Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland and is known as the stress hormone because people produce greater levels of it when they are under significant stress. It is associated with the "fight or flight" reaction. Cortisol helps reduce inflammation in the body. It is manufactured as a medicine, hydrocortisone cream, and is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. People who are under large amounts of stress produce large amounts of cortisol. Increased levels of cortisol can cause high blood pressure, lower bone density, and reduce the functioning of the immune system.

Cholesterol is made in the liver. It is also found in foods from animals such as eggs, dairy products, and meat. Cholesterol is essential to proper body functioning. It protects the nerves, makes other hormones, and makes cell tissues. Cholesterol cannot travel in the blood by itself. It is carried through the blood by special proteins called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). LDLs, referred to as "bad cholesterol", pick up cholesterol from the liver and deliver it to cells. HDLs or "good cholesterol", remove excess cholesterol from the blood and take it to the liver. The combination of HDL and LDL make up a person's total cholesterol level. The body produces enough cholesterol for healthy functioning. Many people eat too much cholesterol and increase their blood cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries and heart disease.

Testosterone is known as the male sex hormone and is responsible for the normal growth and development of the male sex organs. It is also responsible for the development of male hair distribution such as facial hair. Women also produce testosterone but only have about one tenth of the amount that males have.

Progesterone is one of the female sex hormones. Women produce progesterone just before ovulation in order to increase the possibility of pregnancy. Males also produce a small amount of progesterone.