Hormones

The following table contains links to chapters that deal with details about the various subtopics.

Hormonal Navigation Table

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Introduction: 

The adrenal glands produce three major hormones. In the outer regions (the cortex) they produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

In the central part of the adrenal glands the catecholamines are produced. Catecholamines are a mix of epinephrine (also known under the name "adrenaline"), norepinephrine, dopamine and dopa. The most important of these catecholamines in the adrenal glands is epinephrine. The above table summarizes the various common disorders associated with over- and underproduction of the adrenal gland hormones. This will be explained in more detail under the links of the table above.

Summary Regarding Hormones

Hormone abnormalities are common. I have attempted in this chapter to show the complexity of some of these abnormalities. I also have attempted to show you that with some attention to proper exercise and balanced nutrition many hormone deficiency syndromes can be prevented.

With obesity running as high as 35% in the general population many, if not all of these people have the syndrome of insulin resistance, which can be effectively treated by limiting the amount of calories, carbohydrates and starch that are consumed without hunger pains by following a zone type eating plan (Ref. 12). This would normalize the elevated insulin level, remove the block at the secondary hormone messenger level, cyclic AMP, and free the regular hormone receptors to work normally again. In this way the thyroid ( for energy), the adrenal glands (for coping with stress) and the sex hormones (for a normal sex life) are given a chance to function normally again. Other problems such as depression likely also will decrease or disappear.

Disclaimer

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References

1. B. Sears: "The age-free zone". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 2000.

2. R.A. Vogel: Clin Cardiol 20(1997): 426-432.

3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 8: Thyroid disorders.

4. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 7:Pituitary disorders.

5. J Levron et al.: Fertil Steril 2000 Nov;74(5):925-929.

6. AJ Patwardhan et. al.: Neurology 2000 Jun 27;54(12):2218-2223.

7. ME Flett et al.: Br J Surg 1999 Oct;86(10):1280-1283.

8. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 261: Congenital anomalies.

9. AC Hackney : Curr Pharm Des 2001 Mar;7(4):261-273.

10. JA Tash et al. : Urology 2000 Oct 1;56(4):669.

11. D Prandstraller et al.: Pediatr Cardiol 1999 Mar-Apr;20(2):108-112.

12. B. Sears: "Zone perfect meals in minutes". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 1997.

13. J Bain: Can Fam Physician 2001 Jan;47:91-97.

14. Ferri: Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc.

15. Rakel: Conn's Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier

Last Modified: Dec. 19, 2007