Understanding Hormones Part 3

Today, we will review the first few phases of the hormonal pathway.  I'll keep this as simple as possible:

The journey begins in your brain. You might have heard of the words 'serotonin, acetylcholine or dopamine' (no...that's not the dope sitting next to you!).  These are better known as neurotransmitters. 

(think radio or television wave transmission, but in your body!).

These neurotransmitters send out signals to a gland known as the hypothalamus to 'wake up and get movin'.  Just like the old game of 'telephone', the hypothalamus then sends a signal down to the pituatary gland to get movin' and groovin'.
The pituitary gets its act together and then sends signals to glands such as the thyroid or testes. These glands will will interpret the signals and tell its hormone (or hormones) to 'do their thing'.  This typically means they will direct a binding transport protein that will help the hormone travel to its final destination.

Whatever isn't used from the particular hormone goes to the liver and/or gallbladder, for waste management. It is eventually disposed of via the feces.
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  did you know that the body can convert hormones into new types of molecules?  For example, testosterone can be converted into estrogen!  Pretty cool stuff, huh?  Tomorrow, we will continue our journey along the hormonal pathway, so stay tuned for more!