Hormone name

Where the hormone is made

What the hormone does

Aldosterone

Adrenal glands

Controls salt, water balance, and blood pressure.

Cortisol (corticosteroid)

Adrenal glands

Controls key functions in the body. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Controls blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength. Affectls salt and water balance. Responsible for the fight or flight response to emergency situations.

Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

Pituitary gland

Increases water retention in kidneys and affects sodium balance. Controls blood pressure.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Pituitary gland

Controls the making and release of cortisol and other steroids in the adrenal glands.

Growth hormone (GH)

Pituitary gland

Affects growth and development. Promotes the making of protein. Affects where fat is on the body.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Pituitary gland

Controls the making of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and the making of eggs and sperm.

Oxytocin

Pituitary gland

Sets off contraction of the uterus and milk release in breasts during breastfeeding. May play a role in trust and bonding, especially between parents and children.

Prolactin

Pituitary gland

Starts and keeps up the making of milk in breasts. Affects sex hormone levels.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Pituitary gland

Sets off the making and release of thyroid hormones.

Renin

Kidneys

Raises blood pressure.

Glucagon

Pancreas

Raises blood sugar levels.

Insulin

Pancreas

Lowers blood sugar levels. Triggers the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat.

Estrogen

Ovaries

Affects growth and function of uterus and breasts. Helps protect bone health.

Progesterone

Ovaries

Grows the lining of the uterus for fertilization. Prepares the breasts for making milk.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Parathyroid glands

Plays the most important role in controlling blood calcium levels.

Thyroid hormone

Thyroid gland

Controls metabolism. Affects growth, maturation, and nervous system activity.

Epinephrine

Adrenal glands

Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow.

Norepinephrine

Adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous systems

Maintains blood pressure.

Testosterone

Testes (testicles)

Controls sexual growth and function. Helps protect bone health.

Melatonin

Pineal gland

Helps with sleep.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone(GHRH)

Hypothalamus

Controls growth hormone release in the pituitary gland.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Hypothalamus

Controls thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release in the pituitary gland.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Hypothalamus

Controls the release of LH/FSH in the pituitary gland.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Hypothalamus

Controls adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release in the pituitary gland.

Leptin

Fat cells

Suppresses food intake.