Hormones
Hormones control many body functions including reproduction, metabolism, blood pressure and our stress response. Learn more about the hormonal system below.
Adrenal glands
Find out about your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys and make several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a natural stress hormone. It is also a medicine used in an emergency for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone with many important functions. Find out what happens if you have too little or excess cortisol and about treatments.
Endocrine glands and their hormones
Find out more about the endocrine glands and hormones in your body, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
Follicle stimulating hormone
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. Find out what it does and when your FSH blood level may be tested.
Hormonal medicines and periods
Some forms of hormonal contraception (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, and injection) may affect your menstrual cycle.
Hormonal system
The endocrine (hormonal) system influences your metabolism, growth and other functions. Learn more about what it is and related conditions.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopause medications
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) comes in various forms and is used to treat the symptoms of menopause.
Human growth hormone
Human growth hormone is a small protein that travels in the bloodstream to stimulate growth. Learn more about its medical uses.
Insulin and diabetes
Information about insulin and diabetes, storing insulin, taking insulin, and what to do if you run out of insulin or it is out of date.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally made in your body. It helps to control how and when you sleep. It can be taken as a medicine if you have slee...
Oestrogen
Oestrogen is a female sex hormone with many roles, including controlling puberty and strengthening bones. Too much or too little can cause problems.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone that is used to induce labor, strengthen contractions, or to control bleeding after childbirth.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a vital organ that helps the body digest food and control blood sugar levels. Read about its role and how to keep it healthy.
Parathyroid glands
Your parathyroid glands are small glands that are found in your neck and make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Find out more about PTH here.
Pineal gland
Find out about the pineal gland. This is a very small gland in your brain that makes the hormone melatonin, which controls your internal body clock.
Pituitary gland and hormones
Your pituitary gland is found in your brain and is considered your body’s ‘master gland’. Learn more about the role of your pituitary gland here.
Testosterone
Your testosterone levels can vary depending on your sex, age and health. Learn more about low testosterone, possible causes and symptoms.
Thyroid gland
Your thyroid gland sits in the front of your neck and helps control your metabolism. Read about the different thyroid hormones and thyroid problems.
