Hormone: Gastrin
Produced by: Stomach
Function: It stimulates the stomach to release gastric acid and also stimulates growth of the stomach lining.
Hormone: Glucagon
Produced by: Islet of Langerhans (Pancreas)
Function: It prevents blood glucose levels from dropping too low.
Hormone: Insulin
Produced by: Pancreas
Function: It controls how the body uses carbohydrate and fat found in food. It causes cells in the liver, skeletal muscles and fat tissue to absorb glucose from the blood.
Hormone: Cholecystokinin
Produced by: Duodenum
Function: It slows down the emptying of food from the stomach and also stimulates the production of bile thus improving digestion.
Hormone: Melatonin
Produced by: Pineal Gland
Function: It is often called a sleep hormone. We sleep better when melatonin is secreted.
Hormone: Oestradiol (Estradiol) (E2)
Produced by: Ovaries
Function: Strongest of the three Estrogens viz. Oestrone, Oestradiol and Oestriol. The main function is to mature and maintain the female reproductive system.
Hormone: Oestriol (E3)
Produced by: Placenta
Function: The levels increase during pregnancy and are highest just before birth. Since the chemical from which it is made comes exclusively from the adrenal glands of the baby, the levels are an indicator of the health of the foetus.
Hormone: Oestrone (E1)
Produced by: Ovaries, Adipose tissue and Adrenal Glands
Function: Major type of Oestrogen in post-menopausal women.
Hormone: Oxytocin
Produced by: Hypothalamus
Function: It causes the contraction of the womb (uterus) during childbirth and lactation. It also promotes the movement of milk into the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipple. In men it plays a role in sperm movement and production of testosterone by the testes. It has been called the love hormone due to its role in human behaviour like sexual arousal, mother-infant bonding etc.
Hormone: Progesterone
Produced by: Corpus Luteum in the Ovary
Function: Corpus Luteum is a structure formed by remnants of ovarian follicle which enclose the egg during its formation. Progesterone released by this prepares the body for pregnancy in the event that the released egg is fertilised. If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum breaks down, the production of progesterone falls and a new menstrual cycle begins.
Hormone: Testosterone
Produced by: Testes in Men, Ovaries in Women
Function: In men, it initiates the development of the male internal and external reproductive organs during foetal development and is essential for the production of sperm in adult life. It is also responsible for many of the changes seen in boys during puberty. In women, testosterone produced in the ovary is converted to the principal female sex hormone, oestradiol.