Hormones and Your Endocrine System
The endocrine system makes hormones. These are chemicals that control and coordinate many things in your body. This includes your:
Below is a list of hormones what they do in your body:
Hormone name | Where the hormone is made | What the hormone does |
Aldosterone | Adrenal glands | Controls salt, water balance, and blood pressure |
Cortisol (corticosteroid) | Adrenal glands | Controls key functions in the body. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Controls blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength. Controls salt and water balance. |
Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) | Pituitary gland | Affects water retention in kidneys and sodium balance. Controls blood pressure. |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | Pituitary gland | Controls the making of cortisol and other steroids in the adrenal glands. |
Growth hormone (GH) | Pituitary gland | Affects growth and development. Promotes the making of protein. Affects where fat is on the body. |
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | Pituitary gland | Controls the making of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and the making of eggs and sperm. |
Oxytocin | Pituitary gland | Triggers contraction of the uterus and milk release in breasts during breastfeeding. May play a role in trust and bonding, especially between parents and children. |
Prolactin | Pituitary gland | Starts and keeps up the making of milk in breasts. Affects sex hormone levels. |
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) | Pituitary gland | Triggers the making and release of thyroid hormones |
Renin | Kidneys | Controls blood pressure |
Erythropoietin | Kidneys | Affects the making of red blood cells (RBCs) |
Glucagon | Pancreas | Raises blood sugar levels |
Insulin | Pancreas | Lowers blood sugar levels. Triggers the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat. |
Estrogen | Ovaries | Affects growth and function of uterus and breasts. Helps protect bone health. |
Progesterone | Ovaries | Grows the lining of the uterus for fertilization. Prepares the breasts for making milk. |
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) | Parathyroid glands | Plays the most important role in controlling blood calcium levels |
Thyroid hormone | Thyroid gland | Controls metabolism. Affects growth, maturation, and nervous system activity. |
Epinephrine | Adrenal glands | Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow |
Norepinephrine | Adrenal glands | Maintains blood pressure |
Testosterone | Testes (testicles) | Controls sexual growth and function. Helps protect bone health. |
Melatonin | Pineal gland | Helps with sleep |
Growth hormone- releasing hormone (GHRH) | Hypothalamus | Controls growth hormone release in the pituitary gland |
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) | Hypothalamus | Controls thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) release in the pituitary gland |
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) | Hypothalamus | Controls the making of LH/FSH in the pituitary gland |
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) | Hypothalamus | Controls adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release in the pituitary gland |
Humoral factors | Thymus | Helps develop the immune system during puberty |
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
