Hormone : Characteristics, Types

Characteristics of hormone 

1. The hormones in our bodies are transported to the target cells, tissues, and particular organs through blood or blood circulation. 
2. The actions of different hormones are species-specific, depending on the type of species. 
3. The hormones in our bodies are primarily soluble in water. 
4. They are very low if weighed in molecular weight.
5. They are destroyed automatically after they are done with their actions and functions. 
6. Chemically, hormones are heterogeneous sub­stances, as per scientists. 
7. The hormones cannot be stored anywhere for an extended period, even in any lab. They are usually se­creted when it is required. 

 Types of hormones 

1. Estrogen 

- produced in the ovaries and is responsible for functions like ovulation, menstruation, breast development, and increasing bone and cartilage density.  

2. Progesterone 

-helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy  

3. Testosterone

-contributes to sex drive, fat distribution, muscle strength, bone mass, and red blood cell production in both men and women. 

4. Insulin 

- produced by the pancreas.  

-converts glucose in the things we eat into a form the body can use for energy. -helps regulate blood sugar. 

5. Cortisol 

-produced by the adrenal glands.  

- healthy and energetic 

-regulate metabolism, and blood pressure, act as an anti-inflammatory, and form memories. 

6. Growth Hormone 

-produced by the pituitary gland.  

-growth and development.  

-stimulates cell growth, cell regeneration, and cell reproduction in children 

-helps boost metabolism. 

7. Adrenaline 

- is produced in the adrenal glands  

- prepares the body for its "fight or flight" response  

-allows for quick decision-making in dangerous or stressful situations 

8. Thyroid Hormones 

-are produced in the thyroid gland.  

-perform a variety of crucial tasks in the body. 

-regulates metabolism. 

Glands  

Names of some of the glands in our bodies: 

• Hypothalamus. 
• Pituitary.  
• Thyroid. 
• Parathyroids. 
• Adrenals. 
• Pineal body. 
• The ovaries. 
• The testes.