Endocrine system
Disease Information
Overview
What does the endocrine system do?
The endocrine system produces and regulates the body’s hormones, which are chemicals created by the body to control many of its functions. In general, the endocrine system controls body processes that happen relatively slowly, such as metabolism, growth and sexual development.
Functions controlled by hormones controlled by the endocrine system include:
- activities of entire organs
- growth and development
- reproduction
- sexual characteristics
- usage and storage of energy
- levels of fluid, salt, and sugar in the blood
The endocrine system consists primarily of hormones and glands, and overlaps with the nervous system and the exocrine system.
