Hormone Facts

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, released from stores at times to trigger certain reactions in different parts of the body.
Most hormones are endocrine hormones which are spread around your body in your bloodstream.
Each hormone is a molecule with a certain shape that creates a certain effect on target cells.
Hormones are controlled by feedback systems. This means they are only released when their store gets the right trigger — which may be a chemical in the blood or another hormone.
Major hormone sources include: the pituitary gland just below the brain; the thyroid gland; the adrenal glands; the pancreas; a woman’s ovaries; a man’s testes.
The pituitary is the source of many important hormones, including growth hormones which spur growing.
Adrenaline is released by the adrenals to ready your body for action.
Endorphins and enkephalins block or relieve pain.
Estrogen and progesterone are female sex hormones that control a woman’s monthly cycle.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone which controls the workings of a man’s sex organs.

This entry is filed under Interesting Facts.