All Hormones
Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropin
Secreted by the anterior pituitary; protein; increased growth in tissues; increased amino acid uptake and protein synthesis; increased breakdown of lipids and release of fatty acids from cells; increased glycogen synthesis and increased blood glucose levels; increased somatomedin production;
Oxytocin
Secreted by the posterior pituitary; polypeptide; causes contraction of the smooth muscle cells of the uterus and milk ejection
ADH (Anti-diuretic hormone)
Secreted by the posterior pituitary; polypeptide; increases water reabsorption by kidney tubules which results in less water loss from the blood into the urine, and urine volume increases; when secreted in large amounts it can cause the constriction of blood vessels;
Leptin
decrease in appetite and increases in metabolism
Glucagon
secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas; polypeptide; increased breakdown of glycogen; release of glucose into the circulatory system
Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) (somatostatin)
secreted by multiple locations in the body; peptide; inhibits the secretion of GH;
Melatonin
secreted by the Pineal Gland; amino acid; circadian rhythm;
Epinephrine/Norepinephrine
secreted by the adrenal medulla; amine; increased cardiac output
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
secreted by the anterior pituitary; glycoprotein; follicle maturation and estrogen secretion in ovaries; sperm cell production in testes
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
secreted by the anterior pituitary; glycoprotein; increased thyroid hormone secretion
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
secreted by the anterior pituitary; glycoprotein; ovulation and progesterone production in ovaries; testosterone synthesis and support for sperm cell production in testes
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
secreted by the anterior pituitary; peptide; increased glucocorticoid hormone secretion
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
secreted by the anterior pituitary; peptide; increased melanin production in melanocytes to make the skin darker in color
Prolactin
secreted by the anterior pituitary; protein; milk production in lactating women; increased response of follicle to LH and FSH; unclear function in males;
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) (somatoliberin)
secreted by the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus; peptide; stimulates the secretion of GH
Insulin
secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas; protein; increased uptake and use of glucose and amino acids;
Orexin
secreted by the hypothalamus; peptide; increased wakefulness and energy expenditure, increased appetite;
Angiotensinogen
secreted by the liver;peptide;vasoconstriction
Progesterone
secreted by the ovary; steroid; uterine and mammary gland development and function; maturation of genitalia; secondary sex characteristics; menstrual cycle
Estrogens
secreted by the ovary; steroid; uterine and mammary gland development and function; maturation of genitalia; secondary sex characteristics; sexual behavior and menstrual cycle
Calcitonin
secreted by the parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland; peptide; reduces the blood calcium levels
Parathyroid Hormone
secreted by the parathyroid gland; peptide; Increases blood calcium levels and increases calcium levels. It also reabsorbs calcium into the kidneys
Motilin
secreted by the small intestine; peptide; stimulates gastric activity
Gastrin
secreted by the stomach; peptide; secretion of Gastric Acid by parietal cells.
Testosterone
secreted by the testes; steroid; aids in spermatogenesis; development of genitalia; maintenance of functional reproductive organs; secondary sex characteristics; sexual behavior;
Thymosin
secreted by the thymus; peptide; development and function of the immune system;
Tetraiodothyronine (T4) (Thyroxine)
secreted by the thyroid gland; amine; increases the basal metabolic rate weaker than T3;
Triiodothyronine (T3)
secreted by the thyroid gland; amine; increases the basal metabolic rate;
Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
secreted by the zona fasciculata; steroids; increased protein and fat breakdown; increased glucose production; inhibition of immune response and decreased inflammation
Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
secreted by the zona glomerulus; steroids; increased sodium reabsorption and potassium and hyrogen excretion; enhanced water reabsorption