Hormones and metabolism

In short: Hormones are chemical messengers that glands release into the blood. They control growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress and mood.

In more detail: Metabolism comprises all chemical conversions in the body to obtain energy and building blocks.

In detail

• Insulin: From the pancreas, lowers blood sugar; disturbed in diabetes.
• Thyroid hormones: Control the basal metabolic rate.
• Cortisol: Stress hormone from the adrenal gland (stress-abbauen-und-entspannen).
• Adrenaline: Fight-or-flight reaction, raises pulse and blood pressure.
• Melatonin: Sleep-wake rhythm (schlafhygiene-besser-schlafen).
• Sex hormones: Oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone.
• Basal metabolic rate: Energy the body uses at rest.
• Staying healthy: Regular meals, exercise, enough sleep; have persistent complaints medically checked.