What Are Activin and Inhibin Hormones?

Two Important Hormones You Probably Never Heard of Activin and Inhibin

The Pituitary gland is known as the “master gland” in the human body. It is given this la-bel because it coordinates the release and synthesis of a multitude of hormones. Oxyto-cin and vasopressin are stored in the anterior pituitary, while ACTH, activin, endorphins, FSH, growth hormone, inhibin, LH, MSH, prolactin, and TSH are stored in the posterior pituitary gland. 

The Pituitary gland is known as the “master gland” in the human body. It is given this label because it coordinates the release and synthesis of a multitude of hormones. Oxytocin and vasopressin are stored in the anterior pituitary, while ACTH, activin, endorphins, FSH, growth hormone, inhibin, LH, MSH, prolactin, and TSH are stored in the posterior pituitary gland. 

Two hormones that are extremely important for establishing balance and homeostasis in our bodies are activin and inhibin. They have an enormous influence on our state of health and well-being and play critical roles in the function of many of our organs. Activin and inhibin have closely related protein complexes, and they directly influence each other. When one is low, the other will be high. If inhibin is high, then activin is usually low. In the case of FSH synthesis, activin enhances FSH synthesis, while inhibin decreases FSH synthesis. 

Activin plays a significant role in menopause as it increases FSH. When activin is high, and inhibin is low, this can contribute to many uncomfortable peri-menopausal symptoms. Activin has an important role in fertility by increasing FSH and LH synthesis and enhancing spermatogenesis in Men. FSH determines ovulation and the maturation of sperm. LH stimulates the ovaries to release an egg and the production of testosterone in the testes. 

Activin and inhibin influence gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, HCG, and progesterone. High inhibin A has been associated with low birth weight and limited growth of the fetus during pregnancy. Activin and inhibin are important hormones that should not be overlooked when assessing fertility in Men and Women. 

Activin influences collagen and skin repair. It regulates tissues structures in the prostate, lungs, and kidneys. It directly impacts the immune system by regulating macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. It helps B lymphocyte cells produce antibodies against microbes. Activin can be high in people with autoimmune disease and should be assessed in these cases.

Activin and inhibin play key roles in cell proliferation. Activin has been shown to be over-expressed in certain cancers. Activin and inhibin levels mediate inflammation. High activin levels should be assessed in inflammatory conditions. Low activin levels can influence cognition and mental acuity. Low activin can influence anxiety states because of its impact on GABA. Low activin can cause low GABA. Gaba is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect by blocking messages sent between the nerve cells, brain, and spinal cord. 

Low activin influences glucose metabolism. The pancreas is influenced by activin in differentiating the beta cells and secretion of insulin. Low activin has a role in diabetes. Activin influences angiogenesis or the proliferation of blood vessels by influencing the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Low activin leads to low VEGF and, therefore low blood vessel proliferation. 

Activin and inhibin play a role in bone growth. Activin stimulates bone growth, while inhibin inhibits bone growth. If these hormones are not in balance, this could lead to bone loss or bone growth, depending on the levels. 

You can see the importance of activin and inhibin balance and how these often overlooked hormones influence menstruation, fertility, embryo development, skin repair, the immune system, inflammation, brain function, blood sugar handling, vascular disease, bone health, and mood. 

Muscle testing can identify the nutritional remedies necessary to support and balance activin and inhibin by determining an abnormal reflex response. The balancing of these two hormones may require specific nutrients based on a deficiency, which may be influenced by genetic factors, gut imbalances, or toxic load. What may help to balance activin and inhibin for one person may be different for someone else. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, oils, nutraceuticals, herbs, cofactors, protein complexes, protomorphogens, and other remedies may be used to help support activin and inhibin balance. 

Other ways to help to support pituitary hormone balance include light therapy on the glabella, which targets the pineal gland using the body clock system. Also, working with the cranial bones has a direct impact on the pituitary gland. Certain cranial bone maneuvers can help to support the pituitary and support the proper functioning of its hormones as well. The universal cranial fault is one cranial that should be assessed and optimized to ensure proper function. 

About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor and Nutrition Response Tester in NY. Learn more about muscle testing by visiting his website at https://www.holisticchiropracticcenter.com/