Leptin's Other Personality

As we have seen from studying different neurological diseases and drug mechanism, neurotransmitters play crucial roles in bodily processes that we normally overlook. Leptin and insulin are two transmitters that control energy homeostasis and keep our weight and food intake in balance. The increase of uptake of high fructose corn syrup disrupts the natural processes involved with insulin and leptin, which can lead to, increased tolerance in both. Leptin also has a vital role in reproduction that accompanies its role in energy homeostasis.
In the endocrine system, leptin regulates key hormones that allow for the production of gametes. When leptin levels are askew from improper diet, whether it is obesity or anorexia, leptin is not able to play its role in the endocrine system. Too much leptin cause by over eating or leptin resistance can cause irregular menstrual cycles in women, early onset puberty, and the inhibition of production of testosterone on males. A deficiency in leptin can lead to a halt in the production of gametes, and an improper environment or gestation in females.
Leptin’s role in reproduction seems to be a safe guard for pregnancy. In that if the suitable amount of food is not available, conception is less likely to happen. Having this safe guard prevents harm to offspring and the mother because if there is not a suitable amount of food available, there is a less likely chance that the offspring will survive which would lead to a waste of what little resources are available.