Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which takes them to the organs and tissues of the body to carry out their functions. There are many types of hormones that act on different aspects of the body’s functions and processes. Some of these include:
- Development and growth
- Food metabolism.
- Sexual function and growth and reproductive health
- Cognitive function and mood
- Maintenance of body temperature and thirst.
Where are they secreted from?
Hormones are secreted from the endocrine glands in the body. The glands are ductless, so hormones are secreted directly into the blood stream rather than by way of ducts. Some of the major endocrine glands in the body include:
- Pituitary gland
- Pineal gland
- Thymus
- Thyroid Glands
- Adrenal glands
- Pancreas
- Testes
- Ovaries
These organs secrete hormone in microscopic amounts and it takes only very small amounts to bring about major changes in the body. Even a very slight excess of hormone secretion can lead to disease states, as can the slightest deficiency in a hormone.
Hormones are powerful. It takes only a tiny amount to cause big changes in cells or even your whole body. That is why too much or too little of a certain hormone can be serious. Laboratory tests can measure the hormone levels in your blood, urine, or saliva. Your health care provider may perform these tests if you have symptoms of a hormone disorder. Home pregnancy tests are similar – they test for pregnancy hormones in your urine.
Start Here
- Endocrine Glands & Their Hormones
- Endocrine System (For Parents)
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
Diagnosis and Tests
- ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) Test
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
- Aldosterone Test
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test
- Catecholamines, Plasma and Urine Test
- Cortisol Test
- DHEA Sulfate Test
- Estrogen Levels Test
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
- Gastrin: The Test
- Growth Hormone
- IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor -1) Test
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test
- Progesterone Tes
- Prolactin Levels
- SHBG Blood Test
- Testosterone Levels Test
- Thyroid Tests
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