Hormones. What are hormones?

You've probably heard someone talking about hormones. From minor emotions to severe illness, these substances influence every aspect of our lives. But, after all, what are hormones?

Hormones can be defined as chemical substances produced by endocrine glands. These glands have as main feature the release of secretions directly into the bloodstream that are taken to the various areas of the body.

Each hormone acts at a particular location, which can be specific cells or a particular organ known as a target organ. Upon reaching the site of action, the hormone activates or blocks the action of that structure, thus controlling its functioning. ANDbetween the functions developed by hormones, we can highlight the growth, development and internal balance of the body.

Each hormone is produced by a specific gland and acts only in a certain location. The set of endocrine glands in the body is called the endocrine system.

The human endocrine system is formed by the various existing endocrine glands

See below the main hormones in our body, the gland where they are produced and their function in the body:

Hormone	Place where it is produced	Occupation
growth hormone or somatotrophin	Hypophysis	Promotes body growth.
prolactin	Hypophysis	Stimulates milk production after childbirth.
Oxytocin	Hypophysis	Contracts the uterus at the time of childbirth.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4)	Thyroid	It acts on the cell's metabolism.
calcitonin	Thyroid	Promotes calcium deposition in bones.
Insulin	pancreas	Allows the uptake of glucose by cells, decreasing its concentration in the blood.
glucagon	pancreas	It breaks down glycogen in the liver, increasing blood glucose concentration.
Adrenaline	adrenal	Speeds up heart rate.
estrogen	Ovary	It promotes the development of a woman's secondary sexual characteristics, such as the enlargement of the hips and the growth of the breasts.
progesterone	Ovary	Prepares a woman's body for pregnancy.
Testosterone	Testicle	Responsible for the development of secondary human characters, such as the appearance of a beard, thickening of the voice and strengthening of muscles.

Heads up: Any change in hormone levels can influence the functioning of the body, even causing diseases, such as diabetes. This illness is triggered by inadequate insulin production, which leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood.

By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos