Hormonach

Hormonach is a proposed concept in endocrinology describing coordinated systemic hormonal signaling that aligns physiological states across multiple organs. In this use, hormones function not only as local messengers but as components of a distributed network capable of orchestrating metabolism, growth, reproduction, and behavior on a body-wide scale.

The mechanism envisions pulses or waves of hormonal output from central and/or peripheral sources, with diverse tissues expressing receptors that respond to these signals in synchronized or sequential patterns. Temporal dynamics such as circadian or ultradian rhythms, feedback loops among glands, and interactions with nervous and immune signaling are cited as contributing factors. The idea emphasizes integration across endocrine, neural, and paracrine pathways, extending beyond classical gland-by-gland regulation.

Origin and endorsement of the term are unclear; it appears mainly in speculative discussions or fictional contexts rather than as a widely accepted concept in peer-reviewed endocrinology. Real-world research addresses coordinated hormonal networks, hormone pulsatility, and neuroendocrine integration, but not under the label "hormonach."

Potential advantages of thinking in terms of hormonach include a framework to study systemic responses to stress, developmental transitions, and metabolic shifts. Criticism centers on methodological challenges, the risk of conflating established endocrine principles with novel terminology, and the need for clear, measurable definitions and evidence.

See also: endocrine system, neuroendocrinology, hormone signaling, circadian biology, systemic regulation.