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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