Archives for June 2016

Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in childbirth and lactation. Here, HRT expert Marla Ahlgrimm touches on a few key points regarding this reproductive hormone.

Q: What does oxytocin do?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Produced by the hypothalamus, oxytocin is secreted by the pituitary gland during childbirth. It is the hormone responsible for signaling the womb to begin having contractions during labor. When oxytocin is released, the uterine muscles contract and prostaglandin production is increased, moving labor along and intensifying contractions.

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Cortisol, though commonly referred to as the “stress hormone,” is vital to every system in the body, says women’s healthcare expert Marla Ahlgrimm. Understanding cortisol’s effect on the body is an important step in maintaining good health.

Q: What is cortisol?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Cortisol is a steroidal hormone released by the adrenal glands. Cortisol secretion is controlled by the pituitary and adrenal glands and the hypothalamus. Most every cell in the body has a cortisol receptor, meaning that high or low cortisol levels can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health.

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The thyroid gland plays a major role when it comes to hormone health, says retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. It controls and produces many hormones that affect our daily lives. Calcitonin is one of these, but it is a hormone that remains shrouded in mystery.

Q: What is calcitonin?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Calcitonin is a hormone that originates in the thyroid gland. It is produced by the C-cells and suppresses the parathyroid hormone, which helps to regulate phosphate and calcium levels in the blood.

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