Endocrine Hormones: Description, Functions, and Biological Significance

Endocrine hormones are biological compounds that serve as signaling molecules, coordinating and controlling the functions of cells and tissues in the body. These chemical substances can influence many physiological processes, ranging from metabolism to emotions and behavior.

Hormones are essential for survival and reproduction. Each hormone has specific receptors with which they can interact.

Endocrine hormones can be classified into hormones with local action and hormones that are transported by the bloodstream to distant target tissues. Some categories of hormones can act locally while also affecting other tissues through delivery via the circulatory system.

The hormonal system is very complex, and many types of cells may react differently to the same hormone. It should be noted that some biological substances may have similar properties and, under certain conditions, act on cells like typical hormones.

Therefore, each hormone makes sense to consider individually. This page collects materials with detailed information regarding various endocrine hormones of the human body.

List of endocrine hormones

Сritical role of cortisol, a vital hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Learn how it regulates various body functions, from carbohydrate metabolism to stress response.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is synthesized by the body from cholesterol, which enters the body as part of low-density... Read more...
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): Functions, Levels, and Impact on Health & Sports

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, somatomedin C) is a peptide hormone, is the main mediator of growth hormone, plays a crucial role in stimulating cell growth and... Read more...
Prolactin Functions and Implications: Explore the biological roles and pathologies associated with prolactin.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone primarily secreted by lactotrophic cells of the anterior pituitary gland and is involved in many biological processes, including lactation and... Read more...
Hormones: Definition, Types, Functions, and Impact on Health

Hormones

Hormones or endocrine hormones are a broad group of biologically active compounds that perform the role of information carriers and, by acting on distant tissues, have an effect... Read more...
Growth hormone (somatotropin, GH): Functions, Deficiency, Excess, and Impact on Health

Growth hormone (somatotropin)

Human growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a single-chain polypeptide hormone produced by the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland and affects protein,... Read more...