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Physiology · Hormonal regulation of physiological functions

Chemical structure and synthesis of hormones

The chemical nature of a hormone is its primary "passport" in the body. Its molecular structure determines how the active substance is synthesized in the gland, transported through the bloodstream, binds to target cells, and is degraded.

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Main classesThere are 3 basic classes of hormones and a special group of eicosanoids.
Peptide synthesisFormed as a result of gene expression via a prohormone stage.
Steroid backboneAll steroid hormones are derivatives of the cholesterol molecule.
EffectorsEffector hormones act directly on target organs and tissues.
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated Sep 20, 2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Significance of chemical structure

Chemical structure is not just a classification criterion. The nature of the molecule strictly predetermines five critical physiological characteristics of any hormone:

  1. Specific features of its synthesis in endocrine cells.
  2. Mode of transport in blood plasma.
  3. Mechanism of interaction with receptors on target cells.
  4. Duration of the half-life in the body.
  5. Main pathways of inactivation and excretion.

Protein-peptide hormones

This is the largest group, whose members are direct products of gene expression. A distinguishing feature of their biosynthesis is passing through an inactive prohormone stage.

The class is subdivided into:

  • Peptides: corticotropin (ACTH) and vasopressin (ADH).
  • Proteins: growth hormone (GH), insulin, and prolactin.
  • Glycoproteins: thyrotropin (TSH), follitropin (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
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Steroid hormones

Abruptly all steroid hormones are synthesized from a common precursor — cholesterol. This group includes:

  • Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids (adrenal cortex hormones).
  • Sex hormones: androgens, estrogens, and progesterone.

Amino acid derivatives

These hormones are formed via chemical modification of specific amino acids. There are three subgroups depending on the precursor substance:

  1. Tyrosine derivatives: catecholaamines (dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline) and iodine-containing thyroid hormones (T3, T4).
  2. Tryptophan derivatives: serotonin and melatonin.
  3. Histidine derivatives: histamine.

Eicosanoids (special group)

An extremely important group of substances derived from arachidonic acid. They include prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes. Their main physiological properties are ultra-high activity and the broadest possible spectrum of biological action in the body.

Classification by function

In addition to structural division, hormones are classified by the point of application of their effects:

  • Effector hormones (growth hormone, prolactin) exert their action directly on peripheral target tissues.
  • Glandotropic hormones (ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH) are regulators that stimulate the production of other hormones in pituitary-dependent peripheral endocrine glands.
How to memorize

Glandotropic hormones can easily be remembered as "hormones for hormones"—they do not cause a final effect in tissues by themselves, but merely drive other glands to work (thyroid, adrenals, gonads).

Class and exam questions

What serves as the basis for the synthesis of steroid hormones?

All steroid hormones (both sex hormones and adrenal cortex hormones) are formed from a cholesterol molecule.

What is the specific feature of protein-peptide hormone synthesis?

They are a direct result of gene expression, and their maturation necessarily proceeds through the formation of inactive prohormones.

Which hormones are classified as tyrosine derivatives?

Catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine) and iodine-containing thyroid hormones are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine.

How do glandotropic hormones differ from effector hormones?

Effector hormones act directly on target tissues, whereas glandotropic hormones stimulate the secretory activity of other peripheral endocrine glands.

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What else to study on this topic

  • Mechanisms of transport of various hormone classes in the bloodstream
  • Specifics of hormone interaction with target cell receptors
  • Duration of the half-life of steroids and peptides
  • Inactivation pathways and methods of hormone excretion from the body
  • Mechanisms of prohormone processing into active forms

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Other topics in the section «Hormonal regulation of physiological functions»

Hormones: definition, classification, and mechanisms of actionEndocrine glands and sources of hormonesSecretion and circulation of hormonesForms of hormonal signal transmissionHormone receptorsHypothalamo-pituitary systemHormones of the neurohypophysisHormones of the adenohypophysis: Growth hormone and prolactinAdrenocortical hormones and ACTHHormones of the adrenal medullaThyroid hormonesHormonal regulation of calcium metabolismPancreatic hormonesSex hormones and the reproductive systemPhysiology of stress and adaptationEndocrine functions of the kidneys, heart, and other organsHypothalamusCorticotropin-releasing hormonePhysiology of organs and systemsReceptors and target cellsThyroid hormones and their physiological role
The entire section «Hormonal regulation of physiological functions»

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