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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 medicines, such as birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy.

Last Revised: May 6, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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