Hormones: we all have them, and if yours are out of whack, it can be a major problem.

The human body is home to around 50 hormones, known as the endocrine system. Hormones are the chemical messengers that help the brain and the body communicate on matters such as metabolism, temperature, and growth.

But, many people suffer from endocrine disorders; if you’re one of those people, knowing the different types of hormones is a good place to start your journey to recovery.

Read on to learn about the different types of hormones in your body.

Lipid-Derived Hormones 

The first type of hormone is lipid-derived, or lipid-soluble. These are based on the structure of cholesterol and are usually known as steroid hormones. They are insoluble in water and transported through the body in the blood.

Because they use blood to travel, they stay in circulation longer than other hormones.

The most well-known lipid-derived hormones are estrogen, aldosterone, and cortisol.

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and is essential for childbearing. However, estrogen also protects bone health which is essential for men and women.

Aldosterone and cortisol are vital for controlling all aspects of energy and metabolism.

Amino Acid-Derived Hormones 

Amino acids are known as the building blocks of proteins. However, some of the molecules they produce contain hormones. The amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan often contain hormones.

The most common amino acid-derived homes are epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are made in the adrenal glands.

Another well-known amino acid-derived hormone is thyroxine. This is the main thyroid hormone and is responsible for metabolism and daily energy levels. Many people suffer from hypothyroidism and take synthetic thyroxine to help supplement natural losses.

However, groundbreaking research has been using bioidentical hormones to treat these disorders, with great success. You can learn more about these therapies in this article.

Peptide Hormones 

The final type of hormone is known as a peptide (protein) hormone. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a peptide hormone that helps you know when to go to the toilet.

Other peptide hormones include the human growth hormone, insulin, and follicle-stimulating hormone (essential for conception).

Peptide hormones are stored within the cells that make them and are only released into the body when a trigger (such as high blood sugar) occurs.

These hormones are water-soluble but cannot pass through cell membranes because they’re insoluble in lipids.

Types of Hormones Explained 

So that’s a brief guide to the types of hormones in your body. Hopefully, this article has left you feeling more informed and ready to start your journey towards optimal health.

The medical industry doesn’t always share the details of endocrine disorders with each patient, so now you’re one step ahead of the game.

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