Secretagogues_ A Guide to Hormone Regulation in the Body
Have you ever wondered what triggers glands underperforming in hormonal secretion to start producing what is required by the body?
The simple answer to that is secretagogues. Secretagogues are synthesized substances that stimulate cells and glands to release hormones and other substances that play vital roles in body functionality.
Medical practitioners have adopted secretagogues for centuries to treat various ailments and deficiencies. In some cases, secretagogues have been used to handle digestive issues, diabetes, improper growth development, and many others.
This article will cover secretagogues’ roles and how this improves the quality of life.
What Are The Different Types Of Secretagogues?
Secretagogues are used to remedy different medical conditions. Some of the available secretagogues include the following:
Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHS)
Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate the pituitary glands to produce and secrete the growth hormone (GH). The growth hormone is responsible for the development of the body and other physiological activities like building and maintaining healthy bones, regulating the body’s metabolism, tissue repair, growth, etc.
The growth hormone secretagogues trigger growth and other additional activities by mimicking the Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones (GHRH). GHS substances include ghrelin (hunger hormones) that pair with GHSs to trigger growth and GHRPs (growth hormone-releasing peptides).
Apart from taking care of GH deficiency that could lead to a short stature, amongst other things, GHSs is so used by people looking to build up their body mass and as an anti-aging substance.
Insulin Secretagogues
Insulin secretagogues are substances used to incite the pancreas to produce more insulin for secretion. The different types of insulin secretagogues are DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and more.
They are used to break down or trigger hormones to produce the insulin needed for treating type 2 diabetes.
The Secretagogues have to be paired with other substances to function correctly. It is usually administered orally or via injections. One of the drugs commonly paired with Insulin secretagogues is Metformin.
Aldosterone Secretagogues
Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland to control the body’s blood pressure and balance out free electrolytes. The electrolytes that need to be balanced are sodium and potassium, and the Secretagogues help to stimulate the production and release of Aldosterone for that purpose.
These secretagogues treat Aldosterone deficiency and aldosteronism (when the adrenal gland over secretes Aldosterone). The commonly used Aldosterone secretagogues are canrenone and spironolactone, which are often combined with other substances to boost results.
Neurotransmitters Secretagogues
Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers that allow neurons to transmit signals between one another or cells in the muscles. These signals are responsible for mood swings, memory, and behavioral patterns related to core brain functions.
The brain has tons of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, all released by amphetamines that help it function properly.
In cases where the body is lagging in releasing neurotransmitters, secretagogues help to stimulate proper secretion of the neurotransmitters mentioned earlier and more for optimal brain functions.
However, the Secretagogues also help to inhibit the production and secretion of neurotransmitters when in situations where the body is overproducing them.
Apart from treating issues relating to improper secretion, neurotransmitter secretagogues are used to handle other medical conditions. The conditions include anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc.
What Are The Uses Of Secretagogues?
Secretagogues are often used to treat abnormal or insufficient secretion of hormones or other substances. Some examples of cases secretagogues can be used for include:
Treatment of Hormone Deficiencies
Secretagogues are remedies used to stimulate endocrine glands to release or inhibit hormone production in the body.
The most common issues secretagogues are used to remedy include growth hormone imbalance, thyrotropin deficiency, and other hormonal problems.
Weight Loss and Muscle Building
Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that this works, many individuals use secretagogues to lose weight and build muscles.
The common reason why most people believe that secretagogues are bound to help in this situation is because of their ability to trigger growth hormones.
Improvement of Cognitive Function
Occasionally, secretagogues treat illnesses that affect one’s cognitive ability. Common among these illnesses is Alzheimer’s Disease which is when the brain’s ability to retain memories is poor and non-existent.
One of the substances that are believed to remedy cognitive issues is Huperzine A.
Treatment of anxiety and depression
Some secretagogues are believed to have antidepressant properties, like the ghrelin growth hormone.
Neurokinin B has also been considered an option for treating clinical anxiety and depression. However, no thorough and conclusive research on this treatment option has been considered.
How Do Secretagogues Work?
Secretagogues are synthetic substances that stimulate hormones to be produced and released from the organs. They also occur in some naturally occurring substances. Secretagogues perform their function by activating the signal pathways (cells) that cause secretion in an organ.
For instance, secretagogues trigger the pancreas to release insulin for blood sugar and glucose homeostasis regulation.
Additionally, it stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormones and the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.
Risks and Side Effects Associated With Using Secretagogues
Several risks and side effects could arise from using Secretagogues as a remedy for hormonal imbalances and other medical ailments. The potential risks include:
- Insulin secretagogues could trigger low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if taken carelessly or paired with an improper diet.
- Insulin secretagogues cause an increase in the patient’s appetite, and the rate at which fats are broken down is reduced. This situation usually leads to weight gain.
- Some secretagogues may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.
- Being placed on secretagogue medication could cause allergies like rashes, swelling, etc.
- One of the issues associated with secretagogue intake is fluid retention. Fluids get stored in some parts of the leg.
- The Secretagogue could ultimately lead to an over-secretion of the intended hormone, leading to other problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, secretagogues are supplements that are presumed to enhance the production and release of hormones in the human body.
Some of these hormones include the growth hormone, which plays a vital role in the growth and development of body parts. The pituitary gland produces this particular hormone. It is just one of the other glands that can be stimulated to perform better.
Secretagogues are also considered one of the ways to improve the body’s overall performance, increase muscle mass, and reduce the signs of aging.
However, outside hormonal stimulation secretagogues have not been scientifically proven to provide a remedy for these other conditions. However, the best way to use Secretagogue is to seek professional advice from a certified medical practitioner.
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