From the blood, hormones interact with cells by binding to special proteins called receptors. The binding is specific, like a key in a lock. When enough binding sites are occupied, then a message is passed on to the target cell nucleus unmasking genetic information which results in physiological reactions ultimately responsible for stimulating or regulating proper metabolism, development, growth, reproduction, and behavior.

A general answer to this question is that you should know as much as possible. Hormones are powerful drugs, and have potentially serious side effects. This is why it's such a good idea to work through an endocrinologist when starting on hormones; he will check your medical history and your general health, and will work with you to monitor your progress while maintaining your physical safety. I strongly recommend doing some background reading before you visit the doctor. See similar questions...

Some herbal products contain or mimic hormones, and some people feel that this is a viable alternative to going through the medical profession. I don't recommend this approach for the following reasons: Hormones carry sufficient health risks that medical monitoring is a very good idea. Along with the general concern about side effects, medical monitoring is important to establish a correct dosage. See similar questions...

No. Some herbs contain phyto-oestrogens (plant-steroids), but these are not the same as human hormones. Sometimes we may use a homeopathic called progesteronum to encourage the body to produce more progesterone, but this is only done on a case by case scenario if necessary. Your therapist will communicate with you and let you know if they feel this is appropriate. Because it is a homeopathic preparation this is thousands of times less concentrated than any synthetic medication you would take. See similar questions...

Are you getting paid or compensated in any way by any of the companies or web sites you link to? [ Updated March 01, 2005 ] Oh yeah, well how do you explain this picture? Obviously that bruise is from steroid use.[ Updated June 23, 2003 ] Why do you look so tense in your daily pictures? Why don't you smile in them? Why are your arms "puffed" out? [ Updated February 09, 2004 ] See similar questions...

Thyroid hormones, T4 and T3, affect the body's use of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, and water. They regulate the body's immune response. They can also alter the actions of other hormones and drugs. Back to top See similar questions...

Answer: Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk profile and hormones you are taking in light of the WHI results. See similar questions...

Many hormones are known to play a part in the hair growing process and include the parathyroid, the somotrophin, the pituitary gland and testosterone. This male hormone is suspect in causing certain types of baldness, but much of the evidence is circumstantial. Hormone changes have also been known to cause some forms of hair loss in females also. See similar questions...

i have just started the system about 2 weeks ago and i'm seeing more acne than i had when i started. so i'm wondering if it's supposed to get worse before it gets better. i have severe cystic acne, so how long would it typically take to begin to see results? and do people, once they've achieved their ideal goals, continue to take the pills as maintenance? thank you. I haven't order Derma Cleanse yet, but I'm thinking about it. See similar questions...

DHEA and cortisol are adrenal hormones. Cortisol is produced under stress in order to relieve inflammation. Cortisol correlates with Type-II cytokines, while DHEA correlates with Type-I cytokines. Too much cortisol is called hypercortisolism, and goes hand-in-hand with the “HIV+” state. This is well documented, as well is the fact that pharmaceutical steroid hormones (prednisone, body-builder “juice”, etc.) can also cause similar immune suppression. See similar questions...

Bioidentical hormones are compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body. See similar questions...