Think of hormones like chemical messengers carrying messages from one cell (or a group of cells) to another. All organisms with one or more cell produce hormones - including plants.

Hormones

Perhaps the most well known hormones are those produced by the endocrine glands but nearly every organ system and tissue type in the body produces hormones. Most hormone molecules are released directly into the bloodstream; however, some hormones, called ectohormones, are released to the outside environment. They move by circulation to their target, which can be either nearby cells in the same tissue or distant cells in another part of the body. They serve as a signal to the target cells, and their specific action is determined by their release pattern and the way the cell converts the hormone’s signal.

Hormone actions can include the stimulation or inhibition of growth, starting or stopping cell death, activation, or suppression of the immune system, regulation of metabolism, and preparation for a new activity or phase of life, or even the production and release of other hormones, among others. Hormones also control reproductive cycles of virtually all organisms with more than one cell.

Most cells are capable of producing one or more (sometimes many) molecules which signal other cells to change their growth, function, or metabolism. Classical endocrine glands are specialized to serve regulation on the overall organism level, only, but can often be used in other ways or only on the tissue level.

Hormone secretion can be stimulated or inhibited by other hormones; plasma concentrations of ions or nutrients, as well as binding globulins; neurons and mental activity; environmental changes; and one special group of hormones called trophic hormones that stimulate the hormone production of other endocrine glands.

Many hormones are used as medication. The most commonly prescribed hormones are estrogens and progestagens, thyroxine, and steroids. Many diabetics use insulin.

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Yasmin Yasmin, also called Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol, is one of a group of birth control pills that generally contain two types of hormones, estrogens and progestins. When taken correctly, Yasmin is an effective contraceptive that stops a woman's egg fr more...

Climara Climara, also called Estradiol, is female hormones that are produced by the body and necessary for normal sexual development. It is prescribed for several reasons: to provide additional hormone when the body does not produce enough of its own; a genital more...

Clomid Clomid stimulates the secretion of hormones required for ovulation to take place. Clomid is used to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg) when a woman's ovaries can generate a follicle but hormonal stimulus is lacking. Clomid may also be used for reasons that are not listed here. more...

Insulin Insulin is one of many hormones that occur naturally in the body. After eating, insulin works by causing sugar to leave the blood into our cells to make fat, sugar, and protein, and by helping us use the fat, sugar, and protein that we have more...

Premarin Premarin contains Conjugated Estrogens, or female hormones. Premarin helps relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness; to help prevent osteoporosis in women past menopause; in the treatment of som more...

Thyroid Thyroid is a hormone that is used when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. They are also used to help decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands (known as goiter) and to treat thyroid cancer Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergie more...

Vaniqa Vaniqa is a topical prescription cream aimed at the reduction of unwanted facial hair. Women in particular, although some men apply, spend thousand of dollars every year attempting to reduce or eliminate their facial hair. Considered an unsightly conditio more...

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