The major glands of the ENDOCRINE SYSTEM includes the ADRENAL GLANDS, PINEAL, and PITUITARY, the PANCREAS, THYROID, HYPOTHALAMUS, THALAMUS, PARATHYROIDS and the GLANDS of the REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. The ADRENAL GLANDS, PINEAL, and PITUITARYwill be the topic of this article. The rest of the glands and organs on the proceeding list will be discussed in the article titled. The ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Part Two. The glands of the Reproductive System will be discussed in the Reproductive System.
Not too long ago, the HEART, because it produces an amazing hormone, was also classified as an endocrine gland. The heart however will be covered in CARDIOVASCULAR - HEART.
Introductory Comments
Once upon a time and just a few years ago I thought that I could name the glands-at least the major ones-of the body and sort them very quickly into Endocrine, Exocrine, and Reproductive hormones,with a few miscellaneous hormone producing organs that wouldn;t fit in any specific category thrown in. More years, more articles, reading lots more studies and following the research being done by scientists and endocrinologists around the world has brought a very different picture into focus.
Glands, in a very basic definition, create and release hormone that the body needs to function. However, there are glands and systems of the body that create substances that signal and instigate the performance of various tasks within the body. These substance, depending on the viewpoint and purpose of the articles or the research, are not necessarily considered to be hormones by previous definitions. As more and more is learned about human anatomy, the definition of 'hormone' keeps expanding to include a wider variety of 'signaling' substances. There are constant discoveries of new 'hormones' and new and better understanding of the cellular pathways used by these messenger molecules to accomplish their various complicated tasks.
There is one thing that is still very clear, however. The human body is an amazing-and amazingly complicated-creation. I will never live long enough to know all that I would like to know about how our bodies, and our spirits, work. Nor will I ever know all that I want to know about how to help it work better! The following is my attempt to share what I think I know today about a few parts of our amazing bodies-including the glandular, hormonal, and endocrine systems, and other systems that produce these messenger molecules-whatever we want to call them and however we categorize them today.
General Information
Unlike the other "systems" of the body, the endocrine system does not possess structural or anatomical continuity. It doesn't begin and end at any place specific-the entire body is its playground. The endocrine system also controls continuous processes such as growth and development, reproduction, and metabolism
ENDOCRINE AND EXOCRINE DEFINED
Hormones produced by endocrine glands are secreted directly in to the bloodstream. The Pancreas is both an endocrine and an exocrine gland so it is listed in both categories.
Exocrine glands produce substances (electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, for example) not all of which are referred to as hormones. These substances move directly to a target site via ducts or tubes. Examples of exocrine glands include the Salivary glands, Sweat glands, Sebaceous glands, as well as the ovaries in a female and the testes in a male and the Pancreas. These glands will not be discussed at this time.
Confusingly, there are other parts of the human body that release substances which bring about certain functions. Andipose tissue (fat tissue), the Kidneys, the Intestinal tract, and even the Heart have found to release such substances and signals and to affect metabolism (and even the Nervous System) in one way for another.
The tissues that line other internal organs and make and release necessary substances into the body such as mucous or digestive juices and other fluids are also classified as glandular tissue. Glandular tissue, called, glandular epithelium, is commonly found in the breast, lung, stomach, colon, pancreas, prostate, uterus, and cervix.
General Functions
Growth and development, Repair of tissues, Working of Organ, Metabolism, Sexual function, Reproduction, Digestive function, Control of Mood, and Homeostasis (internal balance and wellness)
DISEASES
This is a broad category and a very long list. So many diseases have a glandular system component and many diseases that begin somewhere else eventually affect one or more glands and impede the ability of the glandular system to work harmoniously together and with the rest of the body. Some of them will be discussed a little later in this article under the organ most closely associated with that disease.
Of course, whenever one gland or organ fails, it almost always produces a domino effect with other organs and systems beginning to struggle in turn.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of distress or failure in various aspects of the Endocrine/Glandular System will be treated individually as we discuss each organ or group of organs.
When the glands of the endocrine/glandular system do not receive the nutrients they need to function properly, they send signals to the brain demanding more nourishment. The brain responds by informing us-often with great insistence-that we need more . . . and more . . . and more. We develop an unhealthy appetite and find ourselves fighting (and, often, giving in to) food cravings. We frequently find ourselves wanting "comfort foods" as our out-of-balance nerves and hormones contribute to patterns of stress eating.
You will notice that fatigue is listed as a symptom for all of these glands as they become stressed. You should also note that one of the major avenues to improve glandular function is good, old-fashioned, basic nutrition as well as rest, exercise and sunshine. Please read the last line above again. In addition, if we wish to prolong our lives and experience optimum health, especially that of our endocrine/glandular systems and nervous systems we should give up resentment, anxiety and worry. It is vital for our overall health, and that of our endocrine system, to manage our stresses appropriately and to let go of unnecessary emotional baggage.
GENERAL STRESSORS
The glandular system is impacted negatively by envioronmental pollution, thyroid medications, drugs for weight control and metaboilism improvement, birth control pills, anti-depressant drugs, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications-both prescription and over-the-counter varieties.
The following drugs contribute to glandular problems on every level. I will list them once here rather than under each organ, over and over again. (Most drugs are destructive to one body system or another.) These two drug groups are just particularly destructive of the endocrine system.
CORTICOSTERIODS
known generically as Tricycllic antidepressants. These drugs are used for depression, of course, but there are also used for skin conditions such as eczema and hives. Prozac is a leader among this nasty group of drugs.
INDOMETHACIN
ingredient in anti-inflammatories (pain relief gels and creams)
VITAMINS-MINERALS-FOODS
A balanced diet, vitamins C, A, and B-complex, chlorophyll, supplemental minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, amino acids, omega 3's, and flaxseed.
GENERAL ESSENTIAL OIL FOR ENDOCRINE
LeBabyMe,
LeBalance,
LeBenediction,
LeCinnamonBear,
LeCrystal Clear,
LeEmerge,
LeEndoRelief,
LeEnergy,
LeInsideOut,
LeIQ,
LeLife Force,
LeLiteN,
LeMariah,
LeRevitalize,
LeTransition,
LeVitality,
LeWoman Wise,
basil,
black pepper,
cardamom,
celery seed,
cilantro,
coriander,
cumin,
damiana,
dill,
davana,
eucalyptus,
fenugreek,
fir,
green pepper,
ginger,
geranium,
helicrysum,
juniper berry,
lemon,
myrtle,
nerolina,
nutmeg,
patchouli,
petitgrain,
ravensara,
rosemary,
sage,
spruce,
turmeric,
ylang, ylang
Spice oils as you can see have a special affinity for the endocrine system. LeCrystal Clear is particularly helpful for the adrenal cortex.
EMOTIONAL ESSENTIAL OIL FOR ENDOCRINE
LeAcknowledge,
LeAngel,
LeBenediction,
LeCherish,
LeCinnamonBear,
LeDiscernment,
LeEndoRelief,
LeEnergy,
LeEternity,
LeEverlasting,
LeExpressions,
LeEZ Traveler,
LeFaith,
LeGrace,
LeHeartSong,
LeIQ,
LeKindred Spirit,
LeLetting Go,
LeMeditiation,
LeTrust,
jasmine,
Melissa,
sandalwood,
spruce,
GENERAL HERBS FOR ENDOCRINE
KNA (formerly Kelp-Nettles-Alfalfa),
HGL (formerly Hyper-Glandular),
LIC (formerly Licorice Formula),
alfalfa,
astragalus,
dandelion,
devil's claw,
echinacea,
ginseng,
gotu kola,
hawthorn,
juniper berries,
licorice root,
milk thistle,
mullein,
nettles,
olive leaf,
Oregon grape,
papaya,
parsley,
passion flower,
saw palmetto,
uva ursi,
white oak bark
EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
The emotional connections of the endocrine system are discussed individually in each upcoming section.
Adrenals
The adrenal glands are two bean-shaped glands which lie over the top of the kidneys. The adrenals consist of the a endocrine-glandular part, the adrenal cortex, and the adrenal medulla. The medulla region is enclosed withing the layers of the adrenal cortex.
Adrenal Cortex
The hormones produced in the adrenal cortex are important in helping us cope with prolonged or ongoing types of stress, such as the death of a loved one or a traumatic injury or surgery. If these hormones do their job well enough, the situation will be resolved without lasting damage to the body or the mind. However, if the stress-or our perception of intense stress-continues on and on, the adrenal cortex may simply "burn out". There are degrees of adrenal "burn out" beginning with fatigue and blood sugar disorders.
Adrenal Medulla
When the body is (or perceives itself to be) under attack physically or emotionally, the sympathetic nervous system sends "fight" or "flight" signals to the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla responds by pumping its hormones-epinephrine (more commonly known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline)-into the bloodstream in an attempt to enhance and prolong the effects of the neurotransmitters being sent out by the sympathetic nervous system.
These adrenal hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels and dilate the small passageways of the lungs. The results are more oxygen and glucose in the blood and more rapid circulation to the body organs-especially to the brain, the muscles, and the heart. The body is, very quickly, better able to respond to a short-term stressor. The body now has the necessary energy to fight harder, fun faster, be more alert and able to think more quickly and effectively, and even develop an anti-inflammatory response should an injury occur.
The hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla are meant to aid us in coping with short-term stresses. These hormones give us the energy we need in times of emergency but they can be harmful in many ways if we insist on staying at "full alert" all of the time.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The adrenals produce and excrete certain hormones, among which are the body's four major stress hormones: adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA, and norepinephrine. Under circumstances of extreme stress, large amounts of cortisol are released, which can lead to a wide range of health problems.
The highest levels of adrenal hormones are typically released in the morning with the levels becoming a little bit lower as evening approaches. Because the adrenal glands are continually firing when we are awake, it is important that we regularly get a good night's sleep. Adrenal fatigue is always associated with extreme fatigue and the need for naps during the day as the adrenals cry out for frequent periods in which to rest and rebuild.
Some of the functions of adrenal hormones are the metabolism of carbohydrates, the regulation of blood sugar, the maintenance of electrolyte and water balance, the regulation of blood pressure, resistance to stress, and the response of the body to danger. The adrenal glands are absolutely vital to immune system function.
The thyroid and adrenals are closely connected. If one begins to struggle, it can be assumed that the other one will be in trouble very soon.
The cerebellum area of the brain requires dopamine, which is produced in the adrenal glands.
An interesting aspect related specifically to the adrenal glands is that there are 2 of them, one on each kidney. The whole concept of two brings into perspective the need for balance - a balance of not only the physical but also the mental and emotionally aspects of our bodies. The adrenals help produce the "fight or flight" response within us. If they are struggling and out of balance the body may become severely stressed and fatigued. This imbalance certainly gives way to such disorders as chronic fatigue syndrome where the body is exhausted and needs to take the adrenals "offline" in order to rest and recoup. Taking the adrenals offline is the job of the pineal gland.
The pineal gland manages our internal clock. Notice how our ability to obtain restful sleep (to rest and take the adrenals off line) is interwoven with the pineal gland. The pituitary is considered a master gland. It monitors the other glands and makes sure that the appropriate amount of each hormone is produced and released into the blood. These glands work together to produce hormones and almost every cell in your body is affected by them.
ADRENAL FATIGUE (burn-Out)
There are basically 4 ways that adrenal fatigue can manifest.
1) The parasympathetic nervous system has not communicated its "rest and regroup" message to the adrenal glands. The system is still operating on high in every respect.
2) The cortisol levels remain high but parasympathetic nervous signals to the immune system have become confused and the immune system compromised.
3) Cortisol levels (pain relief and anti-inflammation) are low but the nerves are on high alert. The result is inflammation somewhere , or everywhere, and pain.
4) Both the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla are exhausted!
DISEASES
Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, hyperthyroid, hypoglycemia, mononucleosis, pancreatitis, parathyroid problems
SYMPTOMS OF DECREASED FUNCTION
Weakness, lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, aching joints, allergies, blood sugar disorders, a need for frequent naps in the afternoon.
STRESSORS
The every day stresses of life-family, employment, marriage issues, children, prescription and other drugs, traumatic injuries, infections, improper dietary habits, caffeine, carbonated beverages, smoking, lack of relaxation and rest, lack of sleep, lack of exercise or excessive exercise, psychological stress, the death of a loved one.
Our insistence on living in fear, rather than in faith, can damage our adrenals to the point that they are not helping us but are struggling, malfunctioning, and making matters worse. Continually running faster than we have strength also wears on the adrenals.
Managing the stressors in our lives and our responses to them is absolutely critical to our health.
Cortisone therapy, prolonged stress (real or only the result of our perceptions), a traumatic life event poor nutritional habits, the continual consumption of empty carbohydrates and sugar-filled calories, smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, and the consumption of caffeine can result in adrenal fatigue.
VITAMINS-MINERALS-FOODS
Balanced diet, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A, chlorophyll, supplemental minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc
ESSENTIAL OILS
LeEmerge,
LeEndoRelief,
LeEnergy,
LeHeartSong,
LeInsideOut,
LeLife Force,
LeLiteN,
LeRevitalize,
LeTrust,
LeVitality,
basil,
geranium,
nerolina,
nutmeg,
ravensara,
rose,
rosemary,
sage,
spruce,
turmeric
HERBS-SUPPLEMENTS
AD (formerly Adrenal Toner),
BHM (formerly Bone High Mineral),
CF (formerly Chronic Fatigue),
HVC (formerly Honey, Vinegar, and Cayenne),
IBL (formerly Iron Blood),
KNA (formerly Kelp-Nettles-Alfalfa),
MIN (formerly Minerals),
NV (formerly Nervine),
NS (formerly Nerve Special),
NT (formerly Nerve Tonic),
NVC (formerly Children's Nervine),
astragalus,
echinacea,
milk thistle,
devil's claw,
bilberry,
hawthorn,
safflower,
licorice root,
ginseng,
papaya
EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
The adrenal glands are designed to play a lead role in protecting us when we are in real danger. Our daily response to stress determines the amount of work the adrenals are called upon to do each day. The emotions driving our adrenal glands to overwork may include a build-up of tension, the feeling that there is no way we can cope or get everything necessary done, and being overwhelmed by our responsibilities. It makes no difference to the adrenal glands whether or not these stressful feelings are based on reality or are only our perception of events and circumstances.
The adrenals, like the kidneys, are paired organs. This gives us a heads up that we need to maintain balance between work and family, logic and intuition, and our feminine and masculine natures if we wish to avoid excess fear or irrational anxiety.
Pineal
The pineal gland is regarded as one of the most important parts of your endocrine (and nervous) systems. The pineal gland produces several important hormones. The most significant of these is melatonin, a hormone which regulates the sleep cycle as well as other functions of the body which are cyclical in nature. The pineal gland is the body's internal clock for time of day, season of the year, and for the regulation of cycles. The pineal gland controls our sleep patterns and helps us to be alert during the day.
Mercury and other chemicals and toxins can clog the cells of the pineal, affecting night-time sleep patterns and making a person tired and drowsy during the day.
The pineal gland also affects blood pressure, body temperature, motor function, reproduction, collagen, enzymes, and body cycles and rhythms. The pineal affects every other gland as well as the cardiovascular system. Nerve impulses from the pineal gland are fed to the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
The pineal gland is located just behind (posterior to) the thalamus in the brain. The pineal is a small structure, about 6 millimeters long. It sort of resembles a pine cone and that resemblance is responsible for its name.
EMOTIONAL-SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
The pineal gland is referred to in many cultures as "the seat of the soul". The pineal is recognized as the bridge between our physical bodies and the less tangible material of our spirits. It is an antennae with which we tune into the energies of those around us and to the spiritual realm. The pineal is not the only part of our physical body that is so attuned, but it is an important part.
Emotionally, problems in the pineal gland are often associated with the misunderstanding, misuse, or fear of spiritual or intuitive gifts with which one has been blessed. Intuitive gifts are meant to be used with love and patience and they cannot be forced or hurried. There are also some rules that govern their use that must be abided by. Gratitude for them and for the other blessing of one's life are healing and rejuvenating to the pineal gland.
It is my personal belief that we are all born with a great deal of intuition and a desire to understand, even remember, our former, pre-earthly, existence. The pineal gland in a great many people calcifies and ceases to function well before adulthood. Why is this? Perhaps the reasons span the spectrum of physical, emotional, and spiritual attitudes.
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY PINEAL
Light is absolutely essential to the pineal gland. Sunlight, or full-spectrum artificial light, triggers retinal nerve impulses which then stimulate the pineal gland. Good foods, exercise, good mental and emotional practices, gratitude, charity, and acts of faith all stimulate the pineal gland.
DISEASES-SYMPTOMS
Depression, discontent, feelings of self-doubt, sleep disorders, and mood swings
STRESSORS
Mercury from dental fillings, a variety of drugs including cortison therapy, poor nutritional habits, smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, caffeine!
Fluoride in toothpastes and in water hastens the calcification of the pineal. Other things which damage the pineal are carbonated beverages, refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, unhealthy fats, and white flour-all the things that we know we should limit in favor of "real" food. I believe that limiting beliefs, mis-perceptions, negative emotions, lack of exercise to our "spiritual muscles" and lack of gratitude also negatively impact this important gland.
VITAMINS-MINERALS-FOODS
Minerals, whole foods diet, B-Complex, calcium, magnesium
ESSENTIAL OILS
LeAboutFace,
LeBenediction,
LeEZ Traveler,
LeGrace,
LeInner Peace,
LeMeditation,
LeMillenia,
cilantro,
sandalwood,
frankincense
These oils are all high in sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes have a reputation for being able to cross the blood brain barrier. They feed the brain and the pineal gland. There are many essential oils that bring light and life to the pineal. Any oil that lightens your spirit and clears your perspective would also be helpful. Cilantro is good for removing mercury.
HERBS
AD (formerly Adrenal Toner),
KNA (formerly Kelp-Nettles-Alfalfa),
MIN (formerly Minerals),
NV (formerly Nervine),
NS (formerly Nerve Special),
NT (formerly Nerve Tonic),
NVC (formerly Children's Nervine),
alfalfa,
ginseng,
gotu kola,
nettles,
parsley,
passion flower
EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
Problems in the pineal gland are often associated with the misunderstanding, misuse, or fear of spiritual or intuitive gifts with which one has been blessed. Intuitive gifts are meant to be used with love and patience. Their use cannot be forced or hurried. If we have them-and I believe that we all do, to one degree of development or another-they are meant to be used to bless ourselves and others. Their use is part of our personal walk. Gratitude for them and for the other blessings of one's life are healing and rejuvenating to the pineal gland.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Sunlight (or full-spectrum artificial light) triggers retinal nerve impulses which then travel to the pineal gland and on to the other glands in the body.
Pituitary
The pituitary gland is about the size of a grape in an adult and is divided into two lobes. The anterior pituitary is made up of glandular tissue and the posterior pituitary is composed of nervous tissue. Although very small in size, the two lobes of the pituitary gland play many major roles. The pituitary gland is one of the master glands and gives instructions to other glands, telling them how much to produce and how to function optimally. The pituitary gland protects us from fatigue due to mental stress.
Anterior Pituitary
The anterior pituitary produces hormones that communicate with or stimulate the growth of bones and muscles, the mammary glands, the working of the testes or ovaries, the thyroid's many functions, and the adrenal cortex. The hormones of the pituitary are essential to fertility, the maintenance of pregnancy, and promotes lactation. The pituitary also produces estrogen during the menopausal years to prevent they symptoms of menopause.
The anterior pituitary controls the activity of so many other endocrine glands that it has often been referred to as the "master endocrine gland." The removal or destruction of the anterior pituitary glands has drastic and dramatic effects on the body. For starters, the adrenal glands and the thyroid atrophy and the reproductive glands follow very shortly.
Posterior Pituitary
The posterior pituitary is not an endocrine gland in a strict sense because it does not make the hormones it releases. Instead it acts as a storage unit for hormones made by the hypothalamus.
PITUITARY - HYPOTHALMUS RELATIONSHIP
Referring to the pituitary as the "master gland" is not exactly accurate because the release of its hormones is controlled by hormones that are produced in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus also produces two additional hormones, oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone which are stored in the posterior part of the pituitary. More can be learned about the Hypothalmus in the Glandular body systems.
DISEASES-SYMPTOMS
Mental fatigue, trembling, Alzheimer's
STRESSORS
Much the same as the adrenals and thymus
VITAMINS-MINERALS-FOODS
Vitamin E, B-Complex, manganese, selenium, trace minerals, amino acids
ESSENTIAL OILS
LeAboutFace, LeEndoRelief, LeEZ Traveler, LeIQ, LeMillenia, LeRevitalize, LeTransition, frankincense, sandalwood
HERBS
BHM (formerly Bone High Mineral),
HVC (formerly Honey, Vinegar, and Cayenne),
IBL (formerly Iron Blood),
KNA (formerly Kelp-Nettles-Alfalfa),
MH (formerly Men's Herbs),
MW (formerly Mature Women's),
MIN (formerly Minerals),
NV (formerly Nervine),
NS (formerly Nerve Special),
NT (formerly Nerve Tonic),
NVC (formerly Children's Nervine),
YW (formerly Young Women's),
alfalfa,
burdock,
cleavers,
dandelion,
echinacea,
ginseng,
gotu kola,
milk thistle,
nettles,
red clover,
yarrow
EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
The basic emotions demonstrated by an out-of-balance pituitary gland are disconnection between the reality of our physical, material environment and the inner world of the spirit. We may find it difficult to remember, and act as if we remember, that we are all spiritual beings and children of divine parentage.
The pituitary's role in pregnancy and gestation gives it connections to our feelings about our own maternity and our role as mothers.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The pituitary gland produces the hormones that are essential to fertility. It is the pituitary that induces ovulation and maintains pregnancy, controls lactation, and produces estrogen for the prevention of symptoms associated with menopause.
Communications from the pituitary stimulates the thyroid and the adrenal glands, making then an essential part of normal growth patterns, hair growth, and over-all health, to name just a few functions.
The pituitary governs re-absorption in the kidneys and produces oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contraction during labor and promotes uterine tone at other times. Nursing stimulates the pituitary.