Hormones and Metabolism

Slow Metabolism (Low Metabolic Rate)

The metabolism is all the chemical reactions that occur in the body to sustain life. In the process heat is generated as energy is expended. A measure of the amount of heat generated over time is a direct indication of the energy expenditure and this is known as the metabolic rate. The process of energy production requires >> Read More ...

Overactive Thyroid Gland (Hyperthyroidism, Thyrotoxicosis)

The thyroid gland is a double-lobed gland that lies just below and in front of the voice box. It resembles a fatty mass and can extend to the upper part of the chest cavity. An abnormally enlarged thyroid gland is known as a goiter and is often an indication of a diseased state. This rather unassuming gland has several >> Read More ...

Virilization (Masculinization) in Women

Male sex hormones known as androgens are present in both males and females. In men, the testes produces most of the androgens with small amounts contributed by the adrenal glands. In women, both the adrenal glands and ovaries produce androgens but the more significant quantity is the adrenal androgens. Disorders that give >> Read More ...

Cortisol Tests (Blood, Urine, Saliva)

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. It has diverse functions influencing nutrient metabolisms, inflammatory processes in the body and immunity. Cortisol secretion is regulated by the presence of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) which is secreted by the anterior pituitary >> Read More ...

Pineal Gland Anatomy (Parts), Function and Pinealoma (Tumor)

The pineal gland does not receive much attention in medicine because there are no significant diseases or lesions that solely affect it apart from tumors. Even then, a pineal tumor referred to as a pineoloma is a rare occurrence in comparison to diseases affecting surrounding tissues and glands. For as long as the pineal >> Read More ...

Low Cortisol Levels (Hypocortisolism), Adrenal Insufficiency

Cortisol is one of the sterol hormones known as glucocorticoids secreted by the outer cortex of the adrenal gland. These small glands sit on top of each kidney and secrete several important hormones. Cortisol is known to have a wide range of effects on carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolisms as well as regulates the >> Read More ...

High Cortisol Levels (Hypercortisolism, Cushing Syndrome)

The Hormone Cortisol Cortisol is the main type of glucocorticoid – a group of hormones secreted by the outer cortex portion of the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. These glucocorticoids are sterol hormones and cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a natural corticosteroid. Cortisol secretion is almost entirely >> Read More ...
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