The human body is a miracle of evolution. The synchronicity of the various systems is truly awe-inspiring. I mean, does anything else work like the human body? Every organ system, every cell, has a role, and we can’t operate without the direction of the brain. But…is the center of the human body the brain or the heart? Obviously, without the heart pumping blood, the brain can’t work.

Arguably, the essence of the interaction at the center of the human body interaction is the active and passive regulation that happens by the action of the dozens of hormones coursing through our veins. Before conception, the follicle-stimulating hormone has to do its job for the egg to be in a position to receive the sperm. Upon conception, the egg is deposited in the uterus with assistance from progesterone. Then, the human growth hormone starts its work, ultimately resulting in a child dependent on prolactin for nutrition and oxytocin for comfort. I am sure you can sense my passion.

Of course, all healthcare providers are required to have some degree of knowledge to get through the hours of rigorous coursework necessary to graduate and pass the various licensing and certification exams. Without this knowledge (whether it rises to the level of a “passion”), arriving where we are as individuals and professionals would be tough.

It is a professional failing when we don’t communicate this knowledge to our patients. How many patients come to us complaining that their body is not “cooperating?” Do we tell a patient with diabetes about the magic of insulin? In healthy patients, a hormone secreted by our pancreas specifically in response to an increase in blood sugar…we don’t talk about insulin in a positive manner; we may only discuss insulin deficiency or resistance as the reason they are having the symptoms of diabetes, and what is required to manage the condition. In patients with type 2 diabetes, how valuable might they find it to know; “Your pancreas is still working hard to make insulin and help you use sugar; you just have to ‘help’ it a little by watching what you eat, getting a little exercise, and taking your medicine?”

We also may not always explain the role of the various thyroid hormones to our patients. We evaluate the symptoms, get the necessary lab work, initiate and modify treatment per results, and hope when the patient comes back in 3 months, their symptoms have resolved. What if we paused to draw a quick diagram of TSH and the feedback mechanism to the brain from lack of T3 and T4 in the blood and how that results in the symptoms the patient is having? Talk about (in layperson’s terms) what is going on. I believe we would have a lot more adherence to treatment if patients understood their body better than if they asked Dr. Google or Nurse ChatGPT.

To the prescribers reading this column, I challenge you to explain the impact of the hormones you order on the condition you are treating the patient. If that is too daunting, at least open a dialogue with your patient about the miracle of the human body and how every treatment involves the interaction of various hormones.

I understand that time is of the essence; we may be required to see many patients to make meaningful reimbursement numbers. Few of us have time to talk about random things. But this is not random. I believe if you communicate your passion and understanding of disease to your patients, you will achieve improved adherence.

In case you are wondering, my favorite hormone is ADH, antidiuretic hormone. I wake up thankful for ADH allowing me to sleep peacefully for 8+ hours without getting up to use the bathroom. Sure, melatonin has something to say in the “peaceful sleep” conversation, but ADH is still my favorite for me.