Endocrine System - Hormones, Disease and Conditions

Growth hormone (GH)

hormone produced by the pituitary gland responsible for protein synthesis and tissue building

prolactin (PRL)

hormone produced by the pituitary gland that promotes milk production

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex

thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland

thyroxine

hormone that aids in cell metabolism

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

hormone that helps to increase and maintain the level of calcium in the blood

calcitonin

hormone that reduces the blood calcium level

antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (also called vasopressin)

stimulates the kidney to reabsorb water and constrict blood vessels to help maintain blood pressure

gonadotropic hormone

hormone stimulates the testes in the male and the ovaries in the female

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

hormone that stimulates the maturation of eggs in the ovaries and sperm in the testes.

luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation in women, as well as the production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries. LH stimulates production of testosterone by the male testes.

testosterone

Hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sex characteristics and sperm production

estrogens and progesterone

Hormone that stimulate development of female secondary sex characteristics and prepares the body for childbirth

oxytocin

hormone responsible for uterine contraction during labor, and milk "let down" for breastfeeding

aldosterone

hormone that regulates the electrolyte balance of the body

epinephrine and norepinephrine

stress hormones released from the adrenal glands during a dangerous or a frightening situation (fight-or-flight response)

cortisol

hormone that aids the body during stress by increasing glucose levels to provide energy

insulin

Hormone secreted by the pancreas for controlling blood sugar and energy absorption; reduces blood glucose levels

glucagon

Hormone that increases blood glucose levels

melatonin

hormone released from the pineal gland that regulates sleep cycles

pituitary gland

The endocrine gland that is the size of a pea and located at the base of the brain

endocrine glands

Glands that secrete chemical messengers that travel in the bloodstream

endocrine system

Tissue or organs that secretes hormones into the blood and lymph without ducts

diabetes insipidus (DI)

disease that is caused by decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone and has symptoms that include excessive thirst and large amounts of urine

diabetes mellitus (DM)

A chronic disease involving a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism

gigantism

A condition brought about by hypersecretions of growth hormone by the pituitary gland before puberty

dwarfism

Abnormally low levels of GH in children can cause growth impairment leading to this disorder

Graves disease

A condition marked by a disorder of the thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism

Cushing's disease

A disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels and the accumulation of lipid deposits on the face and neck. It is caused by hypersecretion of cortisol.

Addison's disease

A rare disorder that causes low blood glucose levels and low blood sodium levels causing general weakness, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and cravings for salty food

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a symptom of an excessive production of androgens causing hair growth in women where they typically do not have hair growth.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition marked by high levels of thyroid hormones that results in weight loss, profuse sweating, and increased heart rate.

Hypothyroidism

A condition marked by low levels of thyroid hormones that results in weight gain, cold sensitivity, and reduced mental activity

radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)

nuclear medicine scan that measures thyroid function. Radioactive iodine is given to the patient orally, after which its uptake into the thyroid gland is measured.