Endocrine glands and their hormones
Key facts
- The endocrine (hormonal) system is a network of glands that release hormones to regulate processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction.
- Each endocrine gland produces specific hormones with their own roles, such as regulating stress, blood sugar and your body clock.
- Major endocrine glands include the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and testes.
- The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to control other endocrine glands and release hormones that affect the body.
- Endocrine disorders happen when glands produce too much or too little of a hormone.
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is a group of glands and organs that make hormones, chemicals which control many important activities in your body. The endocrine system is also called the hormonal system.
Hormones are one of the body's communication systems. They act as messengers to help control processes, such as:
- growth
- metabolism
- reproduction
Each hormone plays a specific role to ensure the body works smoothly.
What are endocrine glands?
Endocrine glands are organs that make and release hormones into your bloodstream. Major endocrine glands include:
- pituitary gland and hypothalamus
- pineal gland
- thyroid and parathyroids
- pancreas
- adrenal glands
- ovaries and testes
Endocrine glands together form the hormonal system.
You also have exocrine glands in your body. They are not part of your endocrine system. These glands make and release chemicals into a duct (tube or passage). For example, salivary glands, which make saliva and release it into your mouth via the salivary ducts.
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland work together to regulate your bodily functions.
The hypothalamus is an area of your brain. It connects your brain to your hormonal system. The hypothalamus is connected to the pituitary gland by a stalk. Your hypothalamus releases hormones that help control the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is a small gland at the base of your brain. It is also called the 'master gland' because it regulates many other endocrine glands, including the:
- thyroid gland
- adrenal glands
- ovaries
- testes
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland also make some hormones that act directly on the body without involving other glands.
What hormones does my hypothalamus make?
Hormones made in the hypothalamus include:
- growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
- thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH)
- corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)
- gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
- oxytocin and dopamine
- vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone)
- somatostatin
What hormones does my pituitary gland make?
Your pituitary gland makes:
- growth hormone (GH)
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
- follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- luteinising hormone (LH)
- prolactin
It also stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus, including:
- oxytocin
- vasopressin
What are the other endocrine glands and what do they do?
Other endocrine glands are found in different places in your body. Each gland produces specific hormones responsible for different functions.
|
Endocrine gland |
Function |
Hormone(s) made |
| Thyroid gland |
Your thyroid is a gland found in the front of your neck. Hormones made in your thyroid influence your:
|
|
| Parathyroid glands | Your parathyroid glands are 4 small glands in your neck that regulate calcium levels in your blood. | Parathyroid hormone (PTH) |
| Adrenal glands |
Your adrenal glands are located above your kidneys. They regulate: |
|
| Pineal gland | Your pineal gland is a small gland near the centre of your brain. It regulates your body clock (circadian rhythm). | Melatonin |
|
Your pancreas is a long gland found behind your stomach, under your liver. The pancreas is an exocrine and endocrine gland. It controls your blood sugar levels and digestion. |
|
|
|
Ovaries (in females) |
Your ovaries are 2 glands found on each side of your womb. They store and release eggs and make hormones for puberty and reproduction. |
|
|
Testes |
The testes are 2 glands found in your scrotum. They make sperm and hormones for puberty and reproduction. |
|
What happens if my endocrine glands make too much or too little hormones?
You may develop a health condition if your endocrine glands make too much or too little of a certain hormone.
There are many different causes of endocrine conditions, such as:
- age — as you reach an older age, certain hormone levels naturally decline.
- gland dysfunction — damage or disease in endocrine glands may lead to imbalances. This may lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- stress and lifestyle factors — chronic stress can raise cortisol This may affect hormones related to metabolism, such as insulin, contributing to diabetes.
- medical treatments — such as cancer treatments may disrupt normal hormone production.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- hormone replacement therapy
- lifestyle changes
- medicines to regulate your hormone levels
Resources and support
- Hormones Australia has information about your endocrine glands and the conditions that affect them.
- Hormones Australia can also help you find an endocrinologist.
- net.au has a parent and children guide for if your child has problems with hormones.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: December 2024
