Body Parts and Organs Involved
Primary Endocrine Glands
Hypothalamus – Master control centre linking the nervous and endocrine systems.
Pituitary Gland – “Master gland” controlling other endocrine organs.
Thyroid Gland – Regulates metabolism, energy, and growth.
Parathyroid Glands – Control calcium and phosphorus balance.
Adrenal Glands – Manage stress response and electrolyte balance.
Pancreas – Controls blood sugar through insulin and glucagon.
Reproductive Organs – Ovaries (oestrogen, progesterone) and testes (testosterone).
Pineal Gland – Regulates sleep–wake cycles through melatonin.
Secondary Endocrine Tissues
Fat tissue (leptin production);
Kidneys (renin, erythropoietin);
Heart (atrial natriuretic peptide);
Digestive tract (various gut hormones).
Key Hormones and Their Functions
Metabolic Hormones
Insulin – Promotes glucose uptake and storage, reduces blood sugar.
Glucagon – Stimulates glucose release from glycogen stores.
Thyroid Releasing Hormone (TRH) – Stimulates pituitary release of TSH.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – Stimulates thyroid to produce T3 and T4.
Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4) – Increase metabolic rate, protein synthesis, growth, and development.
Eating Behaviour Hormones
Ghrelin – Increases appetite, stimulates hunger before meals.
Leptin – Suppresses appetite, signals satiety from fat stores.
Peptide YY (PYY) – Reduces appetite after eating.
Cholecystokinin (CCK) – Promotes satiety, slows gastric emptying.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) – Increases appetite, especially for carbohydrates.
Orexin (Hypocretin) – Stimulates wakefulness and food-seeking behaviour.
Reproductive Hormones
Oestrogen – Regulates female reproductive cycle, supports bone and cardiovascular health.
Progesterone – Prepares the uterus for pregnancy, influences mood.
Testosterone – Promotes male secondary sexual characteristics, muscle mass, libido.
Luteinising Hormone (LH) – Triggers ovulation and testosterone production.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Stimulates ovarian follicle development and sperm production.
Prolactin – Stimulates milk production after childbirth.
Oxytocin – Stimulates uterine contractions, milk ejection, bonding behaviours.
Stress and Sleep Hormones
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) – Master stress regulator, triggers ACTH release from the pituitary.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) – Stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol.
Cortisol – Regulates stress response, blood sugar, metabolism, and inflammation.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) – Increases heart rate and energy availability.
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) – Maintains alertness, regulates blood pressure in stress.
Melatonin – Regulates circadian rhythm and sleep–wake cycle.
Interconnections with Other Systems
Nervous System – Linked via the hypothalamic–pituitary axis.
Digestive System – Gut hormones influence appetite, blood sugar, and mood.
Immune System – Cortisol modulates inflammation and immune response.
Cardiovascular System – Hormones regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Reproductive System – Complex hormonal feedback loops between multiple glands.
Common Symptoms of Imbalance
Fatigue and energy fluctuations;
Weight changes;
Mood swings and anxiety;
Sleep disturbances;
Temperature sensitivity;
Hair, skin, and nail changes;
Digestive issues;
Irregular menstrual cycles.
Investigation Methods
See what Testing can be performed
Comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, urine, blood).
Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4, reverse T3);
Adrenal stress profiles (cortisol rhythm);
DUTCH test (dried urine comprehensive hormones);
Glucose tolerance tests;
Nutrient status assessments.
Conditions That Can Be Supported with Nutrition
Hypothyroidism (including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis);
Hyperthyroidism (nutritional support alongside medical care);
Adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysregulation;
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
PMS and menstrual irregularities;
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms;
Low testosterone or oestrogen imbalance;
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes;
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome;
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight;
Cravings.
Related Systemic Concerns
Chronic fatigue syndrome;
Stress-related burnout;
Sleep disturbances (linked to hormonal imbalance);
Cardiovascular risk factors linked to metabolic dysfunction.
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