In Our Time Hormones
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Mar 7, 2024 In this engaging discussion, guests Sadaf Farooqi, a metabolism expert from Cambridge, Rebecca Reynolds, a metabolic medicine specialist from Edinburgh, and Andrew Bicknell, a biological sciences associate professor from Reading, delve into the fascinating world of hormones. They explore over 80 types of hormones that regulate everything from metabolism to stress responses. The conversation highlights how these chemical messengers influence pregnancy, mood swings during puberty and menopause, and even our fight-or-flight reactions, revealing the profound impact of hormones on our daily lives.
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Hormone Function
- Hormones are proteins made by glands that circulate in the bloodstream, acting like messengers.
- They coordinate physiology, enabling fundamental processes like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and immune function.
Homeostasis and Insulin
- The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by responding to changes, such as rising glucose levels after eating.
- Insulin is then released, prompting cells to absorb and store glucose, lowering blood sugar back to the set point.
Hormone Receptors
- Hormone receptors are specific, like locks and keys, enabling targeted responses within the body.
- Hormones circulate widely, but only cells with matching receptors can respond, opening specific 'doors'.