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    Hormones and Your Endocrine System

    The endocrine system makes hormones. These are chemicals that control and coordinate many things in your body. This includes your:

    • Metabolism.

    • Energy level.

    • Reproduction.

    • Growth and development.

    • Response to injury, stress, and environmental factors.

    Below is a list of hormones and what they do in your body:

    Hormone name

    Where the hormone is made

    What the hormone does

    Aldosterone

    Adrenal glands

    Controls salt, water balance, and blood pressure.

    Cortisol (corticosteroid)

    Adrenal glands

    Controls key functions in the body. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Controls blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength. Affectls salt and water balance. Responsible for the fight or flight response to emergency situations.

    Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

    Pituitary gland

    Increases water retention in kidneys and affects sodium balance. Controls blood pressure.

    Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

    Pituitary gland

    Controls the making and release of cortisol and other steroids in the adrenal glands.

    Growth hormone (GH)

    Pituitary gland

    Affects growth and development. Promotes the making of protein. Affects where fat is on the body.

    Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

    Pituitary gland

    Controls the making of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and the making of eggs and sperm.

    Oxytocin

    Pituitary gland

    Sets off contraction of the uterus and milk release in breasts during breastfeeding. May play a role in trust and bonding, especially between parents and children.

    Prolactin

    Pituitary gland

    Starts and keeps up the making of milk in breasts. Affects sex hormone levels.

    Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

    Pituitary gland

    Sets off the making and release of thyroid hormones.

    Renin

    Kidneys

    Raises blood pressure.

    Glucagon

    Pancreas

    Raises blood sugar levels.

    Insulin

    Pancreas

    Lowers blood sugar levels. Triggers the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat.

    Estrogen

    Ovaries

    Affects growth and function of uterus and breasts. Helps protect bone health.

    Progesterone

    Ovaries

    Grows the lining of the uterus for fertilization. Prepares the breasts for making milk.

    Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

    Parathyroid glands

    Plays the most important role in controlling blood calcium levels.

    Thyroid hormone

    Thyroid gland

    Controls metabolism. Affects growth, maturation, and nervous system activity.

    Epinephrine

    Adrenal glands

    Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow.

    Norepinephrine

    Adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous systems

    Maintains blood pressure.

    Testosterone

    Testes (testicles)

    Controls sexual growth and function. Helps protect bone health.

    Melatonin

    Pineal gland

    Helps with sleep.

    Growth hormone-releasing hormone(GHRH)

    Hypothalamus

    Controls growth hormone release in the pituitary gland.

    Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

    Hypothalamus

    Controls thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release in the pituitary gland.

    Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

    Hypothalamus

    Controls the release of LH/FSH in the pituitary gland.

    Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

    Hypothalamus

    Controls adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release in the pituitary gland.

    Leptin

    Fat cells

    Suppresses food intake.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Robert Hurd MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2025
    © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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