Hormones and their Effects

Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland

growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH)

inhibits the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland

corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

regulates the release of adrenocorticotropin from the pituitary gland

gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

regulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland

thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Regulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland

adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)

stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal gland of the kidney. Cortisol is involved in regulating blood glucose levels and metabolism.

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

helps regulate reproductive processes, including puberty

growth hormone (GH)

stimulates body growth and development

luteinizing hormone (LH)

in females, stimulates ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and controls menstruation. In males, stimulates the production of testosterone

melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

stimulates the pigment melanin to help darken skin

prolactin

Stimulates milk production and breast development in females

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

stimulates the thyroid gland and helps regulate thyroid function.

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

stimulates the kidneys to retain water and constricts blood vessels

oxytocin

stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of milk during breastfeeding in females

melatonin

regulates circadian rhythm of the body

calcitonin

stimulates the deposit of calcium into bone and lower blood calcium levels

Triiodothyronin (T3)

controls metabolism and body temperature, is more powerful than thyroxine (T4)

thyroxine (T4)

controls metabolism and body temperature

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

increase blood calcium levels and stimulates the breakdown of bone

thymosin

promotes the development of T cells (to fight off infectious agents) by the immune system

glucocorticoids

a group of hormones involved in metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

Cortisol

regulates blood glucose levels and helps metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

cortisone

regulates blood glucose levels

mineralocorticoids

a group of hormones involved in balancing fluid and electrolyte levels in the body

Aldosterone

regulates blood pressure, electrolyte concentrations, and fluid volume in the body

deoxycorticosterone

serves as a building block for aldosterone

sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, progestin)

group of hormones responsible for reproductive and secondary sex characteristics in males and females. Secondary sex characteristics are characteristics related to reproduction.

epinephrine (adrenaline)

intensifies stress and triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing increased heat rate, blood pressure, and respiration

Norepinephrine

prepares the body for the stress response and acts as a vasoconstrictor by narrowing blood vessels

glucagon

Stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the blood, increasing blood glucose levels

Insulin

Regulates the absorption of glucose into blood cells, decreasing blood glucose levels

estrogen

stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics and regulates the female reproductive system

progesterone

Prepares the female body for pregnancy and helps maintain pregnancy

Testosterone

Stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and promotes sperm production.