There Are Optimal Hormone Concentrations: Too Little or Too Much Can Be Damaging

The majority of endocrine problems are a result of hormones being too much, too little, too early, or too late. The mechanisms of hormone action involve the temporal envelope of its concentration as well as the sensitivity of the cellular response to the hormone. This is mediated by specific receptors that detect and bind to the hormone and then signal to the cell over a variety of pathways, thus shaping the response of the cell. Therefore, determining optimal levels for a given hormone must be achieved by paying attention to these mechanistic steps. The correct timing of the actions of hormones in development is essential for normal growth. The wrong amount of hormone too early can have profound behavioral consequences.