According to the American Thyroid Association, the thyroid gland receives signals to increase or decrease hormone production based on the levels of hormones circulating in the blood. If there aren't enough thyroid hormones in the blood, your...
Acne is a common condition normally associated with inflammation triggered by the combined effects of P. acnes bacteria, clogged pores and excessive oil production in your skin's sebaceous glands. In some cases, you may develop acne as a result of...
You may see several aloe vera plant products in your health food store including aloe vera gel for sunburns and aloe vera juice to drink. Aloe vera has traditionally been used to heal skin disorders and constipation. In addition to these uses,...
Many mothers struggle with the decision to stop breastfeeding, while others find their babies weaned naturally. Mothers commonly worry about feeding their babies too long or not long enough. La Leche League International points out that American...
Insulin is a metabolic hormone that signals your cells when blood sugar, or glucose, is present in the bloodstream. Insulin normally triggers cells to absorb glucose. If there is not an excess of glucose, glucose serves exclusively as an energy...
Sleep is important for teens' overall well-being, as it helps them eat well and lower their stress. Most teens require about 9.25 hours of sleep per day, but only 15 percent of them get that, says the National Sleep Foundation. Many teens suffer...
The endocrine system releases hormones that control physiological processes throughout the body. Disease and aging break down this system, creating hormonal deficiencies. Prescription medications and nutritional supplements can help rectify these...
Leptin is a hormone thought to be important in satiety -- it helps to tell the brain when the body has enough stored fat and results in hunger suppression. Researchers believe that leptin levels are directly linked to obesity and several weight...
If you've read about the role the hormone leptin plays in weight loss, you might want to try the Slender Wonder Diet to see if the program will support your weight-loss goals. The Slender Wonder medical weight loss program claims to help you lose...
Testosterone, an important steroid hormone, influences sexual functioning, reproduction, muscle and tissue growth; and other biological processes in males and females. In many respects, testosterone lays the foundation of male physiology....
Ashwagandha, traditionally called Withania somnifera Dunal in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, is an adaptogen herb that is commonly used to treat anxiety and promote vitality. Low in calories and generally nonreactive to your body's fat-burning...
Under-eye bags are essentially a beauty dilemma and not a medical concern, according to the Mayo Clinic. The mild swelling, puffiness and possible dark circles associated with under-eye bags can make you look tired and older than your years....
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Almost all of the body's calcium, 99 percent, is found in the bones and teeth. The other 1 percent is in the blood and soft tissues. If calcium levels get too low, the body will pull calcium from...
Fad diets have a way of evolving over time, particularly in the Internet age. The HCG diet is a prime example. The dubious claims and simple structure of the original diet have been modified by a host of new Web sites cashing in on the trend. The...
The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness. It results from a genetically inherited trait that makes the hair follicles susceptible to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT causes the...
Tamoxifen is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent estrogen positive breast cancers. It is part of the class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators. The side effects of tamoxifen are hot flashes, blood clots and uterine...
A hormone imbalance can cause a range of symptoms from insulin resistance to hair loss to infertility, explains MayoClinic.com. While you cannot control the genetic factors, you can reduce your risk of developing a hormone issue through proper...
Steroids are synthetically produced hormones that work basically the same as natural hormones produced by the body. The type of hormone a steroid resembles will determine how it affects the body. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of...
OVERVIEW DHEA (Dihydroepiandosterone) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands and is sometimes referred to as the "Mother Hormone," as it is the precursor to the other reproductive and adrenal hormones. SIGNIFICANCE DHEA is...
Lifting weights is one of the best ways to strengthen your bones and muscles and promote growth in both your muscular strength and muscle mass. A committed weightlifting regimen can cause sweeping changes that affect both your physique, your...
Prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing from of cancer that originates in the prostate, a gland responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Staging follows along the same lines as any other form of the disease, ranging from stage I to...
Humans have two adrenal glands, one atop each kidney. Each gland's small size --- 3 by 1/2 inches -- belies its essential role in making hormones critical to basic physiological functions such as exercise. Diseases that stop or reduce the...
Speed up your metabolism to burn more calories. You can try diet pills, but aerobic exercise and strength training work better. There is no magic way to lose weight. To shed unwanted pounds you must burn more calories than you eat every day. Use...
If you don't eat fruits or vegetables, you are missing out on delicious and nutrient-rich food option. Artificial flavorings cannot duplicate the sweet delicious tastes that fruits offer. Many vegetables such as onions and garlic are essential...
When a girl reaches puberty during her teen years, her breasts will begin to develop. For some, they will grow quickly, to large sizes---whereas for others, the rate of development may well be far less satisfactory. The basic premise for natural...
The adrenal glands are located on top of each of the kidneys and serve a variety of functions in the human body. The adrenal cortex releases products like the aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), cortisol (glucocorticoid), dehydroepiandrosterone...
Nolvadex is the brand name for the prescription drug tamoxifen. It is used to prevent hormone-receptor positive breast cancers in women who are at risk. Nolvadex attaches to estrogen receptors in the body but does not stimulate them. This allows...
Dopamine levels refer to the amount of dopamine in the body. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and, in the brain, activates dopamine receptors and is involved in 'rewarding feelings' and addiction. Dopamine is also a neurohormone released by the...
The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, is a part of the body's endocrine system and helps to regulate metabolism. The thyroid produces hormones that are critical to the healthy functioning of the cardiac, respiratory...
