The hormone system is a system consisting of various organs and glands that play a role in producing hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating various functions of the body's organs. When this system is disturbed, the performance of certain organ systems will be problematic and cause a number of diseases.
The glands of the human body are divided into 2 types, namely endocrine glands and exocrine glands. Endocrine glands are types of glands that are responsible for producing various types of hormones, while exocrine glands are responsible for producing body fluids that are not hormones, such as sweat, tears, breast milk, and saliva.
Functions of the Hormone System Based on the Organ
The hormonal system in the body involves many organs and glands. Each of these organs and glands produces different hormones with their own functions.
The following are some types of organs and glands that function to produce hormones:
1. Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland or pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, is known as the themaster gland. This gland plays a role in producing hormones that are responsible for regulating the function of various other organs and glands, such as the thyroid gland, reproductive organs, and adrenal glands.
The pituitary gland is responsible for producing the following hormones:
- TSH hormone, which is a hormone that is responsible for producing thyroid hormone
- Growth hormone, which is a hormone that is in charge of regulating the body's growth rate
- FSH hormone, which is a hormone that plays a role in regulating ovulation or a woman's fertile period
- ACTH hormone, which is a hormone that functions to produce stress hormones and stimulate the performance of the adrenal glands
- Prolactin hormone, which is a hormone that regulates milk production in breastfeeding mothers
- Beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which is a hormone that increases skin pigmentation when exposed to ultraviolet radiation
- Enkephalins and endorphins are hormones that play a role in controlling pain and causing feelings of joy
If the pituitary gland is affected, for example due to a pituitary tumor, severe head injury, Cushing's disease, and severe head injury, various organ systems of the body will also be affected.
Disorders of the pituitary gland can cause symptoms in the form of headaches, increased blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, body feels weak, mood disturbances, difficulty in obtaining offspring (infertility), impaired libido or sexual desire, and substandard milk production.
2. Hypothalamus Gland
The hypothalamus is also located at the base of the brain, adjacent to the pituitary gland. One of the tasks of the hypothalamus gland is to give instructions to the pituitary gland when to release the hormones it produces.
In addition, the hypothalamus gland also produces a number of hormones in charge of regulating temperature and water levels in the body.
This gland also plays a role in producing the hormone oxytocin which is in charge of stimulating uterine contractions before childbirth, controlling emotions and libido, and maintaining the health of the reproductive system.
Disorders of the hypothalamus gland can cause a number of diseases, including hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus. These diseases can cause a number of symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Increase or decrease in blood pressure
- Frequent urination
- Hard to sleep
- Developmental disorders
- Late puberty
- Infertility
3. Adrenal glands
The adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, are responsible for producing several types of hormones, including androgens, aldosterone, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
The function of these hormones is to control blood pressure and electrolyte and blood sugar levels in the body. Not only that, this gland also produces the hormone cortisol which also plays a role in your wake and sleep cycle.
The adrenal glands can be affected by several diseases, such as Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, pheochromocytoma, and tumors of the adrenal glands.
Disorders of the adrenal glands can cause a number of symptoms, namely dizziness, feeling weak, nausea and vomiting, easy sweating, decreased blood pressure, irregular menstruation, weight loss, black spots appearing on the skin, and muscle and joint pain.
4. Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is located inside the neck. This gland functions to produce thyroid hormone. This hormone plays an important role in regulating metabolism as well as the growth and performance of various organs of the body.
The hormone system can be disrupted if there is too much or too little of the thyroid gland. When there is too much or overactive thyroid hormone in the body (hyperthyroidism), the body may experience the following symptoms:
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Shaking or tremor
- Easy to sweat
- Can't stand hot temperatures.
- Insomnia
- Tired easily
- Brittle hair and nails
- Weight loss
- Psychological disorders, such as anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
Conversely, thyroid hormone that is too low or hypothyroidism can cause several symptoms, including:
- limp body
- Often sleepy
- Dry skin
- Sensitive to cold air
- It's hard to concentrate
- Tingling or numbness in certain body parts
- Weight gain
- Slow heart rhythm
5. Parathyroid glands
The parathyroid gland, which is located near the thyroid gland, is responsible for producing parathyroid hormone, which is a hormone that regulates calcium balance in the body. This gland plays a major role in the health and development of organs that require calcium, such as bones, teeth, blood vessels, heart, and muscles.
Disorders of the parathyroid glands are often asymptomatic. However, some people who have parathyroid gland disorders may experience complaints of muscle pain or cramps, tingling, nausea, heartburn, weakness, and frequent thirst.
If not treated properly, parathyroid gland disorders can lead to serious health problems, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and heart disease.
6. Thymus gland
The thymus gland is part of the immune system located behind the breastbone. One of its functions is to produce white blood cells called T lymphocytes.
These cells are responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses that cause disease and preventing the growth of cancer cells. The performance of these T lymphocyte cells is regulated by hormones produced by the thymus gland, namely: thymosin, thymopoietin, thymulin, and thymic humoral factor.
Although rare, the thymus gland can experience several diseases, such as thymus gland tumors, DiGeorge syndrome, and thymus cysts. These diseases can cause symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, difficulty swallowing, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
7. The pineal gland
The pineal gland is shaped like a pea and is located in the center of the brain. One of its functions is to produce the hormone melatonin, the hormone that controls the sleep cycle.
If you have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, it could be a sign of a problem with your pineal gland. Immediately consult a doctor for immediate treatment.
8. Pancreas
The pancreas has 2 main roles, namely producing enzymes that help the body digest food, and producing the hormones insulin and glucagon which are responsible for controlling blood sugar levels.
One of the diseases that often attacks the pancreas is pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can appear suddenly over several days (acute pancreatitis), but can also persist for months or years (chronic pancreatitis).
Acute pancreatitis can be recognized by the appearance of symptoms in the form of upper abdominal pain that gets worse after eating, fever, fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
While chronic pancreatitis usually causes symptoms in the form of upper abdominal pain, weight loss for no apparent reason, and oily stools and smells bad.
9. Reproductive organs
The male and female reproductive organs each produce different hormones. One of the glands in the female reproductive organs is the ovary.
This organ is responsible for releasing eggs and producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones affect the physical changes in women during puberty, regulate the menstrual cycle and fertile period, and support the pregnancy process.
Ovarian disorders that are often experienced by women of childbearing age are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition can be recognized by the appearance of symptoms:
- Abnormal menstrual cycle
- Heavy bleeding from the vagina
- Growing hair on face, back, stomach, and chest
- Skin looks more oily and prone to breakouts
- Weight gain
- Hair loss and thinning
- Black spots appear in body folds, such as the neck, groin, and breast folds
The male reproductive organs that play an important role in producing hormones are the testes. The gland, which is located in the scrotum, produces not only sperm, but also the hormone testosterone.
When teenage boys reach adulthood (puberty), this hormone plays a role in supporting the growth of the penis, pubic hair, height, muscle and bone strength, and changes in voice.
Symptoms that can appear when the testicles are affected vary greatly, depending on the type of disorder that occurs in the testicles. In adults, disorders of the testicles can cause decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and mood swings. While testicular disorders in children can be recognized by puberty too early, ie before the age of 9 years.
To keep the body's hormone system functioning properly, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced nutritious diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, and exercising regularly.
In addition, you are also recommended to have regular check-ups with your doctor so that the function of the hormone system can be evaluated periodically. If there is a disturbance in the hormone system, the doctor will provide treatment so that the condition can be managed properly.