production of cortisol. It remains within our power to maintain a calm environment and minimize stressful situations, lifestyle change, search suitable ways relaxation: meditation, prayer, breathing exercises, dancing, yoga, etc.

Hormones that affect weight - Adrenaline

Adrenaline, a “relative” of cortisol, has a completely different effect on metabolic processes in the body. It is produced at moments of particular excitement. For example, jumping with a parachute for the first time will cause the production of cortisol due to fear or a sense of danger, and in a person who has jumped with a parachute many times and gets real pleasure and emotional excitement from it, adrenaline will be produced.

Adrenaline activates metabolism in the body, due to which fats are broken down and energy is released. The release of adrenaline triggers the so-called thermogenesis. This is the process of burning stored energy in the body, which causes the body temperature to rise. In addition, an increase in adrenaline levels reduces appetite. However, as you gain body weight, its production decreases.

Hormones that affect weight - Estrogen

Being female hormone Produced by the ovaries, estrogen is responsible for various functions from the distribution of fat deposits to the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Because of this hormone, mainly in young women, fatty tissue accumulates in the lower part of the body, and in those who have reached menopause - in and around the abdomen.

It is known that Weight gain directly depends on the lack of estrogen content. A woman already feels this 10 years before the onset of menopause in her life. Often it low level causes a love for sweets. The body begins to look for estrogen in fat deposits as soon as its content begins to fall.

The more fat cells saturate the body with estrogen, the more fat it stores.

At the same time, the woman’s testosterone level, which is responsible for muscle mass, decreases, and it decreases. This means that fat deposits are burned less and less, because the size of the muscles has decreased, and therefore there is more and more fat. This explains the difficulties in combating overweight in women after 35 and 40 years. To maintain muscle mass in required form and size, it must be constantly loaded with strength exercises.

In order for the body to produce testosterone and estrogen in the required quantities(male and female sex hormones), boron is needed - a mineral that is responsible for their balance. The majority of the soil contains little boron, so its content is food products very low.

This leads to a decrease in the level of sex hormones. If you take additional boron, their production can be balanced. It is known that during times of stress the level of sex hormones also decreases.

Hormones that affect weight - Insulin

The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which is responsible for regulating glucose(sugar level) in the blood, and its excess is converted into fat deposits. Impaired production of this hormone leads to type 2 diabetes.

If the body enters a large number of starch and sugar, the pancreas works in overload mode and as a result fails, which causes this disease. For normal operation pancreas and maintaining normal weight, you need to eat less white foods.

It is known that in order to produce hormones and maintain their balance during the functioning of the pancreas, it is necessary presence of vitamin B3, vanadium and chromium minerals. However, these elements are often lacking in our diet. Therefore, sometimes they should be taken additionally as part of vitamin complexes. This can prevent problems with the pancreas or help treat pancreatic diseases at an early stage.

Hormones that affect weight - Ghrelin

This hormone is produced in the stomach and “lives” short life and sends hunger signals to our brain. According to the results scientific research it can be seen that its production depends on the amount of fructose (a type of sugar found mainly in sweet carbonated drinks, corn syrup and fruit juices) entering the body.

The more fructose, the greater the production of ghrelin. This causes an increased feeling of hunger with short period satiety and, as a result, overeating.

Hormones that affect weight - Thyroid hormones

The hormones T1, T2, T3, T4 produced by the thyroid gland are similar in nature. Thyroxine, which can accelerate metabolic processes, is considered to be the most influential on changes in body weight.

Decreased thyroid function ( insufficient output thyroid hormones) entails a lot of diseases and a set of excess weight.

Hyperfunction of this gland (increased production of hormones) also causes many diseases, but in those who suffer from excess weight, hyperfunction practically does not occur. It is very important to save normal balance hormone production. You can find out what it is like for you by passing certain type blood test. Self-medication is strictly prohibited. Only under the supervision of a doctor.

For normal functioning of the thyroid gland, iodine is often necessary, which is contained in supplements containing algae, vitamin complexes, iodine supplements, iodized salt etc. Not long ago it became known that iodine should be combined with selenium intake to normalize thyroid function. And dysfunction of this gland is often caused by a lack of copper.

Some foods can affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. To speed up metabolic processes, and for those who have been diagnosed reduced function glands, you need to give up peanuts and soy products. Coconut oil is considered a natural stimulant of its work. The level of thyroid hormone production is affected by stress, which can reduce it.

In the presence of overweight Several tests should be carried out to determine the level of hormones in the blood. It may well be that due to an excess or deficiency of any of them, you cannot normalize your body weight. If deviations from the norm are detected, you should not immediately run for help. medicines. Changing your diet and lifestyle often helps solve the problem.

Text - Anna Serebryakova

It includes organs that produce hormones that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Each type of hormone is responsible for a specific hormone, and their insufficient or excessive production affects the performance of all organs and tissues. It is necessary to consider in detail what hormones are and why a person needs them.

Concept and classification

What is this hormone? The scientific definition of this concept is quite complex, but if explained in a simple way, then these are active substances that are synthesized in the body, necessary for the functioning of all organs and systems. If the level of these substances in the body is disrupted, hormonal disbalance, which primarily affects the nervous system and psychological state person, and only then dysfunctions of other systems begin to arise.

What hormones are can be understood by finding out their functions and significance in the human body. They are classified according to place of formation, chemical structure and purpose.

Based on chemical characteristics, the following groups are distinguished:

• protein-peptide (insulin, glucagon, somatropin, prolactin, calcitonin);
• steroids (cortisol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol);
• amino acid derivatives (serotonin, aldosterone, angiothesin, erythropoietin).

A fourth group can be distinguished – eicosanoids. These substances are produced in organs other than the endocrine system and exert their effects at the local level. Therefore, they are usually called “hormone-like” substances.

• thyroid;
• epithelial body;
• pituitary;
• hypothalamus;
• adrenal glands;
• ovaries;
• testicles.

Each hormone in the human body has its own purpose. Their biological functions The following table shows:

This table shows only the main purposes of several hormones. But each of them can stimulate and be responsible for several functions at once. Here are some examples: adrenaline is not only responsible for muscle contraction, but also regulates blood pressure and is in some way involved in carbohydrate metabolism substances. Estrogen, which stimulates reproductive function, affects blood clotting and lipid metabolism.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and has a very small weight - about 20 grams. But this small organ plays a big role in the body - it is where hormones are produced that stimulate the functioning of all organs and tissues.

And are the main hormones of this gland. Iodine is necessary for their formation, which is why they are called iodine-containing. T3 – contains three iodine molecules. It is produced in small quantities and has the ability to quickly break down once it enters the bloodstream. T4 - consists of four molecules, has a longer viability and is therefore considered more important. Its content in the body makes up 90% of all human hormones.

Their functions:

• promote the absorption of proteins;
• stimulate energy metabolism;
• increase blood pressure;
• affect the functioning of the central nervous system;
• control cardiac performance.

If there is a deficiency of T3 and T4, then the performance of all body systems is disrupted:

• intelligence decreases;
• metabolism is disrupted;
• the production of sex hormones decreases;
• heart sounds become dull.

Serious disturbances in the psyche and nervous system may occur. Increased level causes irritability, sudden weight gain or loss, tachycardia, hyperhidrosis.

There are two states in which these substances exist:

• Bound - do not affect the body as long as they are delivered by the protein albumin to the organs.
• Free – rendered biologically active influence on the body.

Since everything in the body is interconnected, these types of hormones are reproduced under the influence of TSH produced in. That is why information not only about thyroid hormones, but also about the TSH hormone is important for diagnosis.

Parathyroid hormones

Behind the thyroid gland is the parathyroid gland, which is responsible for the concentration of calcium in the blood. This occurs due to PTH (parathyrin or parathyroid hormone), which stimulates metabolic processes in the body.

Functions of PTG:

• reduces the level of calcium excreted by the kidneys;
• stimulates the absorption of calcium into the blood;
• increases the level of vitamin D3 in the body;
• if there is a deficiency of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, it removes them from bone tissue;
• when there is an excess amount of phosphorus and calcium in the blood, it deposits them in the bones.

Low concentrations of parathyroid hormone lead to muscle weakness, there are problems with intestinal peristalsis, the performance of the heart is impaired and changes mental condition person.

Symptoms of decreased parathyroid hormone:

• tachycardia;
• convulsions;
• insomnia;
• periodic chills or feeling of heat;
• heartache.

High PTH levels have Negative influence on the formation of bone tissue, bones become more brittle.

Symptoms of increased PTH:

• growth retardation in children;
• muscle pain;
• frequent urination;
• skeletal deformity;
• loss of healthy teeth;
• constant thirst.

The resulting calcification impairs blood circulation, provokes the formation of stomach ulcers and duodenum, deposition of phosphate stones in the kidneys.

The pituitary gland is a brain process that produces a large number of active substances. They are formed in the anterior and posterior parts of the pituitary gland and have their own special functions. It also produces several types of hormones.

Formed in the anterior lobe:

• Luteinizing and follicle stimulating - are responsible for reproductive system, maturation of follicles in women and sperm and men.
• Thyroid-stimulating – controls the formation and release of the hormones T3 and T4, as well as phospholipids and nucleotides.
• Somatropin – controls human growth and physical development.
• Prolactin – main function: output breast milk. Also takes part in the formation of secondary female characteristics and doesn't play significant role in material exchange.

Synthesized in the posterior lobe:

• – affects the contraction of the uterus and, to a lesser extent, other muscles of the body.
• Vasopressin – activates the kidneys, removes excess sodium from the body, and participates in water-salt metabolism.

In the middle lobe - melanotropin, responsible for pigmentation skin. Recent evidence suggests that melanotropin may have an effect on memory.

Hormones produced in the pituitary gland are influenced by the hypothalamus, which plays the role of a regulator of the secretion of active substances in the organs. is a link connecting the nervous and endocrine system. Hormones of the hypothalamus - melanostatin, prolactostatin, inhibit the secretion of the pituitary gland. All others, for example, luliberin, folliberin, are aimed at stimulating the secretion of the pituitary gland.

Active substances that are formed in the pancreas account for only 1–2% of total number. But, despite the small amount, they play a significant role in digestion and other body processes.

What hormones are produced in the pancreas:

• Glucagon – increases blood glucose levels and is involved in energy metabolism.
• Insulin - reduces glucose levels, suppresses its synthesis, is a conductor of amino acids and minerals into the body's cells, and prevents protein deficiency.
• Somatostatin - reduces glucagon levels, slows blood circulation in the abdominal cavity, prevents the absorption of carbohydrates.
• Pancreatic polypeptide - regulates contractions of the gallbladder muscles, controls secreted enzymes and bile.
• Gastrin – creates the necessary level of acidity for digestion of food.

Violation of the production of hormones by the pancreas primarily leads to diabetes mellitus. An abnormal amount of glucogon provokes malignant pancreatic tumors. If there are failures in the production of somatostatin and leads to various diseases gastrointestinal tract.

Hormones of the adrenal cortex and gonads

The adrenal medulla produces very important hormones- adrenaline and norepinephrine. Adrenaline is formed when stressful situations arise, for example, in situations of shock, fear, severe pain. Why is it needed? When resistance to negative factors occurs, that is, it has a protective function.

People also notice that when receiving good news, a feeling of inspiration arises - the excitatory function of norepinephrine is activated. This hormone gives a feeling of confidence, stimulates the nervous system, and regulates blood pressure.

Corticosteroid substances are also produced in the adrenal glands:

• Aldosterone – regulates hemodynamics and water-salt balance in the body, is responsible for the amount of sodium and calcium ions in the blood.
• Corticosterone is involved only in water-salt metabolism.
• Deoxycorticosterone – increases the body's endurance.
• – designed to stimulate carbohydrate metabolism.

The zona reticularis of the adrenal glands secretes sex hormones, which influence the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Female ones include androstenedione and, responsible for hair growth, work sebaceous glands and libido formation. The ovaries produce estrogens (estriol, estradiol, estrone), which are completely responsible for reproductive function female body.

In men, they play virtually no role, since their main hormone is testosterone (formed from DHEA) and is produced in the testicles. Second in importance male hormone– dehydrotestosterone – is responsible for potency, development of the genital organs and libido. In some cases, in men it can convert into estrogen, which leads to sexual dysfunction. Human sex hormones, wherever they are formed, depend on each other and simultaneously affect the body of men and women.