Hormones

Hypothalamic Releasing Hormone

Produced by the hypothalamus and carried by a vein to the anterior pituitary, where it stimulates the release of anterior pituitary hormones.

Hypothalamic non-releasing Hormones

Produced by the hypothalamus and carried by a vein to the anterior pituitary where they stop certain hormones from being released.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth of bone and muscles.

Prolactin (PRO)

Stimulates growth of mammary glands and milk production in a nursing mother.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the release of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the release of T4 and T3 from the thyroid gland.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

In females: estrogen production and egg production. In males: sperm production.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

In females: triggers ovulation. In males: stimulates testosterone production.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Acts on the kidney to decrease urine output.

Oxytocin

Stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Calcitonin

Lowers blood calcium by inhibiting bone resorption.

Thyroxine (T4)

Regulates metabolism and growth.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

More potent than T4; regulates metabolism and energy.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Increases blood calcium by stimulating bone breakdown.

Thymosin

Promotes T-cell development for immune response.

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Epinephrine

A neurohormone of the adrenal gland used as a heart stimulant, vasoconstrictor, and bronchodilator.

Norepinephrine

Regulates mood and increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Aldosterone

Regulates sodium/potassium balance and blood pressure.

Cortisone

Involved in stress response, inflammation, and metabolism regulation.

Cortisol

Regulates metabolism, stress response, and immune function.

Estrogen

Regulates female sexual development and reproductive function.

Androgen

Regulates male sexual development and characteristics, such as muscle mass and hair.

Glucagon

Raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Insulin

Lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells.

Progesterone

Regulates the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy.

Prostaglandins

Involved in inflammation, pain, fever, and muscle contractions.

Leptin

Regulates energy balance by controlling appetite.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Stimulates red blood cell production in response to low oxygen.