Light

Hormones

Definition

Hormones are chemical substances produced in your body that control and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs. They play a crucial role in many major processes, including metabolism, growth and development, mood, sexual function, reproduction.

Analogy

Think of hormones as personal trainers in a gym. Each trainer (hormone) has specific clients (cells or organs) they work with to help them achieve their fitness goals (body functions).

Related terms

Insulin: A hormone made by pancreas that allows your body to use sugar from carbohydrates for energy or store glucose for future use.

Cortisol: Often called "the stress hormone," cortisol regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body including metabolism and immune response.

Estrogen & Testosterone: Sex hormones responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. Estrogen is dominant in females while testosterone is dominant in males.