Hormones

Hormones are responsible for many bodily functions including growth, repair, maintenance and triggering a number of bodily processes. Learn more here.

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Follicle stimulating hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is an important hormone for normal functioning of the reproductive system in men and women.

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Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that makes you feel love and trust. Understand the role of oxytocin and find out if you can adjust the levels of this hormone in your body.

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The role of cortisol in the body

Cortisol is a stress hormone with many important functions. Find out what happens if you have too little or excess cortisol and about corticosteroid drugs.

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Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a female sex hormone with many roles, including controlling puberty and strengthening bones. But too much or too little can cause medical problems.

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Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain. It controls the body’s night and day cycles. Learn more here, including how melatonin levels can be adjusted.

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Adrenaline

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone that helps you react more quickly in a stressful situation. Adrenaline is also used as an emergency treatment for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Learn more here.

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the name for a number of hormone therapies that can be used to treat the symptoms of menopause.

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Human growth hormone

Human growth hormone is a small protein that travels in the bloodstream to stimulate growth. Learn more about the medical uses of human growth hormone.

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Pituitary hormones

Links to trusted information about pituitary hormones.

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Hormonal system

The hormonal system influences your metabolism, growth and many other functions. Learn more about what it is and conditions related to the hormonal system.

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Hormonal medicines and periods

Some forms of hormonal contraception (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, and injection) may affect your menstrual cycle.

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Endocrine glands and their hormones

The hormone system is the way in which one part of the body tells another part of the body to do something important. Find out more about different parts of the hormonal system.

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Menopause medication

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is medication to treat troublesome symptoms of menopause. Find out about types of MHT and their risks.

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Hashimoto's disease

Hashimoto's disease can cause your body to produce too little thyroid hormone. Find out more about its causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. See symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options here.

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Graves' disease

In this autoimmune condition, the thyroid gland in the neck produces too much thyroid hormone that can cause tremor, anxiety, a racing heart, goitre and bulging eyes.

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Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands sitting on top of each kidney. They form part of the body's hormonal system. They produce several hormones that are involved in controlling your blood pressure, metabolism and your body's response to stress.

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Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland makes different hormones, some that have direct effects on the body and others that control other endocrine glands.

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Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective and reliable method of contraception. The two types available are the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD.

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (or thyrotoxicosis) occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone.

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects up to 1 in 10 females in their reproductive years.

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Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder with a wide range of symptoms. Learn what causes Cushing’s disease and why it is difficult to diagnose.

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Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system involves organs such as the uterus (womb), ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina, as well as hormones.

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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia affects the hormones. People with the condition will have health problems, but might still enjoy a normal lifestyle.

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Contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection, containing a synthetic version of the hormone progestogen, lasts up to 3 months. It is given into your buttock or upper arm.

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Contraceptive vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is an effective hormonal contraceptive method that works in the same way as the pill. It can also help control your periods.

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hCG levels

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that can be detected in your urine and blood when you're pregnant.

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Mini pill (progestogen-only pill)

The 'mini pill' is a type of contraceptive. It contains only one hormone and you can use it while breastfeeding.

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Thyroid function tests

A thyroid function blood test is used to check your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) blood levels.

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