Most hormones are proteins or derivatives of proteins, though there are also some that are classified as steroids, which are a type of lipid.
To elaborate, hormones are signaling molecules that regulate various functions in the body. Protein hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone, are composed of chains of amino acids and are crucial in managing processes like metabolism and growth.
On the other hand, steroid hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, are synthesized from cholesterol and fall into the lipid category. These hormones play essential roles in sexual development and metabolism.
Carbohydrates and sugars generally do not function as hormones themselves, though they can play roles in energy provision and cell signaling.
In summary, while some hormones are lipids, the majority are proteins, making them key signaling molecules in the complex interplay of physiological functions in the body.