Hormones
Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs.
They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function and mood.
Some people think that the hormonal system in some individuals on the autism spectrum does not work properly and this causes or worsens some of the symptoms of autism.
They also think that some of those problems can be overcome by regulating (changing) the amount and action of those hormones.
In some cases this means taking additional quantities of a specific hormone (such as melatonin). Hormones can be taken in a variety of ways including via injections, infusions, tablets, skin patches or inhalers.
In some cases this means taking medications (such as leuprolide) to reduce the amount and effect of the hormones (such as testosterone).
Specific hormones which have been suggested as treatments for people on the autism spectrum include melatonin, oxytocin, secretin, and vasopressin.
Related Glossaries
- Aldosterone
- Hormonal Therapies
- Leuprolide
- Medication
- Melatonin
- Neurotensin
- Noradrenalin
- Oestrogen
- Oxytocin
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Secretin
- Serotonin
- Testosterone
- Triiodothyronine
- Vasopressin
Related Pages
Related Publications
There are 126 publications matching this term. Click Here to view the list (New Window).
About This Glossary
This glossary is designed to explain some of the jargon and gobbledygook used by some people when they talk about autism or research..
You may be able to find more information, including links to other parts of this website, by clicking on the title of an item.
If you know of any other items we should include in this section, please email info@informationautism.org.
Please note that we reserve the right not to include an item if we feel that it is not appropriate.
Disclaimer
The fact that an intervention is listed in this glossary does not necessarily mean that we agree with its use. Nor does it necessarily mean that there is any scientifically valid or reliable evidence behind it.