Hormones That Control Your Metabolism Hormones That Control Your Metabolism Understanding what hormones regulate your metabolism is the first step in learning how to set your body up for optimal fat loss. Everyone has a unique resting metabolic rate determined by the amount of lean muscle they have, genetics (DNA makeup), and hormonal balances. The secret to successfully increasing your metabolism and burning fat revolves around creating the optimal hormonal balances for maximizing your metabolic rate. You probably already know that calorie restriction dieting can cause your metabolism to slow down and bring weight loss to a halt. The good news is metabolic slowdown doesnât have to happen. Once you understand why it happens, you can take a number of steps to avoid it. Regulating thyroid hormone levels is the cornerstone to keeping your metabolism running on high. The thyroid gland is the main regulator of your overall metabolism. It sets your body temperature after the hypothalamus says make it so. The role of thyroid hormonesâ¦ The thyroid gland secretes two types of thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. Although most of the thyroid hormone in blood circulation is T4, itâs T3 that really produces the most impact.

At the cellular level, T3 is the one that hooks up to the receptors and makes everything work. The main cause of metabolic slowdown is a decrease in active thyroid hormone. There are three main reasons why thyroid hormone levels will go down. 1.Â The loss of lean muscle The loss of lean muscle comes from a lack of resistance training, protein deficiency, and low calorie diets that force the body to break down muscle tissue.Â There are also hormonal changes in estrogen and testosterone that naturally decline as you age that can create muscle loss. The good news is you have a significant degree of control over all these factors. 2.Â Increased production of cortisol The second cause of thyroid hormone attenuation is the increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to psychological and physiological stress. When the cortisol receptors on the pituitary gland are activated, they reduce production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is the messenger between the hypothalamus and the thyroid gland. Cortisol also affects the conversion process of T4 (circulating thyroid hormone), to T3 (the thyroid hormone that hooks up to the receptors).

Stress, overtraining, low calorie diets, and a lack of sleep all contribute to the increase in cortisol and a decrease in thyroid hormone production. 3.Â Increased production of insulin The third cause of decreased thyroid hormone production is the constant presence of insulin. The pancreas secretes insulin in response to high blood sugar levels. If the body experiences high blood sugar levels on a regular basis (too much carbohydrate in the diet) the cells start to reduce the acceptance of insulin. This is commonly referred to as insulin resistance. The resulting over-secretion of insulin causes cortisol levels to rise which as you just learned can reduce thyroid hormone production. Bottom line is the lack of lean muscle (from all the causes), too much stress (no matter what the trigger), and a poor diet can all contribute to a decreased thyroid hormone production and slowed metabolism. Growth hormone, adrenaline and nor-adrenaline Your metabolism is also regulated by the balances of powerful fat burning hormones which can be increased with the right type of exercise. The right type of exercise? Yes, while all exercise is beneficial, itâs high intensity- short duration exercise that produces the best results.

This is commonly referred to as â burst training ,â and â interval training .â These high intensity- short duration types of exercise will cause an increase in growth hormone and the adrenal hormones; adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. Traditional long-slow-distance cardio (aerobic training), and low-intensity resistance workouts simply wonât produce the same hormonal response. Optimizing your metabolic rate As youâve learned there are some obvious things you can do to optimize your metabolic rate: perform burst training (resistance workouts) and interval training (cardio workouts) to raise growth hormone, adrenaline, and nor-adrenaline levels. avoid low calorie diets that can reduce thyroid hormone production minimize stress to avoid excess cortisol production reduce insulin levels by eating a supportive nutrition diet with moderate levels of carbohydrates. increase protein intake to help with lean muscle development and prevent muscle catabolism get plenty of sleep (7-8 hours) to help with growth hormone secretion and reduce the production of cortisol. While this is a solid set of guidelines to help you increase your metabolic rate, there are instances of decreased thyroid hormone production that will require prescription medication treatment from your physician.

If you suspect decreased thyroid hormone production there are three specific tests you should request from your physician. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test Free T4 Test Free T3 Test Just looking at one test alone is a poor strategy. All three tests are needed to see whatâs really going on. Youâll also want to find physician who will work with you to optimize your thyroid levels, not just look to see if youâre in the ânormal ranges.â Here is a physician I work with regularly in the Charleston area that specializes in hormone replacement therapies: Charleston Personal Training | Mt. Pleasant Personal Training | Daniel Island Personal Trainer | Isle of Palms Personal Trainer | Sullivans Island Personal Trainer | Charleston Weight Loss Programs | © 2016 Shaping Concepts, LLC | All Rights Reserved 1009 Anna Knapp Blvd #101, Mt. Pleasant-Charleston, SC 29464. Phone: 843-971-8665. Shaping Concepts, LLC is a leading provider of personal training programs in South Carolina for the Charleston, Mt.

Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, and the Bluffton-Hilton Head areas. Warning: include_once(APP_ROOT/signup_form.php) [ function.include-once ]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/shaping/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/default/single.php on line 99 Warning: include_once() [ function.include ]: Failed opening 'APP_ROOT/signup_form.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php:/usr/local/lib/php') in /home/shaping/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/default/single.php on line 99 Thyroid Gland Overview - A Major Player in Regulating Your Metabolism Thyroid Gland Overview The thyroid regulates your metabolism. The two main thyroid hormones are T3 and T4. Thyroid disorders are common, and they include goiters, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. The thyroid’s main role in the endocrine system is to regulate your metabolism, which is your body’s ability to break down food and convert it to energy. Food essentially fuels our bodies, and our bodies each “burn” that fuel at different rates.

This is why you often hear about some people having “fast” metabolism and others having “slow” metabolism. The thyroid keeps your metabolism under control through the action of thyroid hormone, which it makes by extracting iodine from the blood and incorporating it into thyroid hormones. Thyroid cells are unique in that they are highly specialized to absorb and use iodine. Every other cell depends on the thyroid to manage its metabolism. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus both control the thyroid. When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, the hypothalamus secretes TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH), which alerts the pituitary to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyroid responds to this chain of events by producing more hormones. To learn more, read our article about how the thyroid works . Anatomy of the Thyroid Derived from the Greek word meaning shield, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the windpipe (called the trachea) and just below the larynx or Adam’s apple in the neck. It is comprised of two halves, known as lobes, which are attached by a band of thyroid tissue called the isthmus.

During development, the thyroid is actually located in the back of the tongue and has to migrate to the front of the neck before birth. There are rare instances when the thyroid migrates too far or too little. There are even cases when the thyroid remains in the back of the tongue—this is known as lingual thyroid. Hormones of the Thyroid The two main hormones the thyroid produces and releases are T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). A thyroid that is functioning normally produces approximately 80% T4 and about 20% T3, though T3 is the stronger of the pair. To a lesser extent, the thyroid also produces calcitonin, which helps control blood calcium levels. Diseases and Disorders of the Thyroid There are many diseases and disorders associated with the thyroid. They can develop at any age and can result from a variety of causes—injury, disease, or dietary deficiency, for instance. But in most cases, they can be traced to the following problems: Too much or too little thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively).

Abnormal thyroid growth Nodules or lumps within the thyroid Thyroid cancer Below are some of the most common thyroid disorders. To learn more, read our article about common thyroid problems . Goiters : A goiter is a bulge in the neck. A toxic goiter is associated with hyperthyroidism, and a non-toxic goiter, also known as a simple or endemic goiter, is caused by iodine deficiency. Hyperthyroidism : Hyperthyroidism is caused by too much thyroid hormone. People with hyperthyroidism are often sensitive to heat, hyperactive, and eat excessively. Goiter is sometimes a side effect of hyperthyroidism. This is due to an over-stimulated thyroid and inflamed tissues, respectively. Hypothyroidism : Hypothyroidism is a common condition characterized by too little thyroid hormone. In infants, the condition is known as cretinism. Cretinism has very serious side effects, including abnormal bone formation and mental retardation. If you have hypothyroidism as an adult, you may experience sensitivity to cold, little appetite, and an overall sluggishness. Hypothyroidism often goes unnoticed, sometimes for years, before being diagnosed.

Solitary thyroid nodules : Solitary nodules, or lumps, in the thyroid are actually quite common—in fact, it’s estimated that more than half the population will have a nodule in their thyroid. The great majority of nodules are benign. Usually a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) will determine if the nodule is cancerous. Thyroid cancer : Thyroid cancer is fairly common, though the long-term survival rates are excellent. Occasionally, symptoms such as hoarseness, neck pain, and enlarged lymph nodes occur in people with thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer can affect anyone at any age, though women and people over thirty are most likely to develop the condition. Thyroiditis : Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that may be associated with abnormal thyroid function (particularly hyperthyroidism). Inflammation can cause the thyroid’s cells to die, making the thyroid unable to produce enough hormones to maintain the body's normal metabolism. There are five types of thyroiditis, and the treatment is specific to each.

Updated on: 11/12/15 Endocrine System Organs, Glands | Hormones and Metabolism Disorders of the Endocrine System Endocrine Glands Glands are a group of cells that produce and release hormones directly into our blood stream in a process called secretion. There are 2 types of glands. Exocrine glands have ducts or channels which secrete chemicals such as saliva or sweat. Endocrine glands do not have ducts; they secrete hormones directly into the blood stream. Organs of the Endocrine System Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is located in the brain and links the nervous and endocrine systems to each other. It secrets hormones that put the pituitary gland into action. Pineal Gland The pineal gland is a small, pine-cone shaped endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, a derivative of serotonin, a hormone that affects wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions. Pituitary gland The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea. It weighs less than an ounce and is one of the most important organs in the body.

It is located at the base of the brain and is closely connected to the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland secretes nine hormones that regulate homeostasis by stimulating other endocrine glands to produce and secrete their own hormones. The pituitary gland has two components: the anterior (front) pituitary (or adenohypophysis) and the posterior (back) pituitary (neurohypophysis). The anterior lobe makes up most of the gland and releases the majority of the hormones. The smaller posterior lobe stores hormones but does not make them. It links the endocrine system with the nervous system by way of the hypothalamus.The pituitary gland is known as the ‘master’ endocrine gland. The hypothalamus controls the production of hormones in both lobes. The pituitary gland produces many important hormones, some of which act on other glands to make them produce hormones. The pituitary gland releases at least 9 hormones that have important effects on the body—these include the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulates the adrenal glands. Thyroid The butter-fly shaped thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands.

The thyroid gland is in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage or “Adam’s apple”. The isthmus bridges the two lobes of the thyroid and is located below the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body uses energy (metabolism), calcium levels in the blood, how the body makes proteins, and how sensitive the body is to other hormones. It produces thyroid hormones, the principal ones being triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine which can sometimes be called tetraiodothyronine (T4) and calcitonin. These hormones regulate the heart rate, the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. T3 and T4 are made from iodine and tyrosine. Calcitonin slows down the rate at which bone is broken down decreasing the amount of calcium dissolved in the blood. Parathyroid Gland The parathyroid gland controls calcium levels in the blood. The parathyroid is a small of glands around by the thyroid gland. They produce the parathyroid hormone or PTH, which increases the rate at which broke bone is broken down. As a result, more calcium is released into the blood.

Parathyroid hormone works in partnership with calcitonin from the thyroid gland. The 2 hormones have the opposite effect. Through negative feedback they keep the calcium level in the blood stable. Hormonal output from the thyroid is regulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the anterior pituitary, which itself is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) produced by the hypothalamus. The thyroid gets its name from the Greek word for “shield” because of its shape. The most common problems of the thyroid gland are overactive thyroid gland, called hyperthyroidism, and an underactive thyroid gland, called hypothyroidism. Thymus The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system. The thymus “educates” T-lymphocytes (T cells), which are critical cells of the adaptive immune system. Adrenal Glands The small, triangular adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) sit atop the kidneys . Each is divided into two distinct anatomic and functional organs.

The adrenal cortex (the outer region which secretes corticosteroid hormones that affect metabolism (that is how food is stored and used), chemicals in the blood, and characteristics such as body shape and hairiness. The smaller, inner region—the adrenal medulla (which is part of the sympathetic nervous system)—is the body’s first line of defense against physical and emotional stress. They are mainly responsible for releasing hormones in response to stress through the synthesis of corticosteroids such as cortisol and catecholamines such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. They also produce androgens. The adrenal glands affect kidney function through the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate the osmolarity of blood plasma. The adrenal glands help us deal with dress and as well as maintain homeostasis. Disorders of the adrenal glands include congenital defects such as adrenal hyperplasia, tumors, autoimmune disorders, infection, and impaired blood supply. The adrenal cortex When looked at under a microscope, the adrenal cortex is made up of 3 distinct zones. the outermost zone secretes the hormone aldosterone, which inhibits the amount of sodium excreted in the urine, maintaining blood pressure and blood volume.

The inner and middle zones together secrete hormones hydrocortisone, also called cortisol, corticosterone, as well as small amounts of androgen hormones. The rate of release and amount of secretion is controlled by other hormones made in the hypothalamus and pituitary. The adrenal medulla the adrenal major love is closely related to nervous tissue and secretes the hormone epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stimulation by sympathetic nerves. these nerves are most active at times of stress. the release of these hormones increases the heart rate and why the airways in the lungs in order to pump more blood to the large muscles of the skeleton. The airways in the lungs are increased so that more oxygen can be taken in. As more blood is sent to the active organs less blood is sent to the internal organs. Pancreas The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive system and endocrine system. It is both an endocrine gland—producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide—and a digestive organ—secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that help with the absorption of nutrients and digestion in the small intestine.

These enzymes help to break down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Ovaries The ovary is an ovum-producing reproductive organ, often found in pairs in the female reproductive system. Ovaries in women are analogous to testes in males—they are both gonads and endocrine glands. Our ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, relaxin and inhibin. Testes The testicle is the male gonad. Like the ovaries in women to which they are homologous, testes are components of both the reproductive system and the endocrine system. The primary functions of the testes are to produce inhibin, sperm (spermatogenesis) and androgens, primarily testosterone. Hormones Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that our endocrine system uses to control various processes in our body. Hormones can be fat-soluble or water-soluble. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood stream near them; the hormones then travel in our bloodstream until it reaches its destination, called a target cell, in distance parts of the body. In the target tissue, hormones lock onto the target’s plasma membrane, called the receptor site.

This chemical changes inside the target cells and adjusts the rate at which a specific action happens, such as a contraction of the muscle. Hormones can have one target or several targets. Hormones are released when they get feedback from triggers. Some hormones work on specific cells while other hormones work throughout the body. The level of hormones in the body are controlled by feedback. It is important that the amount of hormones in our body is kept at the right level. If hormone levels get too high or too low, they can make us sick. Although hormones come in contact with many cells in the body, they only react with target cells. A hormone can have more than one target cell, and can have different effects on different targets. Luteininzing Hormone This is a pituitary hormone that helps regulate the function of the reproductive organs. It stimulates ovulation to release the egg in the woman’s ovaries. In men it triggers the testes to produce male reproductive hormones. Prolactin This is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the production of milk in the breast. It is one of several hormones that stimulate milk production or lactation.

Breast-feeding stimulates the pituitary gland to make more prolactin so that milk is made for as long as the baby breastfeeds. Oxytocin Oxytocin is a pituitary hormone that stimulates muscle contractions in the uterus during childbirth. These contractions cause the release of more oxytocin. This is a positive feedback reaction that makes the cycle continue until the baby is born. Oxytocin also stimulates the breasts to release milk when the baby feeds. Glucagon The hormone glucagon increases the level of sugar in the blood. It plays a vital part in maintaining the correct blood sugar level. It is made by the pancreas, a gland that is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. The pancreas releases glucagon when the blood sugar level starts to fall. Glucogon makes cells release glucose, and helps convert glycogen, the form of glucose stored in the liver, back to glucose. As a result the blood sugar level rises. Your blood has enough glucose to keep you alive for just 15 min. However, as glucose is used up, more is released to take its place. Reproductive Hormones Reproductive hormones control the reproductive development of boys and girls.

The development of primary and secondary characteristics and regulate all reproductive related processes such as sperm and egg production. Primary reproductive characteristics are the development of the major reproductive organs. There are 3 main types of reproductive hormones—androgens, estrogen, and progesterone. Female Reproductive Hormone Estrogen is the female hormone made mainly in the ovaries. It not only makes the girl reproductive organs develop, and controls her monthly menstrual cycle. Progesterone is the female hormone that prepares the girls uterus for pregnancy every month. Some contraceptive pills have estrogen in them to prevent the ovaries from releasing their egg cells. Male Reproductive Hormone The male reproductive system consists of the penis, scrotum, and the 2 testes. A male reproductive system creates sperm cells that combined with a female egg to create a new human life. The testes and scrotum hang outside the body where it is cooler because it improves sperm production. Sperm cells look like microscopic tadpoles. Sperm is made in the testes, which are inside the scrotum. Sperm cells leave the testes through epididymis. The epididymis connects to the vas deferens.

Glands called seminal vesicles lie along the vas deferens and add fluids and nutrients to the sperm. The male reproductive system also produces the reproductive hormones needed to make sperm and for a boy to develop at puberty. The male reproductive hormone testosterone also stimulates bone and muscle growth Epinephrine Epinephrine is a hormone that works with out nervous system to prepare our body to cope with danger or stress. If you’re suddenly scared, your heart pounds, your breathing becomes steep and rapid. These are just two of the effects of epinephrine, also called adrenaline. Epinephrine is a very fast acting hormone that prepares our body for emergency action—also called the fight or flight reflex. It speeds up our breathing and heart rate and diverts extra blood to the muscles. At the same time it slows down digestion and makes the liver release glucose into the bloodstream so more fuel is available for the muscles to contract. Insulin Insulin is a hormone that reduces the level of sugar in our blood. Insulin is a protein made by the pancreas. It is released when the blood sugar level rises and reduces the sugar in 2 ways. First it makes insulin take up the glucose.

2nd in makes the liver store glucose by turning it into glycogen. Insulin and glucagon have opposite effects. Together they form a negative feedback system that keep sugar levels within set limits. In people with diabetes this control system does not work properly and they made may need daily injections of insulin to keep their blood glucose levels within safe limits. Growth Hormone The growth hormone is a pituitary hormone that controls the body’s growth by stimulating cell division. It also increases the blood glucose level. If your body has too little growth hormone, the body fails to grow normally. Too much growth hormone can cause the body to grow more than usual. Thyroid-stimulating Hormone The thyroid stimulating hormone makes the thyroid gland produce thyroid hormones. Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone This hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to produce other hormones. Antidiuretic Hormone This pituitary hormone increases the amount of water in the blood. A diuretic is a substance that stimulates the body to produce urine by taking water out of the blood stream. The antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin, have the opposite effect. It increases the amount of water that the kidneys return to the blood and makes arterioles constrict.

As a result, more fluid is squeezed into a smaller space and blood pressure rises. Follicle-stimulating Hormone This hormone and the Luteininzing Hormone are used in reproduction in both men and women. They also affect the production of reproductive hormones. Growth Hormone The growth hormone encourages growth in children and teenagers, makes our bones stronger, and helps build muscle. Growth is controlled by hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin Hormone Oxytocin encourages childbirth and makes the breasts release milk when breast-feeding a baby. Prolactin Hormone How does the Endocrine System Control Metabolism? Hobbies How does the Endocrine System Control Metabolism? Last Modified Date: 24 December 2016 Copyright Protected: 10 hilariously insightful foreign words The endocrine system affects nearly every cell and organ in the body. It is made up of glands that release chemicals to control many bodily functions, including cell growth and development, mood, sexual functions, and metabolism , the process of converting fuel from foods into energy for the body to function.

Although the endocrine system is comprised of many glands, all of which work together, it is the thyroid gland that directly effects metabolism. The thyroid is the gland responsible for secreting hormones that control the rate at which the body’s cells burn fuel for energy. The more hormones the thyroid produces, the faster the chemical process of converting fuel to energy occurs. In a normal, healthy endocrine system, all the glands produce the right amount of chemicals for the body's needs, but sometimes, the glands do not work normally. In the case of the thyroid, people may have either an overactive or an underactive thyroid. An overactive thyroid is a condition called hyperthyroidism, and an underactive thyroid is known as hypothyroidism. Ad An overactive thyroid produces too much of the thyroid hormones and causes the body’s metabolic rate to increase. People suffering from an overactive thyroid might lose weight even when they eat more, and they often experience other, more severe symptoms like fatigue, depression, a fast or irregular heart beat, and insomnia . An underactive thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone , which causes the metabolic rate to slow.

People with an underactive thyroid may gain weight or have difficulty losing weight, along with other symptoms similar to those of hyperthyroidism. Many people with a previously healthy thyroid may develop irregular function with age. Since the gland directly effects metabolism, which is directly linked to weight, a sudden change in weight generally prompts a thyroid check. A medical professional can help patients monitor their thyroid health with routine physicals and blood work. People who are experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction should consult a healthcare professional. Ad fBoyle Post 13 Let's not forget that the endocrine system organs are all connected to one another. The pituitary gland, for example, is just as important as the thyroid gland in regulating metabolism. The pituitary gland is the gland which keeps the thyroid gland in check and helps regulate how much hormone it produces. We can't even tell whether the thyroid is working properly without checking the pituitary gland hormones. The endocrine system is truly a system. It works well when every "player," that is, every gland in the system is working well. bear78 Post 12 @StarJo-- I've heard about soy, but I've never heard about coffee interacting with thyroid medication.

I have hypothyroidism which I'm taking medications for. My doctor told me to avoid all foods that come from the cabbage family-- so cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. I'm also supposed to avoid soy, peanuts and strawberries. Apparently, these foods can prevent the endocrine system from recognizing the hormones and reacting to them. So if I took the medicine and ate these foods, it would be like not taking the medicine at all. turquoise Post 11 @anon4353, @jml-- I'm not sure that any food or drink can do that to the extent of treating or balancing out hypothyroidism. If you have this condition, it can only be treated by taking additional hormones to speed up metabolism. So you would be taking synthetic thyroid hormones that mimic natural thyroid hormones and this will get your metabolism to work faster. I really don't think that a particular food or drink can do this. feasting Post 10 It's interesting that the endocrine gland system responds to some of the same foods when it comes to regulating hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. For both, berries that have lots of antioxidants, like strawberries and blueberries, are good choices, as well as salmon.

My sister has an overactive thyroid, and her doctor told her to eat broccoli, kale, or cabbage once a day. He also mentioned yogurt, milk, and protein, but he included berries and fish, as well. She doesn't eat a lot of meat, but she gets protein from nuts and beans. Her doctor said that those would be helpful in regulating her thyroid, too. lighth0se33 Post 9 @StarJo – It's also helpful if you avoid alcoholic drinks. I have an underactive thyroid, and my doctor told me that alcohol could make me gain even more weight than I already have. I gained nearly twenty pounds rather quickly, so I knew that something was wrong. I wasn't eating anything different or exercising any less, so I was relieved to hear it was related to my endocrine system function. StarJo Post 8 I've heard that you should avoid soy and caffeine if you are taking medication to treat an underactive thyroid. Both can interact with the medicine. My cousin has hypothyroidism, and she is currently on medication for it. She can no longer eat some of her favorite foods, like edamame and tofu. She also had to cut down on her coffee and soda consumption.

cloudel Post 7 I remember learning that in the endocrine system, the pituitary gland is responsible for kickstarting the thyroid gland. It releases these hormones that stimulate the thyroid, and then the thyroid can do its thing to regulate metabolism. anon257453 Post 6 If you are taking eltroxin for the rest of your life, should you be using a supplement? anon240198 Coconut oil speeds up the metabolism and can correct hypothyroidism. Fenbeast Post 3 Hypothyroid symptoms are sometimes related to deficiency in iodine (which is one of the basic building blocks of thyroid hormones) and selenium (a building block of certain enzymes required for the conversion of the T4 hormone to T3, which is the hormone active in the cells). Fish, seaweed, and other foods rich in iodine can sometimes help with hypothyroidism.

jml Endocrine System - Pediatric Endocrinology - Golisano Children's Hospital - University of Rochester Medical Center Female ovaries—On each side of the uterus Male testes—In the scrotum Hormones produced: Testes—Androgens (testosterone) Function: regulate puberty and fertility Ovaries—Induce female sexual characteristics such as breast growth, the accumulation of body fat around the hips and thighs, and the growth spurt that occurs during puberty. Both estrogen and progesterone are also involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Testes—Induce male sexual characteristics such as maturation of the penis, deepening of the voice, development of muscles, increase in facial and body hair and the growth spurt that occurs during puberty. They also regulate sex drive and are involved in production of sperm cells. Hypothalamus Location: Lower central part of the brain Hormones produced: Releasing hormones for the pituitary gland Function: Stimulates or suppresses the release of hormones in the pituitary gland to control water balance, sleep, temperature, appetite and blood pressure. Serves as the primary link between the endocrine and nervous systems.

Location: Behind the stomach Hormones produced: Insulin, gastrin, glucagon, somatostatin Function: Regulates the level of sugar in the bloodstream and keeps the muscles supplied with glucose Location: Above and below the thyroid Hormones produced: Parathyroid hormone Thyroid Disease Information and Symptoms | Hormone Health Network DOWNLOAD Overview The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland inside the neck, located in front of the trachea (windpipe) and below the larynx (voicebox). It produces two thyroid hormones—triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)—that travel though the blood to all tissues of the body. Thyroid hormones regulate how the body breaks down food and either uses that energy immediately or stores it for the future. In other words, our thyroid hormones regulate our body's metabolism. Another gland, called the pituitary gland, actually controls how well the thyroid works. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The bloodstream carries TSH to the thyroid gland, where it tells the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones, as needed. Thyroid hormones influence virtually every organ system in the body.

They tell organs how fast or slow they should work. Thyroid hormones also regulate the consumption of oxygen and the production of heat. Endocrinologists—physicians and scientists who study and care for patients with endocrine gland and hormone problems—study and treat several major disorders of the thyroid gland. We will briefly describe these disorders here. You can link to any of the thyroid conditions that you may wish to learn more about, and see the thyroid basics infographic for more. Hyperthyroidism Too much thyroid hormone from an overactive thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism, because it speeds up the body's metabolism. This hormone imbalance occurs in about 1 percent of all women, who get hyperthyroidism more often than men. One of the most common forms of hyperthyroidism is known as Graves' disease. This autoimmune disorder (when your body’s defense system attacks your own cells) tends to run in families. Because the thyroid gland is producing too much hormone in hyperthyroidism, the body develops an increased metabolic state, with many body systems developing abnormal function. (Read more about Hyperthyroidism .) Hypothyroidism Too little thyroid hormone from an underactive thyroid gland is called hypothyroidism.

In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolism is slowed. Several causes for this condition exist, most of which affect the thyroid gland directly, impairing its ability to make enough hormone. More rarely, there may be a pituitary gland tumor, which blocks the pituitary from producing TSH. Whether the problem is caused by the thyroid or by the pituitary gland, the result is that the thyroid is producing too few hormones, causing many physical and mental processes to become sluggish. The body consumes less oxygen and produces less body heat. (Read more about Hypothyroidism .) Thyroid Nodules A thyroid nodule is a small lump in the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules are common. These nodules can be either a growth of thyroid tissue or a fluid-filled cyst, which forms a lump in the thyroid gland. Almost half of the population will have tiny thyroid nodules at some point in their lives but, typically, these are not noticeable until they become large and affect normal thyroid size. About 5 percent of people develop large nodules, more than a half inch across (about 1 centimeter).

(Read more about Thyroid Nodules .) Although most nodules are not cancerous, people who have them should seek medical attention to rule out cancer. Also, some thyroid nodules may produce too much thyroid hormone and cause hyperthyroidism, or become too large, interfering with breathing or swallowing or causing neck discomfort. Other problems Other thyroid problems include cancer, thyroiditis (swelling of the thyroid gland), or a goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Editors: Your thyroid is your metabolic control center Your thyroid is your metabolic control center Your thyroid is your metabolic control center Located just under your Adam’s apple, your thyroid secretes hormones into the blood stream to control the rate that every cell and organ turns nutrients into energy. Thyroid hormones control metabolism, growth, body temperature, muscle strength, appetite, and the health of your heart, brain, kidneys, and reproductive system. Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that absorb iodine. The thyroid uses iodine to create the T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) hormones. The thyroid responds to the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) secreted by the brain’s pituitary gland.

As the TSH levels in the blood rise, the thyroid responds by making more hormone; as the levels drop, the thyroid is signaled to make less hormone. If your thyroid doesn’t work properly – neither do you. When things go wrong Thyroid disease occurs when your thyroid under- or over-produces the correct amount of thyroid hormone. It can cause elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, infertility, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, coma, and even death. Thyroid disease can be hereditary. Thyroid diseases Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Autoimmune diseases cause a person’s body to attack its own tissue as if it were a foreign substance. An estimated one in 50 women suffer hypothyroidism. This number increases to 17 percent of women and 9 percent of men over age 60.

Symptoms may include constant fatigue, forgetfulness, intolerance of cold, loss of appetite, slowed thinking, weight gain, slow pulse, depression, dry skin or hair, brittle fingernails, hair loss, mood swings, hoarse voice, constipation, joint pain, longer and heavier menstrual periods, high cholesterol, and carpal tunnel syndrome. “Hypothyroidism may develop over several years, so people may consider the symptoms are normal,” said Andrew Braun, MD, internal medicine physician with Ministry Medical Group in Stevens Point. Hypothyroidism also affects children. One in 5,000 babies born in the USA experiences slowed growth, sluggishness, pallor, dry and itchy scalp, sensitivity to cold and constipation due to hypothyroidism. Goiter is a general term for thyroid swelling. It may develop in a person with hypothyroidism as the gland works harder to produce more hormone. Thyrotoxicosis is caused by too much thyroid hormone in the blood. Often, this condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: excess thirst, increased appetite, heat intolerance, exhaustion, shaking, nervousness, jitters, irritability, increased perspiration, weight loss, racing or irregular heartbeat, changes in vision, hand tremors, muscle weaknesses, sleep disturbances, diarrhea or frequent bowel movements, eye problems, lighter menstrual periods, infertility, and generalized itching. Hyperthyroidism also may cause depression and heart failure. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine (radioiodine ablation), or by surgical removal of the thyroid (thyroidectomy). Treatment of hyperthyroidism often causes hypothyroidism at some point in a person’s life. Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism. In addition to typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease may cause inflammation of the eyes, swelling of the eye tissue, and bulging eyes. Grave’s disease can be treated with medication. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid, which may be painful or cause no pain at all. It may cause the thyroid to overproduce hormone. Thyroid nodules are abnormal masses or lumps in the thyroid gland that may cause hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid nodules are often noticed visually or through touch; they are common and are rarely cancerous. Nodules may occur due to iodine deficiency. Nodules can either be surgically removed or destroyed with radioiodine ablation. While thyroid disease can affect anyone ... 8 out of 10 people with thyroid disease are women 20 percent of people with diabetes are likely to develop thyroid disease Who’s at risk? Thyroid cancer often does not cause symptoms. Thyroid cancer is most common in people with a family history of the disease, those who have been exposed to thyroid gland radiation, or people who are over 40 years old. Thyroid disease manifests itself in subtle ways in older patients. In addition to mild evidence of common symptoms of hypothyroidism, older people may suffer from heart failure, constipation or diarrhea, joint pain, muscle pain, psychosis, dementia, or unsteadiness while walking. Hyperthyroidism often presents symptoms similar to diseases of the bowel, heart or nervous system. If older people have close family members with thyroid disease, they should be tested. Thyroid, metabolism and weight Since the thyroid gland regulates metabolism, there is a strong correlation between thyroid disease and weight.

Weight gain is more severe in people with hypothyroidism due to an excess accumulation of salt and water; weight loss is common in people who have hyperthyroidism. Though it seems that thyroid hormones could be an easy cure-all for weight control, the use of the hormone would also cause loss of muscle protein, which would be detrimental to a person’s overall health. Are you getting too much iodine? Too much iodine can worsen both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The recommended daily allowance of iodine for adults is 150 – 299 micrograms per day. Iodine-rich foods include: Multivitamins Diagnosis Tests for thyroid conditions include blood tests for TSH, T3 and T4 hormones; ultrasounds to check for abnormal tissue; and scans of the thyroid infused with radioactive iodine. CT, MRI, and PET scans, along with tissue biopsies, are used to diagnose cancer. A radioiodine uptake test measures how well your thyroid absorbs iodine. A small amount of radioactive iodine is ingested. Since the thyroid is the only organ to absorb iodine, the radioactivity locates itself in the thyroid. The thyroid can then be scanned via X-ray.

Treatment Hyper- or hypothyroidism can be treated with medication. “Too much thyroid hormone can cause osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. Braun. “It is important to prescribe the correct amount.” Is it menopause or thyroid disease? Thyroid disease strikes one in eight women between the ages of 35 and 65 and one in five women over 65 years of age. Often it goes undetected because it mimics menopausal symptoms. According to the American Association of Clinic Endocrinologists (AACE), women with unresolved menopausal-like symptoms may be suffering from hypothyroidism. “Non-specific symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, poor memory, lethargy, mood changes, changes in energy, skin changes, changes in hair texture, hair loss, changes in libido, sleep disturbances, increased nervousness, heart palpitations, irregular or missed periods, depression, and anxiety are common to menopause,” said Dr. Braun. “Without a blood test, it is difficult to determine the true cause of symptoms.” Neck pain, swelling of arms and legs, loss of hair from eyelashes or eyebrows, and weight fluctuations are more likely related to thyroid problems.

Hot flashes and night sweats are more likely related to menopause. Thyroid disease is treatable. If you suffer from any of the symptoms described here, contact your health care provider or visit ministryhealth.org to find an endocrinologist who can diagnose and treat your symptoms. What do pituitary hormones do? - Pituitary Gland - Sharecare What do pituitary hormones do? Topics | Endocrine System | Pituitary Gland | What do pituitary hormones do? A Answers (2) A Dr. Jack Merendino, MD , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered The pituitary gland is divided into two parts or "lobes", anterior and posterior. Each of these makes several hormones. These are the most important pituitary hormones, though there are others: The anterior pituitary makes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is the major regulator of thyroid function. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulate the function of the ovaries in women and the testes in men, allowing for normal production of sex hormone such as testosterone and estrogen, and for the production of eggs and sperm.

Growth hormone (GH) promotes the growth of all body tissues and is especially essential in allowing one to attain a normal adult height. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates the adrenal glands. Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for breast milk production. In the posterior pituitary, there are two major hormones: vasopressin and oxytocin. Vasopressin is essential for the regulation of the body's water balance. Oxytocin is critical during childbirth when it promotes contraction of the uterus and appears to promote behavior and emotions allowing a mother to bond to her child. Pituitary problems may result in over-production or under-production of these hormones with resulting symptoms specific to the hormone or hormones involved. Helpful? 1 person found this helpful. Aging changes in hormone production: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Aging changes in hormone production URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004000.htm Aging changes in hormone production The endocrine system is made up of organs and tissues that produce hormones. Hormones are natural chemicals produced in one location, released into the bloodstream, then used by other target organs and systems. Hormones control the target organs.

Some organ systems have their own internal control systems along with, or instead of, hormones. As we age, changes naturally occur in the way body systems are controlled. Some target tissues become less sensitive to their controlling hormone. The amount of hormones produced may also change. Blood levels of some hormones increase, some decrease, and some are unchanged. Hormones are also broken down (metabolized) more slowly. Many of the organs that produce hormones are controlled by other hormones. Aging also changes this process. For example, an endocrine tissue may produce less of its hormone than it did at a younger age, or it may produce the same amount at a slower rate. AGING CHANGES The hypothalamus is located in the brain. It produces hormones that control the other structures in the endocrine system. The amount of these regulating hormones stays about the same, but the response by the endocrine organs can change as we age. The pituitary gland is also located in the brain. This gland reaches its maximum size in middle age and then gradually becomes smaller. It has two parts: The back (posterior) part stores hormones produced in the hypothalamus.

The front (anterior) part produces hormones that affect growth, the thyroid gland (TSH), adrenal cortex, ovaries, testes, and breasts. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces hormones that help control metabolism . With aging, the thyroid may become lumpy (nodular). Metabolism slows over time, beginning at around age 20. Because thyroid hormones are produced and broken down (metabolized) at the same rate, thyroid function tests are usually still normal. In some people, thyroid hormone levels may rise, leading to an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located around the thyroid. Parathyroid hormone affects calcium and phosphate levels, which affect bone strength. Parathyroid hormone levels rise with age, which may contribute to osteoporosis . Insulin is produced by the pancreas. It helps sugar (glucose) go from the blood to the inside of cells, where it can be used for energy. The average fasting glucose level rises 6 to 14 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) every 10 years after age 50 as the cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin.

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. The adrenal cortex, the surface layer, produces the hormones aldosterone , cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Aldosterone regulates fluid and electrolyte balance. Cortisol is the "stress response" hormone. It affects the breakdown of glucose, protein, and fat, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects. Aldosterone release decreases with age. This decrease can contribute to light-headedness and a drop in blood pressure with sudden position changes (orthostatic hypotension). Cortisol release also decreases with aging, but the blood level of this hormone stays about the same. Dehydroepiandrosterone levels also drop. The effects of this drop on the body are not clear. The ovaries and testes have two functions. They produce the reproductive cells (ova and sperm). They also produce the sex hormones that control secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts and facial hair. With aging, men sometimes have a lower level of testosterone . Women have lower levels of estradiol and other estrogen hormones after menopause . EFFECT OF CHANGES Overall, some hormones decrease, some do not change, and some increase with age. Hormones that usually decrease include: Aldosterone

Question: Which gland produces the hormones that control the body’s metabolism?
Answer: Thyroid