Which hormones regulate the rate of cellular metabolism?

The hormones that primarily regulate the rate of cellular metabolism are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These thyroid hormones play a crucial role in controlling the basal metabolic rate, which is the rate at which the body utilizes energy at rest. They influence numerous metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. By increasing the metabolic activity of cells, T4 and T3 facilitate the conversion of food into energy, and they also help regulate other physiological functions such as heart rate and temperature.

While other hormones listed have significant roles in various physiological processes, their primary functions do not directly correlate with the regulation of cellular metabolism in the same way that T4 and T3 do. Insulin mainly regulates glucose metabolism and is involved in lowering blood sugar levels, cortisol primarily addresses stress responses and influences metabolism indirectly, and epinephrine is vital in the fight-or-flight response, increasing energy availability for immediate use rather than regulating overall metabolic rate. Thus, T4 and T3 are the central hormones involved in the direct modulation of metabolic rates in cells.