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Home > Health Library > 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 medicines, such as birth control pills or estrogen therapy.
Current as of: July 28, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Alan C. Dalkin MD - Endocrinology
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