An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goiter. If you have a goiter, you may experience symptoms, such as a noticeable swelling just below your Adam’s apple, a tightness in your throat, problems with swallowing and breathing, cough or hoarseness.

Estrogen, a sex steroid synthesized mainly by the ovaries, affects several bodily processes. Women of reproductive age have the highest levels of this natural hormone. Excessive amounts, however, can create a syndrome known as estrogen dominance. This medical condition may lead to breast and endometrial cancer.

It's hard to lose weight when your metabolism slows down, but there are things you can do. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, produces hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism.

Testosterone therapy involves artificially increasing testosterone levels in men who have low testosterone levels due to advanced age, according to MayoClinic.com. The higher levels of testosterone may enhance dwindling mental acuity, elevate sex drive as well as raise overall vigor.

Estrogen is any substance, natural or artificial, which induces estrogenic activity. Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen produced by the body. Derived from cholesterol, it is produced by fat cells, arterial walls, adrenal glands, brain tissue and the ovaries.

The adrenal glands, positioned in the human body on top of the kidneys, play a critical, life-saving role in the body. One of their many functions is to supply the body with stress hormones, especially cortisol.

Hormones affect growth, reproduction, mood, sexual function and metabolism. Even small imbalances can cause huge problems. To stay balanced, hormone levels can be tested in three ways.

A teenager’s testosterone levels are among the highest that will occur throughout a person’s life. Teenage boys and teenage girls start producing more testosterone than ever during puberty. Testosterone production gradually decreases shortly after teenage years.

The female hormone, estrogen, is produced in the ovaries. It is responsible for the growth of the female sex organs and mammary glands. It is also responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, and plays a role in sex drive. As women age, the amount of estrogen produced decreases.

According to Health-Science, estrogen is the group of steroidal hormones produced by ovaries that play an important role in a female's reproductive cycle as well as in developing and maintaining female sexual characteristics, such as breasts and menstruation.

Your body's network of hormone-producing organs, or its endocrine system, includes the adrenal gland, which makes several important hormones. One of these is cortisol, which called a stress hormone because it helps you respond to stress.

For many teenagers, acne is a rite of passage, marking the transition from puberty to adolescence, and finally clearing up in adulthood. Most adults never imagine having to deal with it in later life, but for some--mainly women--acne remains.