hormonally

“Hormonally” is an adverb describing something that occurs through the action, influence, or regulation of hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and other cells; they travel through the blood or act locally to influence physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses. A scientist might say that a behavior is hormonally determined, while a physician could describe a drug as hormonally active. The adverb is especially common in medical and biological writing because it identifies a physiological mechanism without requiring further explanation. It is also used when contrasting hormonal influences with structural, neurological, or environmental ones. Although “hormonally” is widely understood, most speakers use the related adjective “hormonal” more often in phrases such as “hormonal changes,” “hormonal imbalance,” and “hormonal treatment.”

In a way relating to hormones or involving their action in the body.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does hormonally come from?

“Hormonally” was formed by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to the adjective “hormonal.” “Hormonal” in turn derives from “hormone,” which comes through French from the Greek “hormōn,” a present participle of “hormān,” meaning “to set in motion” or “stimulate.” The same Greek root also underlies “hormesis,” referring to a biological response to exposure to a stressor.

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How hormonally is actually used

This is a formal, technical adverb used especially in medicine, biology, and endocrinology. It is less common in everyday speech, where a more specific expression is often preferred.

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Words and phrases paired with hormonally

Rhymes with hormonally