COURSE VIII: Endocrine System Bundle

The introductory lesson offers an overview of the body’s endocrine system. The central regulatory role of the hypothalamic-pituitary is touched on, and we look at the fascinating embryology of this critical junction between the nervous and endocrine systems. Resources for self-directed learning are then shared.

Resources are then shared to guide self-study on the function and anatomy of the female and male reproductive system. However, before launching into the detail we take a moment to marvel at the wondrous and sacred capacity, through union, to create new life.

The introduction to the urinary system starts by contemplating a more nuanced and energetic appreciation of our kidneys passed on through the ancient Daoist system. We are then guided through the resources for self study. The review highlights key aspects of the kidneys’ biological role, then focusing in detail on useful laboratory assessments of renal function – both from a urinary dipstick and blood parameters. The lesson closes looking at stages of renal failure, unfortunately common in the postmodern body, and considers the underlying drivers.

We then takes a deep dive into this core hormonal axis running from the delicate interface of the hypothalamus and pituitary deep inside the brain, to the adrenals – the HPA axis. We first look at the neural connections that feed into the hypothalamus, then turn attention to the tiny adrenal glands generating a range of hormones that tune our circadian rhythm, our stress response, our capacity to calm and restore. The adrenal hormones are all manufactured from cholesterol, so we pause to look at the cellular pathways for cholesterol production, a precursor for so many critical biochemicals. Cortisol then becomes the focus as we seek to decipher its purpose, looking at many complex and sometimes seemingly conflicted actions on the body’s systems. Finally, states of both cortisol excess and depletion are considered, their clinical presentation and underlying drivers.