Hormonal

Hormonal, in a medical context, refers to the activities, effects, or the state of being related to hormones. Hormones are the body's chemical messengers produced by specialized glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, and testes. They are secreted directly into the bloodstream and travel to various organs and tissues to regulate a plethora of physiological processes including growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and stress response. An imbalance in hormones can result in a range of medical conditions – from diabetes (impaired insulin production) to hypothyroidism (low production of thyroid hormones), among others.

The term "hormonal" often denotes a situation that pertains to the effects of hormones on the body or a condition caused by hormonal imbalance. For instance, adolescents may experience hormonal changes during puberty, leading to physical growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics. In addition, women may experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their menstrual cycle, affecting physical and emotional well-being. When the endocrine system fails to function properly, hormonal therapy may be administered to restore balance, such as insulin for diabetes or thyroid hormone for thyroid dysfunctions, thereby highlighting the medical significance of understanding and managing hormonal influences on health.