What Are Hormones, And What Do They Do?

What Are Hormones, And What Do They Do?

Hormones are special chemical messengers in the body that are created in the endocrine glands. These messengers control most major bodily functions, from simple basic needs like hunger to complex systems like reproduction, and even the emotions and mood. Understanding the major hormones and what they do will help patients take control of their health.

The Endocrine System

The best way to answer the question “what are hormones?” is to take a look at some of the major hormonal systems in the body. Hormones are created by glands, which are part of the endocrine system. The main hormone-producing glands are:

• Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is responsible for body temperature, hunger, moods and the release of hormones from other glands; and also controls thirst, sleep and sex drive.
• Parathyroid: This gland controls the amount of calcium in the body.
• Thymus: This gland plays a role in the function of the adaptive immune system and the maturity of the thymus, and produces T-cells.
• Pancreas: This gland produces the insulin that helps control blood sugar levels.
• Thyroid: The thyroid produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate.
• Adrenal: Adrenal glands produce the hormones that control sex drive and cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Pituitary: Considered the “master control gland,” the pituitary gland controls other glands and makes the hormones that trigger growth.
• Pineal: Also called the thalamus, this gland produces serotonin derivatives of melatonin, which affects sleep.
• Ovaries: Only in women, the ovaries secrete estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, the female sex hormones.
• Testes: Only in men, the testes produce the male sex hormone, testosterone, and produce sperm.

These glands work together to create and manage the body’s major hormones.

Major Types of Hormones

What do hormones do, exactly? The body has many different hormones, but certain types have a bigger role to play in the body’s health and well-being. Understanding these roles is important for those looking to protect and manage their health.

For women, estrogen (or estradiol) is the main sex hormone. It causes puberty, prepares the body and uterus for pregnancy, and regulates the menstrual cycle. During menopause, estrogen level changes cause many of the uncomfortable symptoms women experience.

Progesterone is similar to estrogen but is not considered the main sex hormone. Like estrogen, it assists with the menstrual cycle and plays a role in pregnancy.

Cortisol has been called the “stress hormone” because of the way it assists the body in responding to stress. This is just one of several functions of this important hormone.

Melatonin levels change throughout the day, increasing after dark to trigger the responses that cause sleep.

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. It causes puberty, increases bone density, triggers facial hair growth, and causes muscle mass growth and strength.

When they are in proper balance, hormones help the body thrive, but small problems with hormones can cause serious and life-altering symptoms. If you have concerns about any of your hormones, talk to a qualified endocrinologist.