Our body’s regulation is controlled by the endocrine system, a complex network of glands, organs, and hormones that work together to maintain stability, supporting long-term health. The endocrine system can aid in regulating everything from our metabolism, growth, mood, and immune function.
Considered the hormonal system of the body, the endocrine has a variety of glands that release a range of hormones with differing functions, but to fully understand the breadth of this important system, each gland has to be explored separately.
What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system is where hormones are produced, stored, and then released to their specific targets around the body, each gland in the system can produce either one, or multiple hormones depending on its function. The following glands are the major parts of the endocrine system:
- Pineal Gland
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary Gland
- Thyroid Gland
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Adrenal Glands
Hypothalamus
Located at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus links the brain to the hormonal system and produces a variety of hormones that control the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus also regulates certain functions of the body, such as sleep cycles body temperature, and appetite. Hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus include:
- Dopamine
- Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone
- Oxytocin
- Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
- Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
- Somatostatin
- Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH)
Thymus
Located in the upper chest area, this small gland is both an endocrine and lymphatic gland, which plays an important role in the immune function of the body, by producing a hormone called thymosin, in turn developing a type of white blood cell called T Cell.
Pancreas
The pancreas is found in the abdomen behind the stomach, its function within the endocrine system is to control blood sugar levels. Hormones that the pancreas creates are somatostatin, glucagon, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).Pituitary Gland
A small gland that sits below the brain, close to the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland produces hormones that affect growth and reproduction, it controls the function of other glands within the endocrine system. The pituitary gland produces and regulated hormones such as:
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Prolactin
- Growth Hormone
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
Pineal Gland
Found at the centre of the brain, the pineal gland is important for the sleep-wake cycles of your body, its major hormone is called melatonin, which controls the body’s day and night cycles. Melatonin levels can be affected by chronic stress and a poor diet that is low in amino acids, low levels of melatonin can be improved by managing stress and taking supplements.
Thyroid
Located at the front of the neck wrapped around the windpipe, the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism in the body. Hormones that the thyroid gland produces are Thyroxine (T4), and Triiodothyronine (T3). We have a variety of articles available that explore the thyroid glands, and cover everything you may need to know about an underactive or overactive thyroid, and how to manage it.Adrenal Gland
The adrenal glands are found above each kidney, they produce hormones that are important in regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress responses. It is responsible for producing the hormones:
- Adrenaline
- Cortisol
- Aldosterone
- DHEA
- Testosterone
Hormone levels in the Endocrine System
Hormonal imbalances can occur when levels either get too high, or too low, when this happens it will have a wide range of negative effects on an individual’s health. There can be signs and symptoms of this, but depending on which hormone is affected, they can differ significantly. The endocrine glands can suffer from certain conditions, which cause hormonal imbalances.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is also know as an overactive thyroid, this condition is caused by the thyroid gland overproducing too much of the thyroid hormone, resulting in symptoms of fatigue, nervousness, weight loss, and trouble sleeping.
Hypothyroidism
Similarly, with hypothyroidism, otherwise known as an underactive thyroid, the thyroid gland fails to produce the required amount of thyroid hormone to remain functional, causing fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to the cold, and dry skin or hair.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that is caused by your blood sugar levels failing to stay controlled within a particular range, when too much glucose is present in the blood, it can lead to two types of diabetes, namely Type 1, and Type 2 Diabetes. The most common symptoms experienced include fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, irritability, and infections.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is caused by fluctuating hormone levels in the ovaries resulting in a reproductive imbalance, a key sign of this condition is an irregularity in the release and development of eggs. However, it can also lead to other symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility, acne, thinning hair, and weight gain.
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