Endo Code M

Through the blood, hormones interact with cells by binding to special proteins called receptors. The binding is specific, like a key in a lock. When enough binding sites are occupied, a message is passed on to the target cell nucleus, unmasking genetic informa- tion and resulting in physiological reactions ultimately responsible for stimulating or regulating proper metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behaviour. Hormones are released into the blood in very small amounts. Their levels are controlled by the rate of release and the rate of degradation, usually by the liver or kidneys. Timing of hormone release is critical for normal function. This is especially true during fetal development. Precise hormone control is important, as too much or too little at the wrong time can result in dysfunction of one or more body systems.

The complexity of the endocrine system and its hormonal messengers provides practitioners with a multitude of challenges when imbalances present themselves. The rapidly increasing array of xenobiotic influences are central to endocrine and hormone disruption. These, and many other factors, contribute to overwhelm- ing stress on this primary governing system of the body leading to insufficiencies, and ultimately, shut down.