Types of Hormones

To regulate various functions, different types of hormones are produced in the body. They are classified as follows:

• Peptide Hormones
• Steroid Hormones

Peptide Hormones

Peptide hormones are composed of amino acids and are soluble in water. Peptide hormones are unable to pass through the cell membrane as it contains a phospholipid bilayer that stops any fat-insoluble molecules from diffusing into the cell. Insulin is an important peptide hormone produced by the pancreas.

Steroid Hormones

Unlike peptide hormones, steroid hormones are fat-soluble and are able to pass through a cell membrane. Sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are examples of steroid hormones.