Instructor: Linda Bazinet BSc, MSc

In this seven module course, we will focus on hormones and their role in health and disease. Hormones are important in controlling all body activities including growth, metabolism, coping with stress, sleep cycles, digestion and reproduction. Some hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, melatonin and DHEA are commonly supplemented while others can be stimulated by appropriate nutrition. Many diseases are directly or indirectly affected by hormones including diabetes, hypo/hyperthyroidism, osteoporosis as well as the growth of cancers such as breast and prostate. Other topics covered include ketogenic diets, environmental estrogens, PMS, menopause, BPH, and appetite regulation by leptin and ghrelin.

FORMAT: Self-Directed
MODULES: 7 
DATES: Any day
TIME: Any time
PRE-REQUISITE: Human Anatomy & Physiology HAP01 or Equivalent
REQUIRED TEXT: Endocrine Harmony by David W. Rowland
FEE: $550 + HST
REQUIRED DIGITAL COURSE NOTES: $30 + GST

UNIT 1
MAIN CONCEPT: Introduction + Pituitary Hormones
Define hormone; Describe difference between local and general hormones; List the roles of the pituitary hormones (Growth Hormone, ADH, Oxytocin, Prolactin); Describe how their secretion is regulated; Discuss the benefits/risks of supplementing with GH

UNIT 2
MAIN CONCEPT: Thyroid Metabolic Hormones + Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism
Understand the thyroid metabolic hormones (TSH, Thyroxine, Triiodo thyroxine); Describe how thyroid hormone is synthesized; Describe how TSH controls T3/T4 secretion; List several roles of the thyroid hormone; Describe symptoms of hyper and hypothyroidism; Describe the importance of calcium regulation; List the roles of parathyroid hormone and calcitonin; List risk factors for osteoporosis

UNIT 3
MAIN CONCEPT: Adrenocortical Hormones + The Adrenal Medulla
Describe the roles of aldosterone and cortisol; Describe symptoms and treatment of adrenal fatigue; Discuss the benefits of supplementing with DHEA; Describe the roles of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the fight or flight response

UNIT 4
MAIN CONCEPT: The Pineal Gland and Melatonin + Pancreatic Hormones
List the roles of melatonin; Discuss natural ways to increase melatonin and the supplementation benefits; Describe the roles of insulin and glucagon on metabolism; Describe the metabolic effects of ketogenic diets; Describe short-term and long-term symptoms of diabetes mellites

UNIT 5
MAIN CONCEPT: Gastrointestinal Hormones + Male Reproductive Hormones
List the roles of Cholecystokinin, gastrin and secretin; Describe sperm formation; List the roles of testosterone; Infertility; Discuss risk factors, symptoms and treatments for BPH and prostate cancer

UNIT 6
MAIN CONCEPT: Female Reproductive Hormones + Environmental Hormones
Describe the roles of estrogen/progesterone; Describe oogenesis and stages of the menstrual cycle; Describe types of PMS and possible treatments; Describe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); Describe changes that occur during menopause; List sources and health effects of environmental hormones

UNIT 7
MAIN CONCEPT: Appetite and Energy Balance
List roles of leptin and ghrelin

ACCESS TO MATERIAL WILL BE ON THE PLATFORM:

— A copy of the complete course outline with all test and assignment requirements
— A copy of our Waiver to sign and upload before beginning
— Digital Course Notes/Power Point Presentations are part of the platform
— You will have access to the material for 1 year from your registration date