The endocrine system makes hormones. These are chemicals that control and coordinate many things in your body. This includes your:
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Hormone name
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Where the hormone is made
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What the hormone does
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Aldosterone
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Adrenal glands
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Controls salt, water balance, and blood pressure.
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Cortisol (corticosteroid)
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Adrenal glands
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Controls key functions in the body. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Controls blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength. Affectls salt and water balance. Responsible for the fight or flight response to emergency situations.
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Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)
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Pituitary gland
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Increases water retention in kidneys and affects sodium balance. Controls blood pressure.
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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
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Pituitary gland
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Controls the making and release of cortisol and other steroids in the adrenal glands.
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Growth hormone (GH)
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Pituitary gland
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Affects growth and development. Promotes the making of protein. Affects where fat is on the body.
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Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
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Pituitary gland
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Controls the making of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and the making of eggs and sperm.
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Oxytocin
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Pituitary gland
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Sets off contraction of the uterus and milk release in breasts during breastfeeding. May play a role in trust and bonding, especially between parents and children.
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Prolactin
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Pituitary gland
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Starts and keeps up the making of milk in breasts. Affects sex hormone levels.
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Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
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Pituitary gland
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Sets off the making and release of thyroid hormones.
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Renin
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Kidneys
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Raises blood pressure.
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Glucagon
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Pancreas
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Raises blood sugar levels.
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Insulin
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Pancreas
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Lowers blood sugar levels. Triggers the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat.
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Estrogen
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Ovaries
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Affects growth and function of uterus and breasts. Helps protect bone health.
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Progesterone
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Ovaries
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Grows the lining of the uterus for fertilization. Prepares the breasts for making milk.
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Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
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Parathyroid glands
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Plays the most important role in controlling blood calcium levels.
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Thyroid hormone
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Thyroid gland
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Controls metabolism. Affects growth, maturation, and nervous system activity.
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Epinephrine
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Adrenal glands
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Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow.
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Norepinephrine
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Adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous systems
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Maintains blood pressure.
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Testosterone
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Testes (testicles)
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Controls sexual growth and function. Helps protect bone health.
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Melatonin
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Pineal gland
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Helps with sleep.
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Growth hormone-releasing hormone(GHRH)
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Hypothalamus
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Controls growth hormone release in the pituitary gland.
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Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
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Hypothalamus
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Controls thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release in the pituitary gland.
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
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Hypothalamus
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Controls the release of LH/FSH in the pituitary gland.
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Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
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Hypothalamus
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Controls adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release in the pituitary gland.
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Leptin
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Fat cells
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Suppresses food intake.
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