The Major Hormones of Endocrine System

The internal metabolism of our body is regulated and controlled by the various hormones produced by our Endocrine system. Various major phenomenon in body like growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, homeostasis and our body's response to stress, injury and external environment is coordinated and executed by the hormones. Here we will read about some of major hormones of our body and their function in our system.

INTRODUCTION

Hormones are the chemical substances produced in the body that acts as a messenger and transfer the important information from one group of cells to the other group. This helps in maintaining coordination between various essential functions of the body. Endocrine system consists of various glands that release hormones. Each hormone have its own specifies type and function. We can take it in this way that our endocrine system order any other part of body to do something and this command is take to the target organ by hormones. There are various glands in the body releasing different hormones and some of the major glands are pituitary, hypothalamus, pancreas, adrenals, parathyroid, thyroid, pineal body, ovaries and testes.

Let us learn about all these hormones and their influence on our body system.

1. Hypothalamus

This gland is located in the central lower part of the brain and controls metabolism, satiety and homeostasis. It releases major hormones like Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH).

• Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)- GHRH stimulates the anterior pituitary gland for the synthesis and release of growth hormone. Even many cells and organs functions are regulated by this hormone.
• Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)- Its main function is to regulate and maintain secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone and eventually regulating thyroid hormone. TRH also control the release of growth hormone, prolactin, insulin and vasopressin.
• Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)- GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland which is situated in the brain to secrete the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These hormones in men regulate production of testosterone and in women progesterone and estrogen are released by it.
• Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)- CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone. Corticotropin releasing hormone is known as the controller of stress hormone system (Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis).

2. Pituitary Gland

This small pea sized gland regulates the vital functions of the body and maintain the general wellbeing of a person. Pituitary gland is known as the master gland of the body as it plays the major role in regulation of important functions in the body. It releases several important hormones like Growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, vasopressin and oxytocin.

• Growth hormone- As the name suggests this vital hormone regulates the growth of your body and helps children to grow tall, decreases fat of the body and increases muscle mass.
• Thyroid stimulating hormone- Pituitary gland produces this hormone and release it into the bloodstream. This hormone than travels to the thyroid gland, binds to the receptors on its cells and stimulates release of thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones (thyroid hormones).
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone- This hormone is vital in order to maintain the proper stress reaction of your body. It regulates the function of adrenal glands and help body to react to stress. In adrenal gland, it also stimulates the gland to release cortisol hormone.
• Luteinizing hormone- LH in males stimulates the testes to release testosterone and in females stimulates ovaries to release steroid and progesterone.
• Prolactin- This amazing hormone is responsible for carrying out many functions in the body, mainly being the production of milk and mammary glands development.
• Vasopressin- Vasopressin is also known as anti-diuretic hormone which helps in retaining the body’s water. It is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland.
• Oxytocin- Oxytocin plays a major role in the female reproduction and it helps in breastfeeding by stimulation of nipples and during childbirth by inducing the labor.

3. Pancreas

Pancreas is an abdominal organ, elongated in shape and helps in digestion and release hormones. The exocrine part releases digestive enzymes and the endocrine part releases hormones, i.e. insulin and glucagon.

• Insulin- Insulin mediates the tyrosine kinase receptor pathway and promotes the glucose uptake by cells, glycogenesis, lipogenesis, synthesis of fats and protein of skeletal muscles. It helps in maintaining balance of blood sugar level.
• Glucagon- This hormone prevent from falling down the blood sugar level too low. Glucagon do this by stimulating the conversion of stored glycogen to glucose and then release it into the blood stream.

4. Adrenal Gland

There are two adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys. Adrenal gland is divided into two parts and the hormones are produced by outer part is called corticosteroids while the inner part produces catecholamines hormones.

• Corticosteroids- Its main function is to relieve the inflammation anywhere in the body. Corticosteroids provide relief from swelling, itching, redness and other allergic reactions.
• Catecholamines- The fight or flight reactions in the body is controlled by these hormones as they regulate the stress reaction and helps the body to fight against and fright or terror to oneself.

5. Parathyroid Gland

Parathormone hormone is produced by the Parathyroid gland and is also known as Parathyrin hormone. It regulates the serum calcium concentration.

6. Thyroid Gland

Lower front part of the neck holds the thyroid gland that produces hormones to regulate the metabolism of the body. Thyroid hormone helps in development of nervous system, brain and bones in the children. Blood pressure, muscle tone, digestion, heart rate and reproductive functions are also regulated by thyroid hormone to certain extent.

7. Pineal Body

Pineal gland or pineal body is found in the middle area of the brain. A hormone which regulates the wake-sleep cycle of the human body called as Melatonin is produced by the Pineal gland. Other than this Melatonin also plays a role in regulation of blood pressure, immune system, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation.

8. Ovaries

Two major sex hormones are produced by this gland called estrogen and progesterone. Both the hormones help in regulation of the menstrual cycle and play a vital role in pregnancy. These hormones are necessary for the reproductive and sexual development of the women.

9. Testes

Testosterone is the major hormone produced by testes which plays the major role in sexual development and reproductive health of the men. It helps in regulating libido, distribution of fat and muscles, strength, and production of sperms and RBCs.

CONCLUSION

Endocrine system of the body is vital part of human system that plays the essential role in unhindered functioning of the human body. Coordinated and controlled functioning is carried with various hormones regulation. Other than the above mentioned ones, there are many other hormones as well which play their roles in different aspects of the body system.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Euthyroid Sick Syndrome / Wilson's Temperature Syndrome

Euthyroid sick syndrome and Wilson Temperature syndrome are both associated with low serum levels of thyroid hormones in euthyroid patients with nonthyroidal systemic illness. There is decreased T4 to T3 conversion in both problems. Wilson’s Temperature syndrome is the cluster of debilitating symptoms brought on the physical and emotional stress due to maladaptive slowing of the metabolism.

In Euthyroid sick syndrome, the thyroid blood test comes out abnormal most of the time but there are no low thyroid symptoms whereas in Wilson’s temperature syndrome, the thyroid blood tests are typically normal even with severe low thyroid symptoms. Wilson’s Thyroid syndrome persists for years after non thyroid stress or illness has passed which is not the case with Euthyroid Sick Syndrome. In Euthyroid sick syndrome, the condition does not require treatment because there are no symptoms and the tests go back to normal when the stressful illness has passed.

Euthyroid sick syndrome is caused by increased circulating cytokines and other inflammatory mediators resulting from the underlying nonthyroidal illness. It is not a thyroid disorder.

CAUSE OF WILSON'S TEMPERATURE SYNDROME

The thyroid system is responsible for maintaining normal body temperature or normal metabolic rate. The active thyroid T3 is the one that goes into the nucleus of every cell of the body and stimulate the rate at which DNA is transcribed.  It determines how fast we live. But, when a person is in stress, the cells of the body convert less T4 into T3 causing slower metabolism and low body temperature.

T4 is shunted towards Reverse T3 which is inactive. T4 and RT3 can speed up the destruction of the enzyme that converts T4 to T3.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WILSON'S TEMPERATURE SYNDROME

The body temperature is average below 98.6 degrees.

It is more common in women then in men.

It is more common in nationalities like American Indian, Irish, Scot, Russian, Welsh etc It has a hereditary component as it is common among those whose ancestors survived a famine or who have genetic makeup that is consistent with light color skin, red hair, light colored eyes.

It is especially brought on by stresses such as childbirth, divorce, death of loved one, job or family stress, surgery, accidents, excessive dieting etc.

WTS is more common than hypothyroidism and is treated differently from hypothyroidism which is a lifelong disorder.

SYMPTOMS OF WILSON'S TEMPERATURE SYNDROME

The symptoms come and go.  At times the symptoms show up within two months of a particular stress.

Fatigue, depression, fluid retention, unintentional weight gain, dry skin, headaches, high blood pressure, ,low pain tolerance, irritability, low libido, insomnia ,anxiety , inability to concentrate and premenstrual symptoms are mostly common.

The symptoms worsen under physical, emotional and mental stress.

DIAGNOSES OF WILSON'S TEMPERATURE SYNDROME

Diagnoses is mainly based on excluding hypothyroidism.

TREATMENT OF WILSON'S TEMPERATURE SYNDROME

Treatment focuses on underlying illness, thyroid hormone replacement is not done in this case. Wilson’s thyroid syndrome makes the patient suffer indefinitely if treatment is not done, but it is completely reversible and responds very well to proper T3 therapy. Wilson’s thyroid syndrome is treated using a “ therapeutic trial method” which means the treatment is done on a patient to see how well it works as the condition is not easily identified with tests.

Planet Ayurveda offers the most effective herbal remedies for managing and treating Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome and Euthyroid sick syndrome in the form of "THYROID CARE PACK." This pack is a combination of 100% natural products that helps to restore the hormone imbalance.  The packs aims at maintaining thyroid levels thereby overcoming symptoms like obesity, fatigue etc. The pack helps in reducing cholesterol, improving digestion and reducing depression. This pack includes:

1. Chanderprabha Vati

This medicine is widely used in Ayurvedic practice to fight urinary tract related disorders. It treats constipation, indigestion, problems relating to skin and abdominal pains. It is very useful in disturbed metabolism of kapha and vatta dosha. It is beneficial in relieving symptoms associated with Euthyroid sick syndrome without any negative impacts on health.

2. Hakam Churna

This formulation is a wonderful herbal supplement in the form of powder to relieve joint pains, muscle stiffness, skin dryness, weakness, memory impairment etc. This Churana balances the three doshas. It also restores normal digestion, helps with weight loss. The formulation has anti-inflammatory properties. Hakam Churan is made with simple ingredients like methi, kalongi, ajwain and chandershoor. This product is completely safe to use with no side effects.

3. Gugullipid Capsules

Guggul herbal extract is best to lower bad cholesterol levels as well as high blood tri glyceride levels. The herb is known to have antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Guggul has the ability to stimulate the thyroid gland to increase its hormone production thus increase metabolism and eventually leading to weight loss.

4. Gotukola Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the herbal extract called mandookparni or Centella Asiatica. The herb helps to improve thyroid functions. It is used to fight fatigue, depression, anxiety and aids in improving memory and intelligence. It is useful in treating skin disorders and works great for nails and joint repair and growth.

Certain herbs are very useful in helping the body withstand stress. These herbs are called adaptogens or adatogenic herbs as they help the body adapt. These herbs include Ashwagandha, Holy Basil etc. Ayurvedic physicians also recommend the use of black walnut, Spirulina and Black cohosh to treat Euthyroid sick syndrome.

Withania or Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic remedy that regulates the function of thyroid, thereby increasing both T3 and T4 levels. The herb is known for its anti-anemic properties. It also enhances immunity.

All these herbs help to reduce stress hormone levels and calm down the central nervous system so that the body can naturally move back into balance. These herbs also help to protect the brain and heart from high levels of stress hormones.

Ayurvedic treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Some people wake up like million bucks. And me?? I woke up like insufficient funds.

This worst feeling occurs when body is giving up energy and it affects physically and emotionally. Disorders cause great illness in the system. Some of the diseases affect physically and emotionally also as that malfunction not only affect internally but also shows problems physically and mentally sometimes. Hyperthyroidism is one of the diseases that shows this kind of combined effect.

WHAT IS IN THIS DISEASE?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. During development, the thyroid is present behind the tongue and migrate to the front of neck before birth.

Hormones produce by the thyroid gland

The two most important hormones produced by gland are T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, which helps control blood calcium levels.

The thyroid's hormones T3 and T4 regulate vital body functions like:-

• Breathing
• Heart rate
• Central and peripheral nervous systems
• Body weight
• Muscle strength
• Menstrual cycles
• Cholesterol levels and much more!

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much T4, T3, or both.

HOW YOUR THYROID WORKS?

Think your thyroid gland is a car engine that sets the pace at which your body operates. An engine produces the required amount of energy for a car to move at a certain speed. As a car cannot produce energy without gas, your thyroid needs fuel to produce thyroid hormone. This fuel is iodine. It comes from our diet and in iodized table salt, seafood, bread and milk. Gland uses this iodine to make thyroid hormone: thyroxine, also called T4 as it contains four iodine atoms and trii-odothyronine or T3 that contains three iodine atoms.

CAUSES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM

The thyroid gland hormones T4 and T3 -play vital role in the functioning of body. If the levels of T4 and T3 are too high then hyperthyroidism occurs.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism includes:-

• The autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease- in this disease your immune system creates antibodies that cause the thyroid to grow and make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. The antibodies which are responsible for this are known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs).  
• Another reason is a toxic nodular or multinodular goiter- these are lumps or nodules in the thyroid gland that cause the thyroid to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland known as thyroiditis that occurs either due to a virus or malfunction in immune system.
• Furthermore, people who take too much iodine (either from foods or supplements) or medications containing iodine may produce high levels.
• Some women may also develop hyperthyroidism during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth.

SYMPTOMS THAT SHOW THE CONDITION OF HYPERTHYROIDISM

Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems. It can cause variety of signs and symptoms as:-

• Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite is good.
• Rapid heartbeat includes more than 100 beats a minute
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• An enlarged thyroid gland that occurs due to swelling at the base of your neck
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in sleeping

Graves ophthalmopathy

A kind of uncommon problem Graves ophthalmopathy may affect your eyes, especially if you smoke. Signs include:

• Protruding eyeballs
• Red or swollen eyes
• Discomfort in one or both eyes
• Light sensitivity

TIME FOR CONSULTATION

If there is unusual weight loss, rapid heartbeat and swelling at the base of your neck or other symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, consult your doctor.

DIAGNOSIS

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, radio iodine uptake test, thyroid scan and blood tests to measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T3 and T4.these can be controlled by taking anti-thyroid medication or surgery.

HYPERTHYROIDISM AND AYURVEDA

Ayurveda also has very promising and herbal treatment for hyperthyroidism. To understand the link between disease control and ayurvedic principles, we have to understand what is Ayurveda.

AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine. Ayurveda word means "the science of life".

Ayurveda provides us with the knowledge of how to prevent disease and how we can eliminate its root cause.

According to Ayurveda, each person is influenced by certain elements more than others, because of their natural constitution.

Ayurveda categorizes the different constitutions into three different doshas:

• Vata dosha, defines the air and space elements
• Pitta dosha, defines the fire element
• Kapha dosha, defines the earth and water elements

The dosha is not just affecting shape of one's body but also food preferences, digestion and the temperament of one's mind and emotions. As the earth element in people with Kapha dosha is for slower digestion, their strong memory, and their emotional steadiness. Most people's nature is made up of a combination of two doshas like people who are "Pitta Kapha" will have the tendencies of both Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha, with Pitta dominating. So understanding the qualities of these elements, we can keep ourselves in a balanced way.

Ayurvedic medication for hyperthyroidism concentrate to regulate its symptoms and make sure to cure the basic cause of hyperthyroidism.

AYURVEDIC PRODUCTS USED TO TREAT HYPERTHYROIDISM BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides excellent range of herbal formulations to cure this disease. The herbal formulations to treat hyperthyroidism are:

HYPERTHYROID CARE PACK

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Shatavari Capsules

Shatavari is a climbing plant. The plant is found in tropical and subtropical forests. Since ages, it has been used in the Ayurveda. It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antiseptic property. It helps to get rid of weakness, fatigue, acidity, poor reproductive health and more.

2. Immune Magic

In Ayurveda, there is a theory, known as beej-bhumi theory. It means seed and land. It explains that the body is related to the land while the infections are related to the seed. During critical conditions, when ama is produced in the body then the infection finds its place to grow.

Ingredients:-

• Grape seed (Vitis vinifera)
• Cow colostrums (Bovine colostrums),
• Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
• Green tea (Camella sinensis).

All these products are used in the way they are.it provides great immunity and help to retain immunological functioning of the human body.

3. Weight Gain Formula

Being thin is a serious issue if it came either due to low caloric intake or due to diseased condition like hyperthyroidism, cancer, hemorrhoids etc. people with this thinness have very bad stamina, get fatigued very soon and have very low immunity.

The weight gain medication is prepared by mixing herbs like ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) and others which help to regulate body metabolism. This will help to regain body shape.

The muscle weight increases and fat in body parts is maintained according to its adequate amount.

So by taking these medications symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be managed effectively.

Ayurvedic Approach Towards Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder of thyroid which is also known as underactive thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone which is required by the body.

Role of Thyroid

The main function of the thyroid is to control the cells that use energy from the food by a process called metabolism. The metabolism of the body affects the temperature of the body, our heartbeat as well as affects how well we burn calories. If there is not enough thyroid hormone in the body, other processes of the body slow down. Your body will produce less energy and metabolism becomes sluggish.

Ayurvedic approach to Hypothyroidism

According to Ayurveda, an oldest system of health care, the function of thyroid is controlled by the Pitta (Agni) dosha. The metabolic processes that are carried out by the thyroid hormone are actually controlled by the pitta dosha. Ayurveda says, that, in Hypothyroidism Pitta dosha is covered by Kapha Dosha which in turn diminishes the cellular metabolism.

Is there any Ayurvedic treatment for Hypothyroidism?

Ayurvedic treatment of any disease is a natural and safer way to manage the symptoms of the disease. Ayurvedic treatment of hypothyroidism aimed at removing the kapha dosha that is coated over the pitta dosha. In this way, pitta dosha can perform its functions normally. The factors such as Healthy diet, healthy lifestyle as well as regular exercise are given equal importance by Ayurveda while treating any disease.

Diet for hypothyroidism

There are some goitrogenic foods that must be avoided as much as possible, in case, a person is suffering from hyperthyroidism. The goitrogenic foods contain natural goitrogens in it, which in turn are the chemicals that are responsible for the enlargement of the thyroid gland. These foods include broccoli, rapeseed, cauliflower cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc. Cooking of such foods is known to make these chemicals less effective, but stay on safe side and avoid eating these foods especially as raw foods. Foods rich in iodine, like beetroot, radish, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas, are good in order to manage the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hence should be included in the diet.

Smoking and alcohol consumption should also be avoided as these things decreases the thyroid hormone level in the body.

Dietary supplements for healthy thyroid by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers "HYPOTHYROID CARE PACK" for the maintenance of healthy thyroid.

Hypothyroid Care Pack

1. Gotukola capsules:

These Gotukola capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared from the standardized extract of the leaves of the Gotukola Plant (Centella asiatica). This product is effective in maintaining healthy thyroid.

Pack size: Each bottle contains 60 capsules in it.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules, twice a day, daily.

2. Chanderprabha vati:

Planet Ayurveda offers another excellent product chanderprabha vati that is prepared using the special combination of 37 ingredients. Out of these 37 ingredients, Shilajit (Asphaltum) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul) are the two main ingredients. This product is a nutritional one that support healthy thyroid.

Pack size: Each bottle contains 120 tablets in it.

Dosage: 2 tablets, two times a day, with plain water, after meals.

3. Guggulipid capsules:

Guggulipid capsules from the house of Planet Ayurveda are made using the pure standardized extract of Guggul (Commiphora mukul). This herb has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times.

Pack size: Each bottle contains 60 capsules in it.

Dosage: 2 capsules, two times a day, with plain water, after meals.

4. Hakam churna:

Hakma churna of Planet Ayurveda contains the 4 ingredients in it. These ingredients include Chandershoor (Lepidium sativum), Kalonji (Nigella sativa), Methi (fenugreek) (Trigonella foenum graecum) and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi).

Pack size: Each bottle contains 100 g powder in it.

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful, two times a day, with plain water, after meals.