Major Endocrine Glands and Hormones Overview

Growth hormone (GH)

Promotes protein anabolism (growth, tissue repair) and lipid mobilization and catabolism.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates synthesis and release of thyroid hormones, growth and function of thyroid gland.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Fosters growth of adrenal cortex; stimulates secretion of corticosteroids.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates sex hormone secretion, reproductive organ growth, reproductive processes.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Stimulates sex hormone secretion, reproductive organ growth, reproductive processes.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

Increases melanin production in melanocytes to make skin darker in color.

Prolactin

Stimulates milk production in lactating women; increases response of follicles to LH and FSH; has unclear function in men.

Oxytocin

Stimulates milk secretion, uterine contractility.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Promotes reabsorption of water, vasoconstriction.

Thyroxine (T4)

Precursor to T3.

Triiodothyronine (T3)

Regulates metabolic rate of all cells and processes of cell growth and tissue differentiation.

Calcitonin

Regulates calcium and phosphorus blood levels; decreases serum Ca2+ levels.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Regulates calcium and phosphorus blood levels; promotes bone demineralization and increases intestinal absorption of Ca2+; increases serum Ca2+ levels.

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

Response to stress; enhances and prolongs effects of sympathetic nervous system.

Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

Response to stress; enhances and prolongs effects of sympathetic nervous system.

Corticosteroids

Promotes metabolism, response to stress; antiinflammatory.

Androgens

Promotes masculinization in men, growth and sexual activity in women.

Mineralocorticoids

Regulates sodium and potassium balance and thus water balance.

Insulin

Promotes movement of glucose out of blood and into cells.

Amylin

↓Gastric motility, ↓ glucagon secretion, ↓ endogenous glucose release from liver, ↑ satiety.

Glucagon

Stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Somatostatin

Inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion.

Pancreatic polypeptide

Influences regulation of pancreatic exocrine function and metabolism of absorbed nutrients.

Estrogen

Stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics, preparation of uterus for fertilization and fetal development; stimulates bone growth.

Progesterone

Maintains lining of uterus necessary for successful pregnancy.

Testosterone

Stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics, spermatogenesis.

Hyperpigmentation

Darkening of the skin, particularly in creases and skinfolds.

Striae

Purplish red marks below the skin surface—usually seen on abdomen, breasts, and buttocks.

Changes in skin texture

Thick, cold, dry skin; thick, leathery, oily skin.

Changes in hair distribution

Hair loss.

Hair loss

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, decreased pituitary secretion

Cortisol deficiency

Diminished axillary and pubic hair

Hirsutism

Excessive facial hair on women, associated with Cushing syndrome and prolactinoma (a pituitary tumor)

Skin ulceration

Areas of ulcerated skin, most commonly found on the legs and feet

Peripheral neuropathy

Contributory factor in the development of diabetic foot ulcers

Edema

Generalized edema due to mucopolysaccharide accumulation in tissue in hypothyroidism

Visual changes

Decreased visual acuity and/or decreased peripheral vision due to pituitary gland enlargement/tumor

Exophthalmos

Eyeball protrusion from orbits, occurs in hyperthyroidism as a result of fluid accumulation in eye and retroorbital tissue

Moon face

Periorbital edema and facial fullness seen in Cushing syndrome as a result of increased cortisol secretion

Myxedema

Puffiness, periorbital edema, masklike affect due to hydrophilic mucopolysaccharides infiltrating dermis in patients with hypothyroidism

Goiter

Generalized enlargement of thyroid gland, can be due to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or iodine deficiency

Thyroid nodule(s)

Localized enlargement of thyroid gland(s) associated with hyperthyroidism

Chest pain

Angina caused by increased metabolic demands

Dysrhythmias

Tachycardia, atrial fibrillation associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and pheochromocytoma

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure caused by increased metabolic demands and catecholamines

Changes in muscular strength or muscle mass

Generalized weakness and/or fatigue associated with many endocrine problems

Decreased muscle mass

Specifically seen in those with growth hormone deficiency and in Cushing syndrome secondary to protein wasting

Enlargement of bones and cartilage

Gradual enlargement and thickening of bony tissue occurs with growth hormone excess in adults as seen in acromegaly

Changes in weight

Weight loss due to hyperthyroidism caused by increases in metabolism, diabetic ketoacidosis

Altered glucose levels

Weight gain associated with hypothyroidism and Cushing syndrome

Lethargy

State of mental sluggishness or somnolence due to severe calcium deficiency that can occur with hypoparathyroidism

Tetany

Intermittent involuntary muscle spasms usually involving the extremities

Seizure

Sudden involuntary contraction of muscles due to various complications including pituitary tumor

Increased deep tendon reflexes

Hyperreflexia associated with hyperthyroidism and hypoparathyroidism

Constipation

Passage of infrequent hard stools associated with hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism

Changes in reproductive function

Menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, decreased fertility, impotence due to various endocrine abnormalities

Polyuria

Excessive urinary output due to diabetes mellitus (secondary to hyperglycemia) or diabetes insipidus (associated with decreased ADH)

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst due to extreme water losses in diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus

Decreased urine output

ADH leads to reabsorption of water from kidney tubules, associated with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)

Cold insensitivity

Hypothyroidism caused by a slowing of metabolic processes

Heat intolerance

Hyperthyroidism caused by excessive metabolism

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone