Hormone

A hormone, such as insulin or estrogen, is a substance released by an organ or tissue that controls the activity of organs or cells in another part of the body. The organs or glands that release hormones are part of the endocrine system.

Hormones may also be taken as medicines, such as birth control pills or estrogen therapy.

Current as of: March 31, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Alan C. Dalkin MD - Endocrinology

Healthwise
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase
Help
Healthwise Index

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.

© 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.