The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones, which act as chemical messengers to other organs when released into the bloodstream. Similar to the role of neurotransmitters (pictured above) that do not transmit signals through the bloodstream, two hormones, adrenaline and dopamine, also act as neurotransmitters, hence the graphic to illustrate cellular communication via chemical messengers.
The major endocrine system glands, hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, and pancreas, regulate the following body functions:
- Metabolism
- Growth and development
- Sexual function and reproduction
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Appetite
- Sleeping and waking cycles
- Body temperature
Each regulatory action is controlled by individual hormones, such as the following:
- Adrenaline
- Aldosterone
- Cortisol
- Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA)
- Estrogen
- Follicle stimulating hormone
- Glucagon
- Insulin
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Melatonin
- Oxytocin
- Parathyroid hormone
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Testosterone
- Thyroid hormone
Many conditions, often chronic due to the slower action of hormones versus neurotransmitters, either overproduce (hyper) or under produce (hypo) a particular hormone. Due to the more complex nature of female reproductive organs, more hormones are required to support reproductive functions, and incidence of imbalance is greater, resulting in clinical symptoms. One of these increasingly prevalent conditions, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) creates many problems. It can initiate diabetes at a young age, cause infertility, cause growth of unwanted hair, cause weight gain, headaches, and devastating mental health and relational problems.
The endocrine system is complex and ever changing due to its function as a regulator. Therefore, it is important to understand how the problem manifests itself, e.g., does is occur during menstruation, has menopause started, did pregnancy occur, and etc. Based on expectations of how the hormones should be responding to a current physiological state, the Bicom Optima 34 can test for an overabundance or deficiency in all the major hormones listed above, identify the stressed gland or system component, and indicate the stressor so that a targeted treatment approach can be implemented to restore balance and initiate recover. Bicom Optima 34 therapies are a gentle and safe approach that restore hormonal balance and allow the body to heal itself.
