Dr Josh Axe on Endocrine Disruptors. Excerpts:
What Makes Up Your Endocrine System?
The endocrine system, made up of all the body’s different hormones, regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age. This includes the:
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development of the brain and nervous system
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growth and function of the reproductive system
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function of metabolism and blood sugar levels
Major components of the endocrine system include:
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female ovaries
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male testes
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pituitary gland
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thyroid gland
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adrenal glands
Other components include the:
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pineal gland
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thymus
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hypothalamus
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parathyroid glands
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pancreas
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus links our endocrine and nervous systems together. The hypothalamus drives the endocrine system.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland receives signals from the hypothalamus. This posterior lobe secretes hormones that are made by the hypothalamus. The anterior lobe produces its own hormones. Some of these act on other endocrine glands.
Thyroid Gland
This gland is critical to the healthy development and maturation of humans. It also regulates metabolism.
Adrenal Glands
Made up of two glands, the cortex and medulla, the adrenal glands produce hormones in response to stress. Adrenal glands also regulate blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and the body’s salt and water balance.
Pancreas
The pancreas is responsible for producing glucagon and insulin. Both hormones help regulate the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Gonads
The male reproductive gonads are called testes. The female’s reproductive gonads are ovaries. Both produce steroids that affect growth and development and also regulate reproductive cycles and behaviors.
Remaining Parts D, E, F, G, H in the next issue…
