Guide To Understanding The Pituitary Gland

Hormones It Produces

The different hormones produced by the pituitary gland serve a range of functions in the body. Thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. Follicle-stimulating hormone controls the secretion of estrogen and egg cell growth in females and the production of sperm cells in males. Growth hormone manages physical development in the body, primarily the growth of the muscles and bones. Adrenocorticotropic hormone tells the adrenal glands to make hormones such as cortisol when an individual becomes stressed. Luteinizing hormone is associated with the proper production of testosterone in males and estrogen in females. Prolactin causes a female who is breastfeeding to produce breastmilk. Endorphins have properties that can help relieve pain and are associated with the pleasure centers in the brain. Enkephalins are in the same family as endorphins and perform similar functions. Beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone promotes skin pigmentation when an individual is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Discover information about conditions that affect the pituitary gland next.