Hormone metabolism is a series of chemical reactions within the cells of the human body. These chemical reactions involve converting the food we eat into energy, allowing the body to work at optimum performance. Hormones themselves are types of chemicals released by the individual cells. These chemicals carry messages from one cell to another. The human body contains various types of hormones, each having a specific role in the functioning of the body and affecting hormone metabolism differently.
Somatotropin, also known as growth hormone, plays a key role in hormone metabolism. Somatotropin is produced in a variety of bodily tissues, particularly the hypothalamus, a small structure found in the brain. This hormone helps to regulate both physical growth as well as hormone metabolism. Growth hormone is primarily released during sleep in children as well as in young adults.
The hormone known as estrogen is also key to proper hormone metabolism. Estrogens are naturally occurring steroids found within the human body. These hormones are dominant in women and play a key role in female reproductive health. Abnormal estrogen levels are believed to play a key role in cancers involving the female reproductive system, including the breasts. This hormone is widely used in prescription medications aimed at restoring hormone balance once this balance has been interrupted by disease or aging.
Testosterone is a major hormone found primarily in men and plays an important role in overall hormone metabolism. This is the hormone responsible for masculine characteristics such as muscle strength, body hair, and penile development. Low testosterone levels in an adult male can lead to medical issues such as sexual dysfunction, infertility, and hair loss. Pharmaceutical companies have found ways to incorporate this hormone into medications designed to improve some of these symptoms and restore hormone balance.
Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in both males and females. Insulin is responsible for regulating the metabolism of energy as well as glucose. Abnormal insulin levels can lead to a disease known as diabetes mellitus, more commonly simply referred to as diabetes. This condition causes blood sugar levels to become too high. This can lead to a host of medical problems, including visual disturbances and even kidney failure. Medical advances have led to a variety of treatments for this disease, including dietary changes as well as medical intervention such as prescription dosages of insulin, available in both pill and injectible formulations.