Why are hormones not continuously secreted?
Like all endocrine cells, cells in enteric endocrine system do not simply secrete their hormone continuously, which would not be very useful as a control system. Rather, they secrete hormones in response to fairly specific stimuli and stop secreting their hormone when those stimuli are no longer present.
What maintains hormone levels in the blood?
During hormone regulation, hormones are released, either directly by an endocrine gland or indirectly through the action of the hypothalamus of the brain, which stimulates other endocrine glands to release hormones in order to maintain homeostasis.
Why is it that some hormones are very specific as to which cells they affect and other hormones have a very general effect on many target organs?
However, a given hormone usually affects only a limited number of cells, which are called target cells. A target cell responds to a hormone because it bears receptors for the hormone. In very basic terms, binding of hormone to receptor triggers a cascade of reactions within the cell that affects function.
Why are hormones effective in low concentration?
There are several reasons why endogenous hormones are able to act at such low circulating concentrations: 1) the receptors specific for the hormone have such high affinity that they can bind sufficient molecules of the hormone to trigger a response, 2) there is a nonlinear relationship between hormone concentration and …
What is the key female hormone?
The two main female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Although testosterone is considered a male hormone, females also produce and need a small amount of this, too.
Is it good to have high testosterone?
Better libido Men with higher levels of testosterone usually have greater sexual activity. Older men need more testosterone for libido and erectile function. But it’s important to note that erectile dysfunction is often due to other conditions or medications rather than low testosterone levels.
How high is too high testosterone?
Abnormally high testosterone levels are also known as hypergonadism. If you are male, your doctor may consider your testosterone levels too high if: Total testosterone level is above 950 ng/dL. Free testosterone level is above 30 ng/dL.