Hormone
A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. Many hormones are secreted by special glands, such as thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Hormones are essential for every activity of life, including the processes of digestion, metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood control. Many hormones, such as neurotransmitters, are active in more than one physical process.
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- Hormone therapy
Treatment of disease or symptoms with synthetic or naturally derived hormones. The term is most commonly used to describe use of medications containing both estrogen and progestogen to reduce or stop short-term changes associated with the perimenopause. In the more general sense, hormone therapy may be used to treat some forms of cancer, taking advantage […]
- Hormone therapy (HT)
The combination therapy of estrogen plus a progestogen. Formerly, hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Estrogen therapy (ET) is used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It reduces or stops the short-term changes of menopause such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness. Estrogen therapy can prevent osteoporosis, a consequence of lowered estrogen levels. Vaginal estrogen […]
- Hormone, aldosterone
A hormone made by the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland that regulates the balance of salt and water in the body. Pronounced AL·do·ste·rone. Aldosterone is secreted in response to low salt levels. Aldosterone then activates the MR (for mineralocorticoid receptor) gene. (Aldosterone is classified as a mineralocorticoid hormone.) The product of the MR […]
- Hormone, androgenic
Any hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. Testosterone is an androgenic hormone.
- Hormone, antidiuretic (ADH)
A relatively small (peptide) molecule that is released by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain after being made nearby (in the hypothalamus). ADH has an antidiuretic action that prevents the production of dilute urine (and so is antidiuretic). A syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH results in the inability to put out […]