Hormones are chemical messengers, released by glands throughout the body, that regulate almost everything — growth, metabolism, mood, reproduction, blood pressure and blood sugar among them. Understanding which gland produces which hormone, and what that hormone actually does, is useful background for making sense of many common health complaints, from fatigue and weight changes to menstrual irregularity and thyroid problems. The reference table below is a quick guide to the major hormones and the glands that produce them.
Hormones at a Glance
| Gland | Hormone | Acts On | Main Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothalamus | Thyrotrophin Releasing Hormone (TRH) | Anterior pituitary | Triggers release of TSH |
| Hypothalamus | Somatostatin | Anterior pituitary | Inhibits release of hormones such as growth hormone |
| Hypothalamus | Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) | Anterior pituitary | Triggers release of FSH and LH |
| Hypothalamus | Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) | Anterior pituitary | Triggers release of ACTH |
| Hypothalamus | Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) | Anterior pituitary | Triggers release of growth hormone |
| Anterior Pituitary | Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Thyroid gland | Triggers release of thyroxine and T3 |
| Anterior Pituitary | Luteinising Hormone (LH) | Ovary / Testis | Triggers ovulation and estrogen/progesterone production in women; testosterone release in men |
| Anterior Pituitary | Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | Ovary / Testis | Supports egg development in women; testosterone production in men |
| Anterior Pituitary | Growth Hormone (GH) | Bones, muscle, fat, liver, heart | Promotes growth of bones and organs |
| Anterior Pituitary | Prolactin (PRL) | Breasts, brain | Stimulates milk production; plays a role in sexual behavior |
| Anterior Pituitary | Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH) | Adrenal glands | Triggers cortisol production |
| Posterior Pituitary | Vasopressin (ADH) | Kidney, blood vessels | Maintains blood pressure via fluid retention |
| Posterior Pituitary | Oxytocin | Uterus, milk ducts | Triggers milk ejection; uterine contraction during labour |
| Thyroid Gland | Thyroxine (T4) / Tri-iodothyronine (T3) | Most tissues | Regulates metabolic rate |
| Parathyroid Glands | Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) | Kidney, bone | Raises blood calcium when low |
| Parathyroid Glands | Calcitonin | Kidney, bone | Lowers blood calcium when high |
| Adrenal Cortex | Cortisol | Most tissues | Regulates blood pressure, immunity, blood sugar |
| Adrenal Cortex | Aldosterone | Kidney | Maintains blood pressure via salt and water retention |
| Adrenal Cortex | Androgens | Most tissues | Promote male characteristics; broader role still unclear |
| Adrenal Medulla | Adrenaline / Noradrenaline | Most tissues | Blood pressure, digestion, airway function |
| Pancreas | Insulin | Muscle, fat | Lowers blood glucose |
| Pancreas | Glucagon | Liver | Raises blood glucose |
| Pancreas | Somatostatin | Pancreas | Inhibits insulin and glucagon release |
| Ovary | Estrogens | Breast, uterus, genitalia | Female sexual development; prepares uterus for pregnancy |
| Ovary | Progesterone | Breast, uterus | Supports female sexual characteristics; maintains pregnancy |
| Testis | Testosterone | Sexual organs | Male sexual development, including sperm production |
| Stomach | Gastrin | Stomach | Promotes acid secretion |
| Stomach | Serotonin (5-HT) | Stomach | Contracts stomach muscles |
| Duodenum / Jejunum | Secretin | Stomach, liver | Inhibits stomach secretions; increases bile production |
| Duodenum / Jejunum | Cholecystokinin (CCK) | Liver, pancreas | Releases bile; triggers pancreatic enzymes |
| Kidney | Erythropoietin | Bone marrow | Stimulates red blood cell production |
| Heart | Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) | Kidney | Lowers blood pressure via salt and water loss |
| Skin | Vitamin D | Small intestine, kidney, bone | Supports calcium uptake and bone health |
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Similia Homoeo Clinix makes no claim that homeopathy treats, cures or prevents any disease. Please keep your doctor involved in your care, and in an emergency go to the nearest hospital.
