Hormonoids and Hormones

The field of endocrinology is ever expanding. With a rapid increase in the understanding of different hormones andhormone-like substances, there is a need to update the nomenclature of these chemical messengers. The authors propose anovel term “Hormonoids”, defined as endogenous or exogenous substances that lead to hormone-like effects in the body.These may refer to various neurotransmitters, minerals, alkalis, acids, and vitamins that are not conventionally classified ashormones, but act upon receptors in target areas and are regulated by complex interlinked processes. These are requiredfor homeostasis, and an imbalance in their concentration or activity may lead to dysfunction and disease. They may also beused as pharmacotherapy for these associated disorders.