Hormones are chemical messengers that control the body’s internal processes. In humans, hormones are produced by secreting organs in the endocrine system: the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Some hormones Cedar Park affect growth, metabolism, and sexual maturation. Others regulate body temperature and blood sugar levels.
Hormone actions occur at the cellular level, binding to receptors on the surface of cells, specifically steroid hormone receptors. Hormones may be released or imported into cells by specific transport proteins or synthesized in-vivo from amino acids or fatty acids, which are then converted into their respective hormones.
Role of hormones in the body
Hormones regulate body functions. They are chemical messengers traveling throughout the body to relay messages from one part of the body.
Hormones are produced in specialized glands or endocrine glands. The main job of these glands is to secrete hormones into the bloodstream, where they travel to other parts of the body through nerves.
Hormones control many functions within the body and affect many different organs and systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, digestive, and endocrine. Some hormones are involved with growth and development. Others help regulate metabolism, and still, others control blood pressure. Also, a few play important roles in maintaining homeostasis-the stable balance between internal bodily processes.
Types of hormones
There are several types of hormones, but some of them include;
1. Estrogen
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone, and it is secreted by the ovaries in women and the adrenal glands in men. Estrogen is responsible for both sexes’ development, growth, and maintenance of reproductive systems. It also helps to maintain bone mass, regulate blood sugar levels, control menstrual cycles, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Estrogen also plays an important role in stress response and inflammation.
2. Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced in the ovaries. It has several vital roles in the female reproductive system, including:
- Inhibiting ovarian cancer in women by a mechanism that involves progesterone receptors.
- Sustaining pregnancy by promoting luteolysis (the shedding of the corpus luteum), which causes menstruation.
- Regulating the menstrual cycle.
- Promoting mammary gland development and lactation.
3. Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone produced in the testes and adrenal glands. It affects sperm production, muscle mass, and bone density. Testosterone is also present in the body at lower levels, but it is the main hormone that causes men’s bodies to mature. In men with low testosterone levels, symptoms include decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout a man’s life. The average age for peak testosterone production is around age 20 for men. Afterward, it slowly declines as men age. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can treat low testosterone levels in older men who are not getting adequate treatment from their doctors.
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate the body’s functions. They are produced in glands throughout the body and travel in the bloodstream to reach specific targets. Hormones communicate with cells in different organs, tissues, and bodily fluids to control many processes, such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and more. Hormones are essential for regulating our basic biological functions. For more information about hormones, contact Nova Vita Wellness Centers experts.
