In literal terms a water soluble hormone, is a hormone that can dissolve in the liquid water of the human body. Hormones tend to be defined as either water soluble or fat soluble.
- What is a water soluble hormone?
As mentioned above, a water soluble hormone carries out its function through water of the body however, the process is more complex than that. For example, water soluble hormones do not go through the cells but instead they join up with receptors known as plasma membrane receptors. Once they do this, the hormone then sends a chemical sign to the cell in question, which then activates up to five various chemicals. These chemicals then triggers another set of chemicals known as intracellular chemicals which will cause the cell to make the relevant response. Examples of water soluble hormones would be Amines and Peptides.
- What is a fat soluble hormone?
A fat soluble hormone is the other main hormone that works in a human body. However, the process is very different to that of a water soluble hormone. For example, instead of binding with the plasma membrane such as a water soluble hormone, they pass straight through it into the cell. Once they are inside the cell, they then bind with the nuclear membrane receptors located in the cell. Once they have done this, they create a hormone-receptor complex which then joins to DNA and creates certain genes in the body, therefore producing proteins.
In some cases people experience hormone imbalance within their bodies, and it is actually more common than people realize. When this happens in a person it can affect certain aspects of their feelings as well as medical issues. For example, some experience a lack of libido along with acne and headaches.
