Hormonal regulation is the process by which the body controls and regulates its functions and processes with the help of hormones, which are biologically active substances secreted by the endocrine glands and influencing metabolism, growth, development, behavior and other processes in the body.
Hormones can be both positive and negative for the body. For example, growth hormone stimulates the growth and development of the body, while stress hormone, on the contrary, can lead to the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Regulation of vital activity with the help of hormones is carried out at all levels of the body, from the cellular to the whole organism. Hormones can influence gene activity, protein synthesis, metabolism, circulation, the immune system and other processes.
One of the main mechanisms of hormonal regulation is feedback. This means that hormones secreted by glands can affect the same glands, stimulating or inhibiting their activity. For example, if blood glucose levels increase, the hypothalamus releases a hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone, which leads to an increase in metabolic rate and a decrease in glucose levels.
In general, hormonal regulation plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis - the balance of the body's internal environment necessary to maintain life. Understanding the mechanisms of hormonal regulation and its disorders can help in the development of new treatments for many diseases.