What Are Hormones Exactly?
Hormones are the chemicals that induce many changes, development, growth and energy in the human body. They travel to the tissues, cells, blood stream and other organs. Hormones help achieve homeostasis which brings balance and stability in the human body. The endocrine glands in the body create hormones which are then circulated in the blood stream so that they can reach the target cells. Hormones regulate functions like, fertility and reproduction, growth and development, mood and metabolism.
There are two types of hormones namely, steroids and peptides
Steroids: This is made from cholesterol either by the testes or ovaries or when the body is still inside the womb. Steroids are mainly related to fertility and sexual, in simple words, steroids are sex hormones. This is the hormone that plays a part in a persons fertility from puberty till the old age and overall physical development.
Peptides: Its also referred to as protein hormone as it is made from strains of amino acids. This controls functions such as blood sugar concentration and sleep. Insulin, a peptide hormone helps convert sugar into cellular energy.
Hormones have the power to bring in immense changes in the bodys function for which only a small amount of certain hormones are enough. Hormones cause changes in the human cells, tissues and the whole body. Hormone levels can be measured by taking samples from saliva, urine and blood. The sample is then examined in a laboratory. Such tests are helpful if a person wants to know her pregnancy status or if one is suspected to have hormonal disorder.
There can be problems due to hormones if the level is found to be too high or too low in the body. Such condition is known as hormone disorder. Other than the imbalance in the level of hormones, a person is said to have hormonal imbalance if his/her body doesnt respond to a certain hormone the way it should. Sometimes, hormonal imbalance is caused due to changes in the bloods electrolyte and fluid balance, infections and stress.
Some problems caused due to hormonal imbalance in the body are as follows:
Diabetes: A study says that about 23 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Diabetes is a medical condition in which a person has too much sugar in the bloodstream. It occurs when the gland named pancreas doesnt produce the amount of insulin that it should. Lack of insulin makes the bloodstream unable to move the sugar into the cells which trigger a rise in the blood sugar level. Diabetic patients are advised to exercise regularly, do as much physical activity as they can and keep their weight under check. This would enable them to lead a healthy life ahead.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: This is one of the most common causes for hormonal disorder in the women of reproductive age. An estimated 5 to 7 million women in the United States suffer from this type of hormonal imbalance
Growth Disorder: This may affect both the adults and children alike. Growth hormone deficiency is a condition in which there is a very little or too much of growth hormone can cause many health problems
As per a report diabetes is the most common endocrine disease in the United States. Treatment for which involves using hormone supplements if the problem is not serious otherwise other option would be controlling the amount of hormone the body produces.
About the Author:
I am Dr.Kevin headen i wrote many articles on medical questions and medical answers.
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