What Is a Hormone?

You might hear people blame their mood or energy levels on hormones, but these substances do much more than influence how you feel. They are the body’s chemical messengers, coordinating complex processes that are crucial to life. Understanding what they are and how they work can help you take better charge of your health.

The Body’s Messenger System

Think of hormones as your body's internal communication network. They are chemicals produced by various glands and tissues that travel through your bloodstream to deliver instructions to organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These signals tell your body exactly what to do and when to do it.

Scientists have identified over 50 distinct hormones in the human body. They work slowly over time to control essential life functions, including growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction.

How Do Hormones Work?

Once a gland releases a hormone into the bloodstream, it travels until it finds its specific target. Think of a hormone as a key and the target cell as a specially shaped lock. The hormone only works if it fits into the cell’s receptor. When the key fits the lock, the hormone delivers its message and triggers an action within the cell.

The body also uses feedback loops to regulate hormone levels. If there is too much of a hormone in the blood, a gland may receive a signal to reduce production, helping to maintain balance.

Where Do They Come From?

Most hormones originate in the endocrine system, which consists of glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, pineal, and adrenal glands. Other tissues not traditionally considered glands also release hormones, including:

• Adipose tissue (body fat).
• The gastrointestinal tract.
• The placenta during pregnancy.
• The liver and kidneys.

What Do Hormones Control?

Hormones are involved in nearly every biological process. They help regulate:

• Heart rate and blood pressure.
• Sleep-wake cycles and alertness.
• Reproductive cycles and sexual function.
• Growth and physical development.
• Mood and stress levels.
• Body temperature and metabolism.

Signs of Imbalance

An imbalance can appear in many ways. Some signs relate to energy and metabolism, such as unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, or muscle weakness. You may also notice changes to your skin or hair, including dryness, rashes, thinning hair, or hair loss.

Other symptoms may involve headaches, vision changes, or changes in heart rate. Hormonal shifts can also lead to swelling in the face or neck, increased hunger or thirst, night sweats, or breast soreness. In women, a deepened voice or irregular menstrual cycles can occur. For both men and women, hormonal changes may reduce sexual interest or contribute to infertility.

Emotional or cognitive effects are also common. You may experience irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating or remembering things. Sleep disturbances are also possible.

Causes and Diagnosis

Hormonal imbalances can stem from many factors, including stress, poor nutrition, autoimmune conditions, tumors, certain medications, or life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

If you notice symptoms, your primary care provider can help. Providers may order laboratory tests to measure hormone levels in your blood, urine, or saliva. Based on the results, they may refer you to a specialist or suggest treatments to restore balance.

You can find a Baptist Health endocrinology provider near you in our provider directory. You can also call 1.888.257.1442 or register for an endocrinology class or event.