What it means
Hormones control growth, metabolism, fluid balance, stress responses, reproduction and more. Examples are insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry from the pancreas, cortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry from the adrenal glands, thyroid hormone, estrogenES-truh-jenA female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.Full entry and antidiuretic hormonean-tee-dy-yoo-RET-ik HOR-mohnA hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the kidneys to hold on to water, making the urine more concentrated.anti- againstdiuretic making urineFull entry . The endocrine system is the network of glands that makes them, and feedback loops keep their levels in balance.
At a glance
| Spanish | hormona |
|---|---|
| Also written | hormones, hormone's, hormonal |
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
hypothalamus
A small area at the base of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and many hormones.
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.
thyroid-stimulating hormone
A hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormone; its blood level is the main thyroid test.
pituitary gland
A gland the size of a pea, hanging below the brain, whose hormones control many other glands.