Hormones are chemical messengers in your bloodstream. They are secreted by glands to regulate different physiological activities, including growth, metabolism, mood, reproduction and more. Hormonal imbalance can lead to several health conditions, which is why it is important to understand their functions and effects.
Hormones maintain homeostasis, the internal balance of your body. Each of them has a specific role, but it is their collective action that ensures your body functions smoothly. Read on to learn more about the hormones meaning, their functions, and more.
Hormones, produced by endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream to reach your organs and tissues. They influence bodily functions such as appetite, sleep, mood, reproduction, and others. These hormones bind to a specific receptor to interact with the target cells, which triggers changes in gene expression or cell behaviour.
Based on their function or chemical structure, they can be classified into the following types:
Almost every biological process is influenced by hormones. Let’s take a look at a few of the essential hormones and their roles:
Secreted by the pituitary gland, the prolactin hormone is responsible for producing milk in females after childbirth. In addition to this, it also affects immune system regulation and male fertility.
Any imbalance in this hormone can lead to reproductive dysfunction and galactorrhea (milk secretion without pregnancy).
Also known as the stress hormone, Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands. It is responsible for reducing inflammation, regulating metabolism, and responding to stress.
If you have a high level of cortisol hormone, it can result in weight gain, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
The estrogen or female sex hormone is produced by the ovaries and plays an important role in female reproductive health. It is also found in males in small amounts.
Low estrogen levels can cause hot flashes, irregular periods, and osteoporosis.
You need the growth hormone for your physical development. Produced by the anterior pituitary gland, it helps with tissue growth, metabolism, and cell regeneration.
In children, the deficiency of growth hormone can lead to dwarfism, while excess can cause acromegaly or gigantism.
Secreted by the parathyroid glands, this hormone regulates phosphate and calcium levels in your blood and bones.
Imbalance in parathyroid hormone can result in muscle spasms, kidney stones, or bone fragility.
Hormones have an impact on both our physical and emotional well-being. Certain hormones help you feel joy and calm, and there are others that prepare you for stressful situations. Let’s take a look:
These hormones are responsible for regulating positive emotions, such as love, pleasure, motivation, and overall well-being. These include:
To elevate the happy hormones, you need to engage in activities like exercise, meditation, laughing, listening to music, and more. It improves your overall mental health.
These hormones are released in response to danger or perceived threats. While they are essential for survival, prolonged elevation can have a negative impact on health.
Maintaining a balance between happy and stress hormones is crucial for emotional stability and overall well-being.
Even slight changes in hormone levels can disrupt the body's internal balance and lead to various health conditions. Some of the most common hormone-related disorders include:
Triggered by either a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to utilise it effectively, this condition results in elevated blood sugar levels. It is primarily a disorder of the pancreas.
Caused by an overactive thyroid gland, it speeds up the body's metabolism. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, unintended weight loss, irritability, and restlessness.
When the thyroid is underactive, metabolism slows down. Individuals may experience fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
Often associated with reduced levels of estrogen or testosterone, this condition weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, especially in older adults.
This condition occurs when growth hormone is produced in excess during adulthood, resulting in enlarged facial features, hands, and feet.
A rare disorder caused by too much growth hormone during childhood, resulting in excessive growth and abnormal height.
(Session 2026 - 27)