Endocrine glands and their hormones
The hormonal system (called the endocrine system in medical terminology) has various different glands that release different hormones. It's the way in which one part of the body (the gland) tells another part of the body (the target cell) to do something important.
Below is a list of the main glands, some of the hormones they produce and what effects they have on the body.
Hypothalamus
- Major hormones – ADH, oxytocin and various hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland.
- Influences – nervous and hormonal systems
Pituitary gland
- Major hormones – LH, FSH, prolactin, growth hormone, TSH, ACTH
- Influences – reproduction, growth, breastfeeding, hormone regulation
Pineal gland
- Major hormones – Melatonin
- Influences – sleep cycle
Thyroid gland
- Major hormones – T3, T4, calcitonin
- Influence – metabolism, bone health
Parathyroid gland
- Major hormones – Parathyroid hormone
- Influences – calcium levels
Adrenal glands
- Major hormones – adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, aldosterone
- Influences – stress response and blood pressure/salt control
Pancreas
- Major hormones – insulin, glucagon, somatostatin
- Influences – blood sugar control
Ovaries (females only)
- Major hormones – oestrogen, progesterone
- Influences – female characteristics
Testes (males only)
- Major hormones – testosterone
- Influences – male characteristics
Find out more about the hormonal system.
Last reviewed: July 2015
