Types Of Hormones In The Human Body

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Medical experts of the National HRT Clinic - March 17, 2017

There is no exact number of how many types of hormones in the human body there are, but medical professionals say that there are approximately 50 varying hormones that are secreted from different organs and glands. These are called chemical messengers because each one has its own purpose as it flows through the blood stream targeting different cells to activate them.

Experts say that hormones can be:

Amino acids
Proteins
Steroids

Each performs a certain action that is necessary for optimal health. When any hormones are too low, the body will slow. Hormone replacement therapy can help replace the missing hormone and help keep the mind and body healthy and strong.

Here is a detailed chart explaining four of the most known different types of hormones including:

The name of the hormone
Where the hormone is produced in the body
The tissues that are acted on by the hormone
The main function of the hormone

Hormone	Where produced	Areas affected	Main function
Testosterone	Testicles	Sexual organs	Development of male sexual characteristics and helps with sperm development
Estrogen	Ovaries	Sexual organs	Development of female primary and secondary sexual characteristics
Progesterone	Female breasts and uterus	Sexual organs	For female sexual characteristics and plays a role in pregnancy
Growth hormone (GH)	Bones, cartilage, muscle, fat, liver, heart	All organs and tissues	Promotes growth of bones and organs and aids with the upkeep of all organs and tissues in the body

Here is a list of other types of hormones in women and in men that are important for optimal functioning:

Secreted by the hypothalamus:

Thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH)
Somatostatin
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH)

Secreted by the thyroid gland:

Thyroxine (T4)
Tri-iodothyronine (T3)

Secreted by the parathyroid gland:

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Calcitonin

Hormone types secreted by the anterior pituitary:

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Luteinising hormone (LH)
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Prolactin (PRL)
Adrenocortico-trophic hormone (ACTH)

Secreted by the posterior pituitary:

Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone, ADH)
Oxytocin

Secreted by the pancreas:

Insulin
Glucagon
Somatostatin

Secreted by the adrenal cortex:

Cortisol
Aldosterone
Androgens

Secreted by the adrenal medulla:

Adrenaline and noradrenaline (the catecholamines)

Secreted by the stomach:

Gastrin
Serotonin (5-HT)

Some other types of hormones that are secreted into the body are secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) from the duodenum and jejunum, erythropoietin from the kidney, atrial natiuretic factor (ANF) from the heart and vitamin D from the skin.

Why Are Different Types Of Hormones Important

All of these types of hormone are secreted from different parts of the body and have different functions for which they are responsible. For an example, the testicles produce and secrete testosterone, one of the most important types male hormones (some is also produced in the adrenal glands).

Testosterone serves to promote the important development of sexual organs, sperm development, sexual desire and ability to perform, strength, muscles, strong bones, balanced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a stable emotional well being, good sleep and more. It helps to promote good heart health and a strong immune system.

Estrogen, one of the most important types female hormones is produced in the ovaries and some is created in the adrenal glands as well. Having the right amount of estrogen in the body is important for female sexuality. It helps with an easy menopause experience with less hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin and vaginal dryness. It also helps keep energy up, strength, good concentration, focus and memory.

Both testosterone and estrogen are types of hormones in the body that are necessary in certain amounts in both men and women. Men need more testosterone and women need more estrogen, but both sexes need both hormones to be balanced appropriately.

What Happens When Certain Types Of Hormones Deplete

If a certain type of hormone is too low within the system, the body will let the person know by creating negative symptoms and ailments. This is when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can come into place to restore what is missing as it depletes with age. Testosterone, estrogen and human growth hormone will all deplete as a person grows older. This is inevitable for all people. Symptoms will vary from lethargy to depression, from weak bones to no sexual desire.

From ones head to ones feet, there are hundreds of hormones that help to keep a person healthy, feeling strong and vital. With different functions for each, every cell, tissue and organ in the body is well taken care of. When hormones get too low, HRT can help bring health back to a good place for a great quality of life.