The endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones to regulate a range of bodily functions through the release of hormones.
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body.
It’s similar to the nervous system in that it plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body’s functions. But unlike the nervous system, it uses hormones instead of nerve impulses and neurotransmitters.
Keep reading to discover more about the endocrine system, what it does, and the hormones it produces.
Hormones are secreted by the glands of the endocrine system, traveling through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. The hormones then tell these organs and tissues what to do or how to function.
Some examples of bodily functions that are controlled by the endocrine system include:
- metabolism
- growth and development
- sexual function and reproduction
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- appetite
- sleeping and waking cycles
- body temperature
What is a gland?
A gland is an organ that creates and releases substances that the body needs to function. There are two types of glands:
- endocrine glands, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream
- exocrine glands, like lymph nodes and sweat glands, which are not part of the endocrine system
The glands of the endocrine system are where hormones are produced, stored, and released. Each gland produces one or more hormones, which go on to target specific organs and tissues in the body.
The glands of the endocrine system include the:
- Hypothalamus. While some people don’t consider it a gland, the hypothalamus produces multiple hormones that control the pituitary gland. It’s also involved in regulating many functions, including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands.
- Pituitary. The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus. The hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They can also control the function of other endocrine glands.
- Pineal. This gland is found in the middle of your brain. It’s important for your sleep-wake cycles.
- Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck. It’s very important for metabolism.
- Parathyroid. Also located in the front of your neck, the parathyroid gland is important for maintaining control of calcium levels in your bones and blood.
- Thymus. Located in the upper torso, the thymus is active until puberty and produces hormones that are important for the development of a type of white blood cell called a T cell.
- Adrenal. One adrenal gland can be found on top of each kidney. These glands produce hormones that are important for regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response.
- Pancreas. The pancreas is located in your abdomen behind your stomach. Its endocrine function involves controlling blood sugar levels.
Some endocrine glands also have non-endocrine functions. For example, the ovaries and testes produce hormones, but they also have the non-endocrine function of producing eggs and sperm, respectively.
Hormones are the chemicals the endocrine system uses to send messages to organs and tissue throughout the body. Once released into the bloodstream, hormones travel to their target organ or tissue, which has receptors that recognize and react to the hormone.
Below are some examples of hormones that are produced by the endocrine system.
| Hormone | Secreting gland(s) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| adrenaline | adrenal | increases blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism in reaction to stress |
| aldosterone | adrenal | controls the body’s salt and water balance |
| cortisol | adrenal | plays a role in stress response |
| dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) | adrenal | aids in production of body odor and growth of body hair during puberty |
| estrogen | ovary | works to regulate the menstrual cycle, maintain pregnancy, and develop female sex characteristics; aids in sperm production |
| follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | pituitary | controls the production of eggs and sperm |
| glucagon | pancreas | helps increase levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) |
| insulin | pancreas | helps reduce your blood glucose levels |
| luteinizing hormone (LH) | pituitary | controls estrogen and testosterone production as well as ovulation |
| melatonin | pineal | controls sleep-wake cycles |
| oxytocin | pituitary | helps with lactation, childbirth, and mother-child bonding |
| parathyroid hormone | parathyroid | controls calcium levels in bones and blood |
| progesterone | ovary | helps prepare the body for pregnancy when an egg is fertilized |
| prolactin | pituitary | promotes breast-milk production |
| testosterone | ovary, teste, adrenal | contributes to sex drive and body density in males and females as well as development of male sex characteristics |
| thyroid hormone | thyroid | helps control several body functions, including the rate of metabolism and energy levels |
Explore the interactive 3-D diagram below to learn more about the endocrine system.
Sometimes, hormone levels can be too high or too low. When this happens, it can have a number of effects on your health. The signs and symptoms depend on the hormone that’s out of balance.
Here’s a look at some conditions that can affect the endocrine system and alter your hormone levels.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than necessary. This can be caused by a range of things, including autoimmune conditions.
Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- fatigue
- nervousness
- weight loss
- diarrhea
- issues tolerating heat
- fast heart rate
- trouble sleeping
Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, as well as its underlying cause. Options include medications, radioiodine therapy, or surgery.
Graves‘ disease is an autoimmune disorder and a common form of hyperthyroidism. In people with Graves‘ disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid, which causes it to produce more thyroid hormone than usual.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Similar to hyperthyroidism, it has many potential causes.
Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- constipation
- issues tolerating the cold
- dry skin and hair
- slow heart rate
- irregular periods
- fertility issues
Treatment for hypothyroidism involves supplementing your thyroid hormone with medication.
Cushing syndrome
Cushing syndrome happens due to high levels of the hormone cortisol.
Common symptoms of Cushing syndrome include:
- weight gain
- fatty deposits in the face, midsection, or shoulders
- stretch marks, particularly on the arms, thighs, and abdomen
- slow healing of cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
- thin skin that bruises easily
- irregular periods
- decreased sex drive and fertility in males
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and can include medications, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease happens when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Some symptoms of Addison’s disease include:
- fatigue
- weight loss
- abdominal pain
- low blood sugar
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- irritability
- a craving for salt or salty foods
- irregular periods
Treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking medications that help replace the hormones your body isn’t producing enough of.
Diabetes
Diabetes refers to a condition in which your blood sugar levels aren’t regulated within a certain range.
People with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood (high blood sugar). There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include:
- fatigue
- increased hunger or thirst
- frequent urge to urinate
- irritability
- frequent infections
Treatment for diabetes can include blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, and medications. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, can also help.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
This common condition is caused by unbalanced reproductive hormones in people with ovaries, which can create issues in the ovaries. Living with PCOS can mean that an egg may not be released every month, or may not develop as it should when it is released.
Some of the common symptoms of PCOS are:
- irregular periods
- fertility issues
- cysts that form on the ovaries
- acne
- hirsutism, which is an unusual amount of hair growth on the face or chin
- thinning hair
- weight gain
- skin tags
Treatment for PCOS focuses on easing the symptoms. Treatments include medications, like birth control and metformin, and lifestyle changes, such as focusing on nutrition and trying to reach a moderate weight if your doctor has recommended it.
Hypogonadism
A common condition, especially in older males and occasionally in females, hypogonadism is caused by a lowered production of the sex hormone testosterone. This can lead to lowered libido, as well as a variety of other symptoms, such as:
- erectile dysfunction in people with a penis
- reduced energy
- reduced muscle mass
- depressed mood
- increased irritability
Treatment for hypogonadism focuses on improved testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes (such as working toward a moderate weight if your doctor has recommended it) are two popular methods.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is an abnormal loss of bone mass and changes in bone tissue. It can be caused by a variety of issues, but two common causes are lowered estrogen levels in people with ovaries and lowered testosterone levels in people with testicles. These lowered hormone levels can be caused by age, as well as other diseases.
Osteoporosis doesn‘t always cause obvious symptoms. But some of the more common symptoms are bone fractures and injuries related to minor falls, lifting, and even coughing.
Treatment for osteoporosis focuses on slowing or stopping bone loss. Proper nutrition, exercise, and medications are three of the most common treatments.
Acromegaly
This rare disease is caused when the body makes too much growth hormone, which is mainly produced in the pituitary gland. Mostly diagnosed in middle-aged adults, it can cause organs, bones, cartilage, organs, and certain tissues to grow in size.
The common symptoms of acromegaly include:
- swollen nose
- swollen ears
- swollen hands and feet
- joint aches
- a deeper voice than usual
- an increase in sweating and body odor
Treatment for acromegaly includes medications, radiation therapy, and surgery.
The endocrine system is a complex collection of glands and organs that helps regulate various bodily functions. This is accomplished through the release of hormones, or chemical messengers, produced by the endocrine system.