Chapter 1. Hormones and the Endocrine System

Short Description

This video discusses the importance of hormones and the endocrine system. Hormones guide and control our lives in a means to coordinate complex processes of growth, fertility, and metabolism. Hormones are released as messengers into the body, designed to stimulate other organs to activate or inhibit.

Long Description

Hormones are secreted directly into the blood by the endocrine system and respond to neurotransmitters released into the system as well. The pituitary gland is referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system as it is responsible for growth, puberty, and thyroid hormones. If the pituitary gland malfunctions it can lead to disorders within the endocrine system. The thyroid gland releases hormones that control metabolism, breathing, body temperature and heart rate. The adrenal gland releases adrenaline and prepared the body for action and the release of cortisol in response to stress. It is also a part of the fight or flight response. Hormone levels fluctuated throughout the life span and different endocrine issues are experienced later in life (e.g., menopause).

Hormones help in guiding both emotions and behaviors. For instance, oxytocin, known as the “love hormone” is released during childbirth and is instrumental in the production of breastmilk. It is also released during skin to skin contact during sex and it is important in the attachment or bond formed between two people. Testes and ovaries are important to the endocrine system. Testes secrete testosterone and ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone. Testes are important in the production of male secondary sex characteristics and ovaries are important in the production of female secondary sex characteristics. Hormones produced by the testes and ovaries have a strong influence on gender identity. It is believed that there is a hormone imbalance, early in life, for those who identify as transgender. Hormone replacement therapy can help in the production of physical sex characteristics to mirror someone’s gender identity.

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