Hormone functions

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Stimulates the pituitary gland to release reproductive hormones.

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH)

Triggers the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)

Directs the body's stress response by activating ACTH release.

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH)

Stimulates growth hormone production.

Somatostatin

Inhibits the release of growth hormone and insulin.

Dopamine

Inhibits prolactin release and influences reward pathways.

Oxytocin & Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Produced here but stored/released by the posterior pituitary.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Stimulates overall cell growth, tissue repair, and physical development.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Tells the thyroid to secrete metabolic hormones.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

Prolactin (PRL)

Stimulates milk production in mammary glands.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Regulate reproductive functions, ovulation, and sperm production.

Oxytocin

Triggers uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Antidiuretic Hormone (Vasopressin / ADH)

Regulates water retention in the kidneys and controls blood pressure.

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

Stimulates melanin production for skin pigmentation.

Melatonin

Regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).

Thyroxine (T₄) & Triiodothyronine (T₃)

Primary controllers of the body's basal metabolic rate.

Calcitonin

Lowers blood calcium levels by encouraging calcium deposit in bones.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Elevates blood calcium levels by pulling calcium from bones and kidneys.

Cortisol

The primary stress hormone; manages glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and immune responses.

Aldosterone

Regulates blood pressure by managing sodium and water balance.

Adrenaline (Epinepherine)

Drive the immediate "fight or flight" response, elevating heart rate and energy.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) & Androgens

Precursor sex hormones that convert to testosterone and estrogen.

Insulin

Lowers blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose.

Glucagon

Raises blood sugar by prompting the liver to release stored glucose.

Somatostatin

Inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon.

Pancreatic Polypeptide

Helps regulate digestive enzyme secretion.

Testosterone

The primary androgen; supports sperm production, muscle mass, and bone density in males, alongside lower levels in females.

Estrogen (Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol)

Primary female sex hormones regulating the menstrual cycle, reproductive tract, and secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Prepares and maintains the uterine lining for potential pregnancy.Inhibin

Gastrin

Stimulates gastric acid secretion for digestion.

Secretin

Stimulates bicarbonate and water secretion from the pancreas.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme release.

Ghrelin

The "hunger hormone"; stimulates appetite.Leptin

Renin

Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow.

Calcitriol

The active form of Vitamin D, aiding calcium absorption.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

Reduces blood volume and pressure by causing sodium and water excretion.

Leptin & Adiponectin

Modulate energy expenditure, fat breakdown, and inflammation.