[Kim Jaeho's Life Story]<221> Hormones That Can't Do Their Part Because of Gapjil

Our body regulates important physiological activities and maintains homeostasis using very small amounts of substances, and these substances are hormones. Hormones are produced in various organs called glands or 선 (腺), and they travel through blood vessels to the necessary organs or tissues to perform their functions. These glands are collectively called the endocrine system.

In our body, endocrine glands that produce hormones are located in three places in the brain, as well as in the thyroid, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, ovaries, and other locations. Hormones influence almost every process including digestion, metabolism, growth and development, cognitive function and mood, regulation of body temperature and thirst, blood pressure and blood sugar control, sleep regulation, reproduction, and sexual function. To perform these functions, more than 70 types of hormones are produced.

In the brain, there are three hormone glands: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland. The hypothalamus controls the entire endocrine system and regulates many bodily processes including mood, hunger and thirst, sleep patterns, and sexual function. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, produces hormones that control several glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, managing the sleep cycle.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, secretes hormones that regulate metabolism, which is how the body uses energy. The four small parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels necessary for the functioning of the heart, kidneys, bones, and nervous system. The two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney, regulate metabolism, blood pressure, sexual development, and the response to stress.

The pancreas produces hormones called insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar. The ovaries in females secrete sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which develop adult female characteristics, assist the reproductive cycle, regulate menstruation, and support pregnancy. The testes in males produce sperm and secrete testosterone, which affects sperm production, muscle strength, and libido.

For us to live healthily, it is important that all hormones are secreted accurately in the right amounts at the right times. Even slight excess or deficiency at appropriate levels can cause weight gain, increased blood pressure, changes in sleep, mood, or behavior, and can lead to various diseases. Among common illnesses, many are caused by hormone excess.

If the insulin secreted by the pancreas is insufficient or does not function properly, diabetes occurs. Excessive hormone secretion from the thyroid causes hyperthyroidism, which presents symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weight loss, increased appetite, and diarrhea. Deficiency causes hypothyroidism, which presents symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and generalized body pain.

When the male sex hormone testosterone is produced in low amounts, it causes erectile dysfunction, memory and concentration problems, changes in muscle strength, and low libido. Hormonal imbalance in females can cause irregular menstruation, abnormal hair growth, excessive acne, and weight gain, potentially leading to diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and infertility. Osteoporosis can occur if estrogen is deficient or if there is hyperparathyroidism.

It is important that hormones are produced in the necessary types and amounts at the necessary times, and this is possible thanks to the best doctor inside our body. When the hypothalamus and pituitary gland act as control centers and send hormones to other glands such as the thyroid or adrenal glands, those glands secrete hormones to produce necessary substances and perform functions. When the required amount of these substances is produced, the pituitary gland stops their production.

Thanks to this best doctor controlling the production and secretion of various hormones appropriately through the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, most people live without major problems caused by hormone excess or deficiency. However, many people suffer when hormone secretion deviates from appropriate levels, and this is because of mistreatment of the body, that is, creating an environment where the best doctor inside the body cannot work well.

The environment that allows hormones to be produced in the right amounts at the right times is the same as the environment where the best doctor inside the body can work well. When some hormones are secreted too much or too little causing discomfort or disease, it is often difficult to treat with hormone therapy or medication, and serious side effects may occur.

When problems arise from hormone excess or deficiency, instead of relying on medication, the wisest path is to stop mistreating the body and return to a lifestyle that the body prefers. To do this, one must make a life of bio-friendly habits that turn on the life switch so that the best doctor inside the body can work enthusiastically. This is called NEWSTART (see Life Story Part 6).

Jaeho Kim, Independent Researcher