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Hormone

A hormone, such as insulin or estrogen, is a substance released by an organ or tissue that controls the activity of organs or cells in another part of the body. The organs or glands that release hormones are part of the endocrine system.

Hormones may also be taken as medications, such as birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy.

Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
Last Updated May 14, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 14, 2008
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