Name: hormone imbalances and their effects
Uploaded: 2024-10-24T14:03:06.000Z
Duration: 1 min 27 s
Channel: JoVE

Os hormônios são os mensageiros químicos que coordenam processos complexos no corpo.
A ocitocina é sintetizada no hipotálamo e secretada pela glândula pituitária, promovendo vínculos e interações sociais, promovendo sentimentos de confiança, empatia e conexão.
O cortisol, o hormônio do estresse, é produzido pelas glândulas supra-renais. Aumenta os níveis de glicose no sangue para obter energia, gerencia o estresse e regula a pressão arterial.
A epinefrina, também conhecida como adrenalina, é liberada durante o estresse. Ele acelera a frequência cardíaca, expande as passagens de ar e aumenta a energia, preparando o corpo para respostas rápidas às ameaças.
O estrogênio é vital para a saúde reprodutiva feminina. Regula os ciclos menstruais, auxilia no desenvolvimento reprodutivo e afeta a densidade óssea, a saúde da pele e o controle do colesterol.
A testosterona, principalmente um hormônio masculino, é essencial para o desenvolvimento do tecido reprodutivo, aumenta a massa muscular e óssea, promove o crescimento dos pelos corporais e influencia a libido e a estabilidade do humor.
Por fim, a tiroxina, produzida pela glândula tireoide, é essencial para o metabolismo e o gerenciamento de energia. Influencia a frequência cardíaca, a digestão, o desenvolvimento do cérebro e a saúde óssea.

principais hormônios e suas funções

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Os hormônios, mensageiros bioquímicos produzidos pelas glândulas endócrinas, são essenciais na regulação das funções corporais e na manutenção da homeostase. O equilíbrio de cada hormônio é crucial; desequilíbrios podem levar a perturbações fisiológicas significativas. Os principais hormônios incluem ocitocina, cortisol, epinefrina, estrogênio, testosterona, tiroxina, hormônio do crescimento, insulina e glucagon.


 A ocitocina, produzida no hipotálamo e liberada pela glândula pituitária, desempenha um papel no vínculo social, no parto e na lactação. Sua hipossecreção pode impedir interações sociais e respostas ao estresse, contribuindo potencialmente para condições como depressão. A hipersecreção de ocitocina, embora menos comum, pode exagerar as contrações durante o parto ou causar um reflexo de ejeção de leite excessivo durante a amamentação.


 O cortisol, secretado pelas glândulas suprarrenais, regula o estresse, o metabolismo e as respostas imunológicas. A hipossecreção de cortisol causa a doença de Addison, se manifestando com fadiga e fraqueza muscular, enquanto a hipersecreção leva à síndrome de Cushing, caracterizada por obesidade, hipertensão e hiperglicemia.


 A epinefrina, também secretada pelas glândulas suprarrenais, aumenta a frequência cardíaca e a produção de energia em resposta ao estresse. Sua hipossecreção pode atenuar a resposta ao estresse, colocando em risco a sobrevivência em situações agudas, enquanto a hipersecreção pode causar sintomas persistentes de estresse, como ansiedade crônica e problemas cardíacos.


 O estrogênio, produzido predominantemente pelos ovários, é essencial para a saúde reprodutiva feminina, influenciando o ciclo menstrual, a densidade óssea e os níveis de colesterol. Quando o estrogênio é secretado em níveis mais baixos do que o normal, pode levar a irregularidades menstruais e a um risco aumentado de osteoporose devido à diminuição da densidade óssea. Por outro lado, a hipersecreção de estrogênio está associada a um risco elevado de câncer de mama e útero, refletindo o papel crítico, mas delicado, do hormônio no crescimento e replicação celular.


 A testosterona, produzida principalmente pelos testículos, está associada aos tecidos reprodutivos masculinos, à massa muscular e óssea e ao crescimento de pelos corporais. A hipossecreção de testosterona pode resultar em redução da massa muscular, comprometimento da função sexual e diminuição da densidade óssea, muitas vezes levando à osteoporose. Além disso, pode afetar a estabilidade do humor e levar a sintomas depressivos. Em contraste, a produção excessiva ou hipersecreção de testosterona pode predispor os indivíduos a condições como aumento da próstata e tem sido associada ao aumento da agressividade e distúrbios de humor.


 A glândula tireoide, localizada no pescoço, secreta tiroxina, que regula o metabolismo, o crescimento e o desenvolvimento. O hipotireoidismo surge da hipossecreção de tiroxina, desacelerando o metabolismo, causando ganho de peso e letargia. Em contraste, a hipersecreção leva ao hipertireoidismo, marcado por metabolismo acelerado, perda de peso e nervosismo.


 O hormônio do crescimento, outro produto da glândula pituitária, regula o crescimento e o metabolismo. A hipossecreção desse hormônio nas crianças leva a falhas no crescimento e à baixa estatura, enquanto a hipersecreção pode resultar em gigantismo ou acromegalia, onde os ossos aumentam de tamanho anormalmente.


 A insulina e o glucagon, secretados pelo pâncreas, trabalham juntos para controlar os níveis de glicose no sangue. A deficiência ou resistência à insulina resulta em diabetes mellitus, caracterizada por altos níveis de açúcar no sangue, enquanto o excesso de insulina leva à hipoglicemia, apresentando riscos como danos cerebrais e convulsões.


 O hormônio pineal, comumente conhecido como melatonina, é produzido pela glândula pineal, uma pequena glândula endócrina localizada perto do centro do cérebro. A melatonina é crítica na regulação dos ritmos circadianos do corpo, influenciando os ciclos de sono-vigília e os ritmos biológicos sazonais. Também está envolvida em várias funções biológicas, incluindo a modulação do humor e do desempenho do sistema imunológico. A hipossecreção de melatonina pode levar a distúrbios do sono, como insônia, e pode contribuir para os sintomas do transtorno afetivo sazonal (TAS) e certos tipos de depressão. Por outro lado, a hipersecreção de melatonina é menos comum, mas pode resultar em sonolência excessiva e interrupção do ritmo circadiano, afetando potencialmente as funções cognitivas e a estabilidade do humor. Ambas as condições destacam a importância de níveis equilibrados de melatonina para manutenção da saúde ideal.

Principais Hormônios e Suas Funções

Os hormônios são os mensageiros químicos que coordenam processos complexos no corpo.
A ocitocina é sintetizada no hipotálamo e secretada pelo ...

Education

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Introdução à Psicologia

Unit 1

Unidade 1

Biopsychology

Biopsicologia

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TERMOS E CONCEITOS-CHAVE

hormone imbalances and their effects

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted.

Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression. High levels are less common, but they can intensify childbirth contractions or cause a strong milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding.

Cortisol and epinephrine are secreted by the adrenal glands and help the body respond to stress. Cortisol also helps regulate metabolism and immune responses. Too little cortisol can cause Addison's disease, with fatigue and muscle weakness. Too much cortisol can lead to Cushing's syndrome, which is linked to obesity, hypertension, and high blood sugar. Epinephrine raises heart rate and energy production during stress. Low epinephrine can weaken the stress response in acute danger, while high levels may cause chronic anxiety and cardiac distress.

Estrogen and testosterone are sex hormones with wider effects beyond reproduction. Estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries and supports the menstrual cycle, bone density, and cholesterol levels. Low estrogen can cause menstrual irregularities and raise the risk of osteoporosis because bone density drops. High estrogen is linked with a higher risk of breast and uterine cancers. Testosterone is mainly produced by the testes and supports male reproductive tissues, muscle mass, bone mass, and body hair growth. Low testosterone can reduce muscle mass, impair sexual function, lower bone density, and affect mood. High testosterone may be linked to prostate enlargement, increased aggression, and mood changes.

Thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and melatonin also play key roles. The thyroid gland in the neck secretes thyroxine, which controls metabolism, growth, and development. Too little thyroxine slows metabolism and can cause hypothyroidism, weight gain, and lethargy. Too much causes hyperthyroidism, with weight loss and nervousness. Growth hormone from the pituitary gland helps regulate growth and metabolism. Low levels in children can cause growth failure and short stature, while high levels can lead to gigantism or acromegaly, where bones grow abnormally large.

The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon to manage blood glucose. Insulin deficiency or resistance can cause diabetes mellitus, a condition marked by high blood sugar. Too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia, which may lead to brain damage and seizures. The pineal gland makes melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythms, including sleep-wake cycles and seasonal patterns. Melatonin also affects mood and immune system performance. Low melatonin can contribute to insomnia, seasonal affective disorder, and some types of depression. High melatonin is less common, but it can cause excessive sleepiness, disrupt circadian rhythm, and affect cognition and mood stability.

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

Neurons are the cells that carry information through the brain and nervous system. They use electrical and chemical signals to help control body functions, from heartbeat regulation to complex thinking. Their structure is built for fast, efficient communication. The cell body, or soma, is the neuron’s control center. It contains the nucleus, which holds the cell’s genetic material and helps maintain the neuron’s health and function. The cytoplasm around it contains organelles that make...

neuronal communication

How Neurons Send Signals

Neurons send signals through electrochemical communication that supports brain and nervous system function. A key part of this process is the action potential, a rapid electrical change that starts when the neuron’s internal charge rises above a threshold. That signal then travels along the axon to the axon terminal, where it is ready to pass to another neuron. The connection point between two neurons is called a synapse. Synapses can be electrical or chemical, and each type moves information...

neurotransmitters

Brain Chemicals That Shape Mood and Movement

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help neurons communicate. They play a major role in nervous system function, as well as in mood, movement, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is made in the brain and intestines. It is linked to well-being and happiness, and it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. When serotonin levels are out of balance in the brain or in peripheral sites, depression and sleep problems can occur. Dopamine is produced in several brain areas, including the...

cerebral hemispheres

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the...

lobes of the cerebrum

How Brain Lobes Shape Perception

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, and each hemisphere has four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. Together, these lobes support the brain’s main cognitive and sensory jobs. They work as a team to help you think, feel, move, and respond to the world. The frontal lobe sits behind the forehead and acts as a control center for personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movement. It also contains the prefrontal cortex, a region that helps with planning,...

spinal cord

Spinal Cord Nerves and Reflexes

The spinal cord is a major part of the central nervous system. It runs from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It helps keep the body stable and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord sits inside the bony spine for protection. It is divided into 30 segments that match the vertebrae. Each segment connects to a specific body region through paired spinal nerves. These spinal nerves are grouped by where they leave the...

lateralization

Brain Hemisphere Specialization

Brain hemisphere specialization divides mental tasks between the left and right sides of the brain. This split can improve neural efficiency and support more complex human abilities. Each hemisphere tends to handle the work it does best, which helps cognitive processing run more smoothly. The left hemisphere is especially strong in logic and language-related tasks. It supports analytical thinking, which means breaking a problem into parts and solving it step by step. This is important for...

human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

Human genetics explains how genes can influence behavior, emotions, and mental health. It also shows how a person’s genetic code can shape physical traits and the risk of disease. Each individual carries a unique set of genes, so the effects can be subtle or more noticeable. Genes help direct how the brain, hormones, and cells work. These body systems are all shaped by genetic instructions, and they help produce differences in thoughts and behavior. Human genetics therefore links biology with...

genetic material

Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits

Chromosomes, DNA, and inherited traits explain how genetic information is organized in the human body. Each cell contains a nucleus, and the nucleus holds 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. These chromosomes are tightly coiled structures made of DNA, which carries the instructions passed from parents to offspring. An individual inherits one set of chromosomes from the mother through the egg and one set from the father through the sperm. This combination creates a unique genetic makeup. Of...

genetic variation

How Alleles Shape Inherited Traits

Genetic variation helps explain why individuals in the same species can look and act differently. It comes from differences in DNA sequences. This diversity matters because it helps a species survive and adapt when the environment changes. Variation starts at fertilization, when an egg and sperm cell join. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, so the fertilized egg can have up to 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, which are the basic units of heredity. <br...

behavioral genetics and its designs

How Behavior Genetics Studies Inheritance

Behavior genetics studies how inherited genes influence human behavior. It looks at how genes passed from parents to offspring help shape behavioral traits and tendencies. The field also examines how inherited factors and environmental influences work together. Researchers use family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies to separate genetic and environmental effects. Family studies track traits within biological families to find possible genetic patterns. They have helped identify...

organization of the brain

Brain Regions and Their Key Functions

The brain is the main control center of the nervous system. It processes sensory input, makes decisions, and directs body actions. Its structure is divided into the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, and each part supports important functions. The hindbrain sits at the base of the brain. It helps regulate automatic life processes. The medulla oblongata controls involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. Nearby, the pons acts as a bridge between brain regions,...

evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and mental processes through natural selection. It uses Darwin’s idea that traits can spread when they help survival and reproduction. In this view, some common behaviors may be adaptations that were useful to our ancestors. One clear example is fear of snakes. This fear is nearly universal, which suggests that early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive deadly encounters. Over many generations, that caution could be passed on and...

neuroplasticity

How the Brain Rewires Itself

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows neural circuits to reorganize over time. This flexibility supports lifelong development and adaptation. One part of this change begins when dendrites and axons grow. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them. As they grow, the brain’s circuitry becomes more complex and can support more connections. Next, synaptogenesis occurs. Synaptogenesis is the...

brain imaging

Brain Scanning Techniques

Brain scanning techniques help scientists and doctors see the structure and activity of the human brain. These methods support the diagnosis, study, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The main techniques include computerized axial tomography, or CT, positron-emission tomography, or PET, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. CT scans use X-ray technology to build detailed...

the endocrine system

Endocrine Glands and Hormone Signals

The endocrine system is a network of glands that send hormone signals through the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many body functions. They enter the bloodstream and travel to cells with the right receptors, or target sites, so the signal can be received. Because of this, hormone effects are widespread, unlike the more localized effects of neurotransmitters. This signaling helps the body keep a stable internal environment, called homeostasis. Several major glands...

somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

somatosensory-motor-and-association-cortex

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

The brain cortex uses separate areas for sensation, movement, and higher thinking. The somatosensory cortex is in the parietal lobes. It helps the brain interpret touch, temperature, and proprioception, which is awareness of body position. The somatosensory cortex has an organized map of the body. Neurons at the top of this region mainly process signals from the lower body. Neurons at the bottom handle input from the upper body. This layout helps the brain locate sensory input with precision.

major hormones and their functions

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

Genes, Traits, and Mendel's Rules

Genes, traits, and Mendel's rules explain how characteristics pass from parents to offspring. Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments changed how scientists understand heredity. His work showed that traits are controlled by discrete units inside organisms called genes. Genes usually come in pairs. One gene is inherited from each parent, and together they make a person's genotype. Genotype is the genetic blueprint for potential traits. Examples include blood type, eye color, and inherited...

gene-environment interactions

How Environment Shapes Gene Expression

Environmental factors can change how genes are expressed. Gene expression is a dynamic process, and traits can differ even in people with the same DNA. Radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress all help shape the final outcome. The reaction range helps explain this process. It means genes set a possible range for a trait, while the environment helps decide where a person falls within that range. For example, genetics may allow a height range from 5'5" to 6'1", but nutrition,...

heritability

Heritability and the Environment

Heritability describes how genetic differences contribute to trait variation in a population. It is a statistical measure, so it shows how much of the spread in a trait can be linked to genes across a group. It does not tell you how “genetic” a trait is in an individual person. Heritability is usually expressed as a percentage. That percentage can change depending on which population is studied and what environmental conditions are present. This means heritability is context-dependent, not...

natural selection and adaptation

Adaptation in Changing Environments

Natural selection explains how organisms become better suited to their environments over time. It favors individuals with traits that improve survival and reproduction. Adaptation is the result. It includes genetic changes that help an organism function in specific conditions, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes. Adaptation is not only physical. Psychological adaptation also helps organisms, especially humans, succeed in their surroundings. These responses come from both...

natural selection and mating preferences

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on. Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer...

criticisms of the evolutionary perspective

criticisms-of-the-evolutionary-perspective

Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

Social learning theory and evolutionary psychology offer two different ways to explain sexual behavior. A study in which strangers gave students compliments and then asked for casual sex showed a clear gender gap. None of the women said yes, while 70% of the men agreed. Evolutionary psychology explains this result by arguing that natural selection may have shaped women to be more selective about sexual partners. From this view, selectivity can help improve survival and reproductive success. It...

key terms and concepts

Explore major hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, insulin, and melatonin, and see how too much or too little can affect growth, stress, sleep, and blood sugar.

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

Description

Transcript

Tags