Hormones
Hormones act as the body's chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to regulate critical processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Overview
Hormones are powerful substances that work slowly over time to influence nearly every aspect of your health. Even a tiny amount can trigger significant changes in cells or the entire body, making the balance of hormone levels essential for health.
Key Functions
Hormones regulate several vital bodily processes, including:
- Growth and development
- Metabolism (how the body converts food into energy)
- Sexual function
- Reproduction
- Mood
Production
Hormones are produced by endocrine glands, which are specialized groups of cells. Major glands include:
- Pituitary gland
- Pineal gland
- Thymus
- Thyroid
- Adrenal glands
- Pancreas
- Testes (in men)
- Ovaries (in women)
Testing
Because hormone levels must be precise, an excess or deficiency can lead to serious health issues. Healthcare providers may use laboratory tests to measure hormone levels in blood, urine, or saliva if a hormone disorder is suspected. Common examples include diagnostic blood work and home pregnancy tests, which detect specific pregnancy hormones in the urine.