GnRH

released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary

TRH

released by the hypothalamus
stimulates the release of thyrotropin from the anterior pituitary

GHIH
(GIH or somatostatin)

released by the hypothalamus

inhibits the release of growth hormone from the anterior pitiuitary

CRH

released by the hypothalamus

stimulates the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary

GHRH

released by the hypothalamus

stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary

PIH

(dopamine)

released by the hypothalamus

inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary

PRH

released by the hypothalamus

stimulates the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary

FSH

released by the anterior pituitary

a gonadotropin

causes development of gametes (eggs & sperm) in the gonads

LH

released by the anterior pituitary

a gonadotropin

causes estrogen/progesterone or testosterone secretion in the gonads

growth hormone (GH)

somatotropin

released by the anterior pituitary

causes cell division & protein synthesis in most cells

TSH

thyrotropin

released by the anterior pituitary

stimulates the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4

Prolactin

released by the anterior pituitary

causes milk production in the breast

ACTH

released by the anterior pituitary

causes the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol/corticosterone

ADH

vasopressin

released by the posterior pituitary

targets the kidney to conserve water

causes vasoconstriction in vessels

oxytocin

released by the posterior pituitary

causes breast milk letdown

increases trust and bonding

triiodothyronine (T3)

tetraiodothyronine (T4)

released by the thyroid

increase metabolic rate in most tissues

calcitonin

released by the thyroid

lowers blood calcium levels by increasing Ca++ storage in bone mass

PTH

released by the parathyroid glands

increases blood calcium levels by breaking down bone mass

insulin

released by the pancreas

decreases blood glucose level by allowing cells to uptake glucose and stimulating glycogenesis

glucagon

released by the pancreas

increases blood glucose level (and other nutrients) by stimulating glycogenolysis, lipolysis, gluconeogenesis

somatostatin

released by the pancreas

inhibits insulin and glucagon release

androgens

(testosterone, DHT, androstenedione)

released by the testes

responsible for male secondary sex characteristics, sex drive, and triggering spermatogenesis

inhibin

released by the testes and ovaries

responsible for inhibiting FSH, and therefore inhibiting spermatogenesis & oogenesis

mullerian-inhibiting hormone

released by the embryonic developing testes

causes disintegration of female reproductive ducts

estrogens

released by the ovaries

responsible for female secondary sex characteristics, triggering oogenesis

progesterone

released by the ovaries

maintains and prepares the lining of the uterus for a pregnancy

relaxin

released by the ovaries

loosens connective tissue and muscle during childbirth

aldosterone

released by the adrenal cortex

a mineralcorticoid

causes Na⁺ retention (and K⁺/H⁺ secretion) at the kidney

cortisol; corticosterone

released by the adrenal cortex

a glucocorticoid

increases blood glucose level (and other nutrients) by stimulating glycogenolysis, lipolysis, gluconeogenesis

adapts body for stress; anti-inflammatory

DHEA & androstenedione

released by the adrenal cortex

responsible in part for the sex drive in women

epinephrine & norepinephrine

released by the adrenal medulla

enhances and prolongs the fight or flight response

increases blood glucose level (and other nutrients) by stimulating glycogenolysis, lipolysis, gluconeogenesis; increases skeletal muscle metabolism