10/12/2025
*Good morning Life+ Community today we will look at Hormones*
Hormones are chemical messengers from the endocrine system (glands, organs) traveling via bloodstream to target cells, controlling vital functions like growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and stress response by coordinating body activities, maintaining balance (homeostasis), and acting in tiny amounts for powerful effects, with imbalance causing health issues.
*Key Aspects of Hormones:*
*Messengers* : They carry signals between cells and organs, telling them what to do and when.
*Production* : Made by endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, te**es) and released into the blood.
*Targeted Action* : Only specific cells with matching receptors can respond, even though hormones reach all parts of the body.
*Broad Functions* : Regulate metabolism, growth, sexual function, mood, sleep, stress response, blood sugar, and more.
*Chemical Nature* : Can be amino acid-based or lipid-derived (steroids), affecting solubility and receptor location.
*Powerful & Delicate* : Small amounts cause big changes; imbalances (too high or low) lead to serious health problems.
*Examples* :
*Insulin* : From the pancreas, regulates blood sugar.
*Thyroxine* : From the thyroid, controls metabolism.
*Growth Hormone* : Promotes body growth.
*Estrogen/Testosterone* : Regulate sexual development and function.
In essence, hormones are the body's communication network, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently, from our mood to how we process food.