Hormones are the body's little chemical messengers. They regulate everything from growth, metabolism and reproduction to sleep, mood and appetite. But what are hormones actually made of, and why is their structure so crucial to how they work in the body?
At Valida Health, we often encounter patients who experience symptoms of hormonal imbalances. To understand what is happening in the body, it is useful to know a little about the biology of hormones. In this article, we will review how hormones are built, what types exist, and what importance their structure has for health and well-being.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced in the body's endocrine glands - e.g. the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas and gonads (ovaries and testicles).
When they are released into the bloodstream, they are transported throughout the body and affect specific organs and tissues. In this way, they can “turn on” or “turn off” certain processes – everything from blood sugar regulation to reproduction.
But how can one small molecule have such a big effect? The answer lies in the structure of hormones.
What are hormones made of?
Hormones are made up of molecules that can vary greatly in size and structure. Basically, there are three main types of hormones:
1. Peptide hormones (protein-based hormones)
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Structure: Consists of short or long chains of amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
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Examples: Insulin, glucagon, growth hormone and oxytocin.
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Function: Because they are made up of amino acids, they cannot freely pass into cells. Instead, they bind to receptors on the surface of the cells, which then send a signal into the cell.
👉 Importance for health: Peptide hormones play a crucial role in blood sugar regulation (insulin), appetite and growth. Imbalances can lead to diseases such as diabetes or growth disorders.
2. Steroid hormones (fat-based hormones)
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Structure: Consists of carbon and hydrogen structures, formed from cholesterol.
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Examples: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and aldosterone.
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Function: Because they are fat-soluble, steroid hormones can freely pass through cell membranes and bind to receptors inside the cell. Here, they often affect gene activity itself and change which proteins the cell produces.
👉 Importance for health: Steroid hormones regulate everything from sexual development and fertility to stress management and immune defense. Imbalances can, for example, cause menopausal symptoms, testosterone deficiency or stress-related diseases.
3. Amino acid derivatives (small molecules based on amino acids)
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Structure: Formed from single amino acids such as tyrosine or tryptophan.
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Examples: Adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine (from tyrosine) and melatonin (from tryptophan).
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Function: These hormones are small and can act quickly. Some function both as hormones and as signaling substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
👉 Significance for health: These hormones affect stress reactions, sleep rhythms, mood and concentration, among other things. Imbalances can lead to sleep problems, depression or anxiety.
Why is the structure of hormones important?
The structure of hormones determines:
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How they are transported in the blood
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Peptide hormones are water-soluble and circulate freely in the blood.
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Steroid hormones are fat-soluble and must be bound to transport proteins.
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How they act on cells
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Peptide hormones bind to receptors on the cell surface.
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Steroid hormones enter the cell directly and alter gene activity.
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How quickly they work
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Adrenaline (an amino acid derivative) can work in a few seconds.
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Steroid hormones such as testosterone or cortisol act more slowly, but with longer-lasting effects.
Examples: The structure and function of hormones in practice
Let's look at some well-known hormones and their structure:
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Insulin (peptide hormone): Consists of 51 amino acids in two chains. Regulates blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose.
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Cortisol (steroid hormone): Built on the structure of cholesterol. Helps the body deal with stress, regulates blood pressure and energy.
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Estrogen (steroid hormone): Also cholesterol-based. Controls menstrual cycle, bone health, and many other functions.
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Adrenaline (amino acid derivative): Formed from the amino acid tyrosine. Activates the “fight-or-flight” response, increases heart rate and blood pressure.
How are hormones formed?
The formation of hormones depends on their structure:
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Peptide hormones are formed in the ribosomes of the gland cells and released in small “packages” (vesicles).
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Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testicles.
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Amino acid derivatives are produced by chemically modifying certain amino acids.
Production is often controlled by signals from the pituitary gland, which is the body's "conductor" of the hormonal system.
Hormonal balance – why is it important?
Because hormones control so many processes, even small disturbances in the balance can cause symptoms. These can include:
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Fatigue and low energy (metabolic problems, low testosterone)
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Mood swings and sleep problems (imbalances in melatonin or cortisol)
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Unexplained weight gain (insulin resistance, low metabolism)
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Symptoms of menopause (low estrogen and progesterone)
At Valida Health, we help patients identify and treat hormonal imbalances through blood tests, analyses and targeted treatment.
Can you influence your own hormones?
Although the structure of hormones is biologically determined, their production and effect can be influenced by lifestyle. For example:
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Diet: Protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients like iodine, vitamin D, and magnesium are essential for hormone production.
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Exercise: Increases insulin sensitivity and balances stress hormones.
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Sleep: Poor sleep affects cortisol, melatonin, and appetite hormones.
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Stress management: Chronic stress can keep cortisol artificially high and cause imbalances.
Conclusion: What are hormones made of?
Hormones are made up of different molecules – proteins (peptide hormones), cholesterol (steroid hormones) or amino acids (amino acid derivatives). Their structure determines how they work in the body, how quickly they act and how they are transported.
Regardless of their structure, hormones are indispensable for everything from energy and weight to mood, sleep and fertility.
Understanding the structure of hormones also gives us deeper insight into why imbalances can cause symptoms – and how we can restore balance.
Ready to learn more about your own hormone balance?
At Valida Health, we offer hormone tests, counseling and treatment so you can get clarity and support to regain balance.
👉 Read more about our hormone course here
Valida Health – A healthier life, with you at the center.
