Are hormones proving hard to remember?
This post has mnemonics for hormones from the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, thyroid gland, adrenal cortex and beyond.
Learn easy ways to study and retain more.
Anterior Pituitary Hormones Mnemonic
The anterior pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” and secretes several hormones in response to the hypothalamus.
The mnemonic ‘FLAT PeG’ can help you remember these hormones.
‘FLAT PeG’ is an acronym for Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Prolactin, Endorphins, and Growth hormone (GH).
These hormones are involved in the body’s regulatory systems.
Each of these hormones has a unique function. FSH is for reproductive processes, female menstrual cycles and male development. LH is for ovulation in females and testosterone in males.
ACTH tells the adrenal glands to release corticosteroids for stress response and metabolism. TSH tells the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 for metabolism.
Prolactin is for milk production in the mammary glands in postpartum women.
Endorphins are natural painkillers and GH is for overall growth by cell reproduction and regeneration.
Breaking down ‘FLAT PeG’ shows how each hormone is involved in bodily functions, so this is a great mnemonic for the anterior pituitary hormones.
Posterior Pituitary Hormones
The posterior pituitary hormones are ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin. Fewer in number but equally important.
The mnemonics ‘Pee Pee Ox’ and ‘Anti-OXidant’ will help you remember their functions.
‘Pee Pee Ox’ is easy. ADH helps the kidneys manage water balance, prevent excessive urination.
Oxytocin is for social bonding, childbirth and lactation.
‘Anti-OXidant’ simplifies it further by linking ‘Anti’ to ADH and ‘OX’ to Oxytocin, so you can remember their functions in a snap.
Easy, Right ?
I’m sure these mnemonics will make it easy for you to remember the functions of the posterior pituitary hormones.
Thyroid Gland Hormones Mnemonics
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism with the help of mnemonics.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) tells the thyroid to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The mnemonic ‘TSH stimulates T3 and T4 production’ will help you remember this.
Triiodothyronine has three and Thyroxine has four, helps you differentiate T3 and T4 based on iodine atoms, T3 is the active hormone and T4 is the inactive form converted into T3, both are tyrosine derivative hormones.
A simpler mnemonic is ‘T3 and T4 are Three and Four letters.
These mnemonics will help you remember thyroid hormones functions and characteristics in a snap.
Adrenal Cortex Layers and Their Hormones
The adrenal cortex has three layers, each producing different hormones.
The mnemonic ‘The deeper you go, the sweeter it gets’ will help you remember these layers and their functions.
The outermost layer, zona glomerulosa, produces mineralocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones, like aldosterone, for sodium and potassium balance.
Zona fasciculata produces cortisol for glucose metabolism and stress response.
The innermost layer, zona reticularis, produces weak androgens like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for secondary sexual characteristics.
‘The deeper you go, the sweeter it gets’ will help you remember the order and functions of these layers.
This makes sense of how the adrenal cortex maintains homeostasis and responds to stress and makes sense of adrenal insufficiency and adrenal gland functions.
Glucagon Mnemonic
Glucagon regulates blood glucose levels especially during fasting. The mnemonic ‘GLUCose is GONe’ sums it up.
When blood glucose falls, glucagon tells the liver to release stored glucose.
This mnemonic will help you remember glucagon raises blood sugar when low.
Progesterone Mnemonic
Progesterone is for fertility and pregnancy. The mnemonic ‘FLAG TOP’ will help you remember its functions, each letter represents a function of progesterone.
Progesterone thickens the endometrium for implantation, supports pregnancy by increasing cervical mucus production, relaxes uterine muscles.
It also reduces sensitivity to oxytocin to prevent premature contractions.
Progesterone develops endometrial spiral arteries and regulates body temperature for a successful pregnancy.
‘FLAG TOP’ will help you remember progesterone’s role in reproductive health.
High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis Causes
High anion gap metabolic acidosis is life threatening so you must know the causes.
The MUDPILES acronym stands for:
- Methanol
- Uremia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Propylene glycol
- Isoniazid
- Iron
- Lactic acidosis
- Ethylene glycol
- Salicylates
Each of these is a cause.
Knowing these causes is key to diagnosing and treating metabolic acidosis so the MUDPILES mnemonic is a lifesaver for healthcare professionals.
More Endocrine System Mnemonics
Finally, here are a few more endocrine system mnemonics.
Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands in response to suckling. Growth hormone (GH) is for cell reproduction, regeneration and growth.
Sometimes conditions like insulinomas in MEN1 syndrome have ectopic pancreatic tissue so endocrine disorders can be complicated.
A simple way to remember the order of the adrenal cortex layers is the phrase ‘Salt, Sugar, Sex’ which corresponds to zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis.
These additional mnemonics will give you a complete understanding of the endocrine system.
Wrap Up
Mnemonics are powerful things that can turn the daunting task of memorizing hormone functions into a fun and doable task.
From anterior and posterior pituitary hormones to the layers of the adrenal cortex and beyond.
Use these mnemonics and you will learn hormone functions faster and better.
