Glands which produce hormones

The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. That's because it secretes hormones into the bloodstream, and makes and secretes enzymes into the digestive tract. Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus pronounced: hi-po-THAL-uh-mus is in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and nervous system.

Nerve cells in the hypothalamus make chemicals that control the release of hormones secreted from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by the brain such as the surrounding temperature, light exposure, and feelings and sends it to the pituitary. This information influences the hormones that the pituitary makes and releases.

Pituitary: The pituitary pronounced: puh-TOO-uh-ter-ee gland is at the base of the brain, and is no bigger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary is often called the "master gland. The pituitary also secretes endorphins pronounced: en-DOR-fins , chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. The pituitary also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women.

Thyroid: The thyroid pronounced: THY-royd is in the front part of the lower neck. It's shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to make energy. The more thyroid hormone there is in the bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions happen in the body. Thyroid hormones are important because they help kids' and teens' bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

Parathyroids: Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the parathyroids pronounced: par-uh-THY-roydz. They release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin pronounced: kal-suh-TOE-nin , which the thyroid makes.

The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which makes a set of hormones and has a different function:. Pineal: The pineal pronounced: pih-NEE-ul body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain.

It secretes melatonin pronounced: meh-luh-TOE-nin , a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning. Options include medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery. Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder and common form of hyperthyroidism.

In people with Graves disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid, which causes it to produce more thyroid hormone than normal. Like hyperthyroidism, it has many potential causes. Cushing syndrome happens due to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and can include medications, radiation therapy, or surgery. Some symptoms of Addison disease include:. People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood high blood sugar.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Treatment for diabetes can include blood sugar monitoring , insulin therapy , and medications. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, can also help. The endocrine system is a complex collection of glands and organs that helps to regulate various bodily functions. This is accomplished through the release of hormones, or chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are crucial to your heath, and a hormonal imbalance can cause symptoms like acne and weight gain.

Learn more. Low estrogen is typically seen in younger women and women approaching menopause. Learn how to identify the symptoms, what causes it, and more. An ALD test measures the amount of the hormone aldosterone your blood. Too much aldosterone can be an indicator of a variety of medical conditions. A new study looks at how chemicals can build up in the body through common exposures. Students Teachers Patients Browse. Human body. Home Glands. Glands A gland is an organ which produces and releases substances that perform a specific function in the body.

What is a gland? Endocrine conditions. View educational resources for glands.