Hormones are chemicals produced by our body to regulate three critical functions: maintain a state of balance (homeostasis), control

our reproductive organs and mediate our responses to stress. Hormones are produced by endocrine glands located in various parts of the body, namely the brain, the stomach, the intestines and the kidneys. Hormones affect cell receptors that are either on the surface or inside the nuclei of a cell. They excite or inhibit the activity of cells; therefore they can profoundly modify both our conscious and subconscious behaviors. Because hormones use the blood circulation system, they are rather slow to act compared to neurotransmitters for instance. However, the reach of hormones is more global. In fact, some hormones reach beyond the body itself like pheromones, which act to influence another person or animal. Pheromones are processed by our olfactory system and are known to strongly influence our sexual behavior.

What Are Hormones?

Hormones are substances produced by a gland or organ and present in the bloodstream meant to have a specific effect on another area or function of the body. In essence, hormones regulate the functions of organs and body systems.