Here you’ll find clear explanations of key hormones and their roles in the body. From cortisol to estrogen, we break down complex terms into simple, understandable language. This glossary helps you better understand how hormones influence health and wellbeing.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine) – A stress hormone released by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for “fight or flight.” It increases heart rate, opens airways, and provides a burst of energy.

• Too high: Anxiety, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, insomnia
• Too low: Fatigue, low stress response, difficulty reacting to emergencies
• Example: Surge during a sudden stressful situation or intense exercise

Aldosterone – Produced by the adrenal cortex, aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium levels, helping maintain blood pressure and fluid balance.

• Too high: High blood pressure, fluid retention, low potassium
• Too low: Low blood pressure, dizziness, electrolyte imbalance
• Example: Works with the kidneys to keep your blood pressure stable

Cortisol – Known as the “stress hormone,” it regulates metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, and immune response.

• Too high: Weight gain, insomnia, weakened immunity, mood swings
• Too low: Fatigue, low blood pressure, poor stress response
• Example: Peaks in the morning to help wake you up, rises under stress

Estrogen - Primary female sex hormone; controls reproductive cycles, supports bone health, and effects mood and cardiovascular health.

• Too high: Weight gain, mood swings, fibroids, bloating
• Too low: Hot flashes, irregular periods, bone loss, low libido
• Example: Produced in ovaries, important for fertility and menstrual cycles

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicle growth in women and sperm production in men.

• Too high: Menopause, ovarian dysfunction
• Too low: Infertility, delayed puberty
• Example: Monitored in fertility treatments

Glucagon – Pancreatic hormone that raises blood glucose by signaling the liver to release stored sugar.

• Too high: High blood sugar, potential insulin resistance
• Too low: Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, fatigue
• Example: Works opposite insulin to maintain balanced blood sugar between meals

Growth Hormone (GH) – Pituitary hormone that stimulates growth, tissue repair, and muscle development.

• Too high: Gigantism in children, acromegaly in adults
• Too low: Stunted growth in children, low energy or muscle mass in adults
• Example: Peaks during deep sleep to repair tissues

Insulin – Produced by the pancreas; lowers blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose for energy or storage.

• Too high: Hypoglycemia, dizziness, sweating
• Too low: Hyperglycemia, diabetes, excessive thirst or urination
• Example: Released after meals to manage glucose levels

Leptin – Hormone from fat cells that signals the brain about energy stores and appetite.

• Too high: Leptin resistance, obesity, difficulty feeling full
• Too low: Excessive hunger, low energy, potential weight gain
• Example: Tells your brain when you’ve eaten enough

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Pituitary hormone; triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men.

• Too high: Menopause, PCOS
• Too low: Infertility, delayed puberty
• Example: Works closely with FSH in reproductive cycles

Melatonin – Pineal gland hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and signals nighttime to the body.

• Too high: Daytime drowsiness, difficulty staying awake
• Too low: Insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue
• Example: Levels rise in the evening to help you fall asleep

Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) – Stress and alertness hormone that increases heart rate, blood flow, and mental focus.

• Too high: Anxiety, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat
• Too low: Low energy, depression, difficulty concentrating
• Example: Released during stress or danger to heighten alertness

Oxytocin – “Love hormone”; promotes bonding, social connection, childbirth, and lactation.

• Too high: Rare, but may increase social attachment excessively
• Too low: Difficulty bonding, reduced milk production, social anxiety
• Example: Released during hugging, breastfeeding, or childbirth

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) – Regulates calcium and phosphate levels, maintaining bone strength and nerve function.

• Too high: Weak bones, kidney stones, high calcium
• Too low: Low calcium, muscle cramps, tingling in hands or feet
• Example: Secreted by parathyroid glands to keep calcium in balance

Progesterone – Female hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports menstrual cycle balance.

• Too high: Fatigue, bloating, mood swings
• Too low: Infertility, irregular periods, miscarriage risk
• Example: Peaks after ovulation to support the luteal phase

Prolactin – Pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

• Too high: Irregular periods, infertility, unwanted lactation
• Too low: Low milk supply during breastfeeding
• Example: Levels rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Serotonin – Neurotransmitter and hormone affecting mood, appetite, digestion, and sleep.

• Too high: Rare, can cause agitation or serotonin syndrome
• Too low: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues
• Example: Produced mainly in the gut and brain, contributes to well-being

Testosterone – Primary male sex hormone; regulates reproductive tissue, muscle mass, and libido. Present in women at lower levels.

• Too high: Aggression, acne, potential fertility issues
• Too low: Fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass
• Example: Produced in testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands

Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4) – Produced by the thyroid gland; regulate metabolism, energy, and growth.

• Too high (hyperthyroidism): Weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance
• Too low (hypothyroidism): Weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, depression
• Example: T4 converts to active T3 in tissues to control metabolism

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – Pituitary hormone that prompts the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.

• Too high: Usually indicates hypothyroidism
• Too low: Usually indicates hyperthyroidism
• Example: Blood tests monitor TSH to assess thyroid function

Vasopressin (Antidiuretic Hormone, ADH) – Regulates water balance and blood pressure by signaling the kidneys to retain water.

• Too high: Fluid retention, low sodium (hyponatremia)
• Too low: Excessive urination, thirst, dehydration (diabetes insipidus)
• Example: Released when dehydrated to conserve water