Hormones are chemicals produced and secreted by endocrine glands. They are released directly into the bloodstream which then transports them to their target sites or organs. Once the hormones reach their target organs, they stimulate them to take specific actions. They help control body processes such as blood pressure and glucose levels in the blood.The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains that small amounts of hormones cause large responses in the body. Hormonal imbalances happen when hormones are over-produced or under-produced.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. When blood flows through the arteries, it pushes against the arterial wall with a certain amount of force called blood pressure. When this force is high, high blood pressure occurs. Several hormonal imbalance disorders have high blood pressure as a symptom. Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma are two such hormonal disorders.
Pheochromocytoma are tumors that develop in the adrenal glands. They stimulate the adrenal glands to overproduce catecholamines. Catecholamines such as epinephrine are hormones that regulate blood pressure and heart rate. When they are overproduced, blood pressure and heart rate go up.
Cushings's syndrome is caused by elevated cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands as well. It regulates many functions in the body including blood pressure. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains that excess cortisol leads to elevated blood pressure over time.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a sign of Cushing's syndrome and hypothroidism. In hypothyroidism, there is insufficient production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the rate at which various functions occur in the body. Thyroid hormones regulate growth, skin maintenance, respiratory rate, heart rate, digestion, heat production and the rate at which the body burns calories. In hypothyroidism, these functions occur at a slow rate.
Weight gain in Cushing's syndrome occurs in a particular fashion. MayoClinic.com reports that in this hormonal disorder, weight gain occurs around the stomach area and in the upper part of the back.
High Blood Glucose
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. It transports glucose from the bloodstream to the cells where they are used for growth and energy production. Glucose is produced from food that a person consumes. In the absence of insulin, glucose produced by the body after a meal stays in the blood. This leads to increased levels of glucose in the blood. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse explains that type I diabetes is a hormonal disorder in which the body produces little to no insulin. It is characterized by high blood glucose levels.
