Hormonology is the science that is interested in hormones, which seeks to understand their role in the body, their functioning as well as the disturbances they cause when their production gets carried away or, on the contrary, diminishes.

Hormones are chemicals synthesized by the endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary, etc.). In response to a given signal (dehydration, stress, etc.), these glands release their secretions into the blood, which transports them to target organs to stimulate or inhibit a specific response (reabsorption of water by kidneys, release of sugar and increase in blood pressure, etc.).

Hormones control almost all of the body’s essential functions, including all metabolic processes, reproduction, growth, regulation of thirst or sleep, and the body’s response to stress. An anomaly in their production can therefore have significant repercussions on health.

Hormonology is the science of hormones, the stimuli that cause the glands to secrete them, the chain reactions they cause in the body, but also the dysfunctions for which they may be responsible. This discipline is part of the expertise found in physiopathology research laboratories, which explore all the mechanisms involved in the body’s dysfunctions.

General practitioners, gynecologists or endocrinologists prescribe a hormonal assessment as soon as they suspect a disturbance of this order. It may be related to an endocrine gland dysfunction.

The hypothalamus and / or the pituitary

These two brain glands alone control all the hormonal secretions in the body, and therefore almost all the essential functions: metabolism, growth, regulation of body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, puberty, female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding , sexual behavior, emotions, etc.

The hypothalamus responds to stimuli it receives from the brain or bloodstream by releasing hormones. 

Two of them will act directly on the organs: 

• vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone which commands the kidneys to reabsorb water when the body lacks it;
• oxytoxin, which stimulates labor contractions and then breastfeeding.

The hypothalamus also produces different hormones to stimulate the pituitary gland. In response, it can secrete 6 different hormones, depending on the needs: 

• growth hormone (GH); 
• prolactin (PRL) which stimulates milk production; 
• gonadotropins (FSH and LH) which work on the ovaries or testes to stimulate the production of eggs, sperm or testosterone; 
• thyreotrophin (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid; 
• corticotrophin (ACTH) which stimulates the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands

Located above the kidneys, these glands produce, among other things, adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are involved in stress management. They also produce different corticosteroids: some regulate the levels of potassium and sodium in the blood, others, like cortisol, influence blood pressure and regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The adrenal glands also produce sex hormones: androgens, such as testosterone, in men or estrogen in women.

Thyroid

Located at the base of the neck, this gland regulates the temperature inside the body as well as the metabolism of cells. Thyroid hormones (called T3 and T4) therefore act on all tissues. In children, they also participate in growth and development.

The parathyroid glands

Located near the thyroid, they secrete parathyroid hormone, which plays an essential role in maintaining the body’s calcium balance.

The pancreas

Some of the cells present in this organ, grouped together in so-called islets of Langerhans, produce hormones, in particular insulin and glucagon, which are involved in the regulation of the level of glucose in the blood.

Ovaries

Some of the cells in the ovaries act as glands. Ovarian follicles, for example, before they mature and release an egg, produce estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibins. The corpus luteum, that is to say the rest of the follicle after ovulation, secretes progesterone. Measuring all of these hormones in the blood, along with FSH and LH, is useful for infertility check-ups, or to know if the menopause process is underway. Other cells in the ovary also produce a small amount of testosterone.

The testicles

They produce testosterone in large quantities. When the hormonal assessment reveals an abnormal level for a hormone, the patient can, if this is not already the case, be referred to an endocrinologist, for more appropriate treatment.

The endocrinologist takes care of all pathologies linked to hormonal imbalance: 

• thyroid pathologies;
• growth problems;
• early puberty ; 
• sterility;
• menopause disorders;
• but also diabetes and other diseases of the metabolism.

Like all medical specialists, the endocrinologist must have a Diploma of Specialized Studies (DES), obtained after at least 9 to 12 years of study and internship in medicine.

So that the endocrinologist can better assess your symptoms and choose the additional examinations to make a diagnosis, it is advisable to note all the symptoms felt (weight loss or gain, palpitations, loss of libido, hair loss, disturbances of the concentration, etc.), so as not to forget any during the interrogation. 

Also, list any medications you are taking or have taken. Finally, remember to bring the last blood tests and the last radiological examinations performed.