Oversecration And Undersecration Of Hormones In Humans - SS3 Biology Lesson Note

Both over secretion (hypersecretion) and under secretion (hyposecretion) of hormones in humans can lead to significant physiological and health consequences. Here's an overview of the effects of over secretion and under secretion for a few important hormones:

1.       Insulin:

·         Hypersecretion: Excessive insulin secretion can result in hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.

·         Hyposecretion: Insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance can cause hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), leading to the development of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder.

2.       Growth Hormone (GH):

·         Hypersecretion: Excess GH secretion in children can cause gigantism, leading to excessive growth in height and overall body size. In adults, it can result in acromegaly, characterized by overgrowth of bones, enlarged organs, and distinctive facial features.

·         Hyposecretion: Insufficient GH secretion during childhood can lead to growth hormone deficiency, resulting in stunted growth and short stature if left untreated.

3.       Thyroid Hormones (T3 and T4):

·         Hypersecretion: Excessive production of thyroid hormones can lead to hyperthyroidism. Symptoms may include weight loss, increased heart rate, tremors, anxiety, and heat intolerance.

·         Hyposecretion: Insufficient thyroid hormone production can result in hypothyroidism, which causes fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, and impaired cognitive function.

4.       Cortisol:

·         Hypersecretion: Overproduction of cortisol, as seen in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, can lead to weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, mood swings, and increased susceptibility to infections.

·         Hyposecretion: Inadequate cortisol production, such as in Addison's disease, can cause fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and impaired stress response.

These examples highlight the significance of maintaining proper hormone balance for optimal health and functioning. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by various factors, including genetic conditions, tumours, autoimmune disorders, or dysfunction of the glands that produce the hormones. Treatment approaches may involve hormone replacement therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgical interventions, depending on the specific hormone and underlying cause of the imbalance.