What are Hormones?

electrolyte balance estrogen growth and development hormonal imbalance hormones metabolism sex steroid hormones snoring Feb 25, 2023

Cut-out letters forming the word 'HORMONES'

Hormones are molecules produced by the body’s endocrine glands.¹ These substances are released into the bloodstream and travel towards various tissues and organs. In particular, hormones bind to receptors on the surface of or inside their target cells. This interaction tells the tissues and organs what to do and when to do it. For this reason, hormones are known as the body’s chemical messengers.² To better understand how hormones allow the whole body to work properly, it will help to learn the following first:

Classes of hormones
How hormones control body functions
How the body naturally achieves hormone balance
Health issues caused by imbalanced hormones

Now let’s explore each of the above topics.

Classes of hormones

Based on their size and chemical properties, hormones can be grouped into three classes: 1) amino acid derivatives, 2) peptides, and 3) steroids.

Amino acid derivatives are different versions of certain protein building blocks. They are produced by the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands. These hormones can enter cells and thus bind to receptors inside those cells.¹ Examples of amino acid derivatives are thyroxine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.^1,3

Peptide hormones are amino acid chains of different lengths. They are made by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pancreas. These types of hormones have a structure that prevents them from entering cells. So, they bind only to receptors on cell surfaces.¹ Oxytocin and insulin are examples of peptide hormones.³ Steroids originally come from cholesterol. They are released by the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands. Like amino acid derivatives, steroids can enter and interact with receptors inside cells.¹ These hormones can be further divided into two types: corticosteroids and sex steroids. The stress hormone cortisol is a corticosteroid⁴ , while estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are sex steroid hormones.¹

How hormones control body functions

Hormones control many functions of the body at all ages. These functions include growth and development, especially in young boys and girls. Hormones also influence metabolism (how the body gets energy from food). Furthermore, they affect sexual behavior and reproduction. Hormones regulate mood as well.² Last but not least, they promote the balance of electrolytes such as sodium (Na⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and chloride (Cl^-). This balance is important for various reasons. First, it keeps the right amount of water in the body. Second, it enables the movement of nutrients and waste into and out of cells. Third, it makes sure that the brain, heart, muscles, and nerves are working correctly by aiding in the transmission of electrical signals along cell membranes.^5,6

Hormones have three main types of interactions at target cells. First is permissiveness, in which one hormone should be present in a certain amount to allow a second hormone to affect the target cell completely. Second is synergism, where two or more hormones cooperate to produce effects that are greater than individual ones. Third, antagonism happens when one hormone fights or reverses the effect of another hormone.⁷

How the body naturally achieves hormone balance

When hormones interact with receptors on or inside target cells, those cells change their activity. This is how hormones allow different organs and parts of the body to communicate with each other. Such communication is necessary so that the body can 1) respond appropriately to changes in its surroundings and 2) maintain homeostasis (constant internal environment). All of this explains why the production and release of hormones must be tightly controlled. The body achieves this control by having more than one hormone regulate a single function. For example, the hypothalamus sends out releasing hormones, which are transported by the blood to the pituitary gland. There, the releasing hormones stimulate the production and release of pituitary hormones. Then the pituitary hormones are carried by the bloodstream towards their target glands – i.e., the adrenal glands, testes, ovaries, or thyroid – which then produce another type of hormone. Once specific blood levels of these hormones are reached, the hypothalamus and/or the pituitary gland stops its own hormone production.¹

Health issues caused by imbalanced hormones

Too much or too little of a hormone prevents the body from adjusting to changes in the environment in a suitable way. Such hormone imbalance is associated with a variety of side effects.^1,8 Depending on the hormone, these issues could include weight gain or loss, reduced energy levels or sex drive, weakened bones, skin changes, and more.² On top of that, the lack or excess of a hormone can lead to chronic diseases. For instance, a lack of insulin hinders glucose in the blood from entering cells. As a result, having too little of this hormone plays a crucial role in the development of Type 1 diabetes.⁹ Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is linked to excess insulin.¹⁰

Conclusion

Hormones are chemical messengers that control the body's various functions. They make sure that tissues and organs are working properly. The body has its natural means of balancing hormones. However, certain diseases or lifestyle habits can lead to having too much or too little of a hormone, which can then cause health problems.

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