• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) causes the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone controls the basal metabolic rate and plays an important role in growth and maturation. Thyroid hormones affect almost every organ in the body.
  • Growth Hormone (GH) regulates growth and metabolism.
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) triggers the adrenals to release the hormone cortisol, which regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and blood pressure. The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and are also responsible for the body’s fight or flight response.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) control the production of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and sperm and egg maturation and release.
  • Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) regulates the production of melanin, a dark pigment, by melanocytes in the skin. Increased melanin production produces pigmentation or tanning of the skin; in certain conditions excessive production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone can cause darkening of the skin.
  • Prolactin (PRL) stimulates production of breast milk and is necessary for normal milk production during breast feeding.