Hormonkänsligt

Hormonkänsligt is a Swedish term that translates to "hormone-sensitive" in English. It is used to describe a biological process, cell, tissue, or condition that is influenced by or responds to hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target cells or organs, where they bind to specific receptors and initiate a response.

Many bodily functions are hormone-sensitive. For example, growth and development are heavily regulated by hormones like growth hormone and thyroid hormones. Reproduction is controlled by sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Metabolism, mood, sleep, and stress responses are also mediated by various hormones.

In a medical context, the term "hormonkänsligt" can refer to conditions that are either caused by hormonal imbalances or that can be treated by altering hormone levels. For instance, certain types of breast cancer are described as hormone-sensitive, meaning their growth is stimulated by estrogen. These cancers can often be treated with drugs that block estrogen's effects. Similarly, conditions like diabetes involve a hormone called insulin, and its sensitivity in the body is crucial for blood sugar regulation. When a condition is hormone-sensitive, it implies a direct link between hormone activity and the observed phenomenon.