Endocrine System

The endocrine system is the body’s chemical communication network, regulating growth, metabolism, stress response, reproduction, fluid balance, sleep, and homeostasis through hormones. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream to influence distant tissues, maintaining internal balance and coordinating long-term physiological processes.
Relevant Herbal Actions:
Adaptogen
Hormone Modulator
Nervine
Hepatic (Choleretic, Cholagogue)
Lymphatic
Anti-inflammatory
Circulatory Stimulant
Antioxidant
Nutritive Tonic
Herbal Allies:
Schisandra
Eleuthero
Tulsi, Holy Basil
Licorice
Ginkgo
Gotu Kola
Stinging Nettle
Vitex
Milk Thistle
Calendula
Rosemary
Burdock
Lemon Balm
Skullcap
  • Metabolic regulation (thyroid hormones)
  • Growth + development (growth hormone)
  • Stress response (cortisol, catecholamines)
  • Blood sugar regulation (insulin + glucagon)
  • Reproductive signaling (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
  • Fluid + electrolyte balance (ADH, aldosterone)
  • Calcium homeostasis (PTH, calcitonin)
  • Sleep–wake cycles (melatonin)
  • Immune regulation + inflammation control (cortisol, cytokine modulation)
  • Long-term homeostasis across every body system

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    Hypothalamus

    • Integrates nervous + endocrine systems
    • Releases regulatory hormones (GnRH, TRH, CRH, GHRH)

    Pituitary Gland (Master Gland)

    Anterior pituitary:

    • FSH, LH
    • ACTH
    • TSH
    • GH
    • Prolactin

    Posterior pituitary:

    • Oxytocin
    • ADH (antidiuretic hormone)

    Thyroid Gland

    • Follicles filled with colloid
    • Produces T3 and T4 (metabolic regulation)
    • Parafollicular C cells (calcitonin)

    Parathyroid Glands

    • Produce PTH (calcium regulation)

    Adrenal Glands

    Cortex:

    • Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
    • Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
    • Androgens

    Medulla:

    • Epinephrine + norepinephrine (fight-or-flight)

    Pancreas (Endocrine Portion)

    • Islets of Langerhans
    • α cells: glucagon
    • β cells: insulin
    • δ cells: somatostatin

    Pineal Gland

    • Produces melatonin
    • Regulates circadian rhythm

    Gonads (interlinked with reproductive system)

    • Ovaries: estrogen, progesterone
    • Testes: testosterone

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