Medical term:

hormones

A term whose definition has expanded progressively over time with the growth of physiology.

1. Chemical substances produced by the ENDOCRINE and other glands or cells and released into the bloodstream to act upon specific receptor sites in other parts of the body, so as to bring about various effects. Hormones are part of the control and feedback system of the body by which HOMEOSTASIS is achieved. The pituitary hormones are adrenocorticotropin, to prompt cortisone release from the adrenal cortex; follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones to produce sperm and egg maturation in the testis and ovary; prolactin for milk secretion in the breast; thyroid stimulating hormone for the thyroid; growth hormone for the bones and muscles; melanotropin for the pigment cells (melanocytes); and antidiuretic hormone for water reabsorption in the kidneys. Under these influences, each of the endocrine glands produces its own hormones.

2. Any chemical mediator or carrier of information from whatever source to whatever destination. From the Greek hormon , to urge or stir up.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Hormones

Chemicals produced by glands in the body that circulate in the blood and control the actions of cells and organs. Estrogens are hormones that affect breast cancer growth.

Mentioned in: Breast Cancer, Hypoparathyroidism

Patient discussion about Hormones

Q. does the growth hormone have side effects and what are they?

A. Yes, it does, and not a few. They include, among others, pain in the joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, pain at the injection site, problems with the thyroid gland, ear problems and many others. You may read more about side effects of growth hormone treatment (called Mecasermin or Somatropin) here: http://www.drugs.com/ppa/mecasermin.html

Q. what is the effect of hormones during pregnancy on a woman's temper?

A. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can indeedn cause mood changes, starting from anxiety or agitations to developing major clinical symptoms of depression. Pregnancy affects each woman differently.

Q. What types of hormonal changes caused by fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia affects hormones because I feel pain in my back bone. What types of hormonal changes caused by fibromyalgia?

A. Have you ever checked your back pain with a doctor? It may or may not be due to fibromyalgia. Low serotonin levels, low growth hormone levels, and low levels of neuropeptide Y, a component of the feel-good hormone neurotransmitter norepinephrine have been associated with fibromyalgia. Elevated levels of substance P acts as a neurotransmitter and signals the body to experience pain. These pains have also been observed in the spinal cord of fibromyalgia patients.

More discussions about Hormones

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