10.0 Endocrine System Introduction V2
- Review the function of the endocrine system, including the glands and hormones.
- Understand the classifications and actions of endocrine system drugs
- Give examples of when, how, and to whom endocrine system drugs may be administered
- Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with endocrine system drug therapy
- Identify the considerations and implications of using endocrine system medications across the lifespan
- Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process and clinical reasoning related to medications that affect the endocrine system
- Identify indications, side effects, and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
Key Terms
- A1C
- adrenal medulla
- aldosterone
- antidiuretic hormone
- basal insulin
- blood osmolarity
- diabetes insipidus
- exocrine gland
- general adaptation syndrome
- glycolysis
- hormones
- humoral stimuli
- hyperglycemia
- hypoparathyroidism
- hyperthyroidism
- hypothyroidism
- hypoglycemia
- hypoparathyroidism
- hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
- hypothalamus–pituitary complex
- hypothyroidism
- insulin
- mineralocorticoids
- negative feedback loop
- neural stimuli
- osmoreceptors
- parathyroid hormone
- prandial insulins
- tropic hormones
- type 1 diabetes
- type 2 diabetes
Have you ever wondered how your body controls functions such as digestion, metabolism, and the stress response? The endocrine system is always working behind the scenes, regulating various organs by releasing hormones and using feedback loops. Endocrine is a term that implies that in response to a specific stimulus, the products of those glands are released into the blood stream (Hiller-Stumhofel & Bartke, 1998).
The endocrine system is a crucial communication system that controls critical physiological processes. It consists of specialized cells and glands which release molecules called hormones. There are eight major glands throughout the body. These glands are the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, adrenal gland, pineal gland, gonads and pancreas. They serve important roles in regulating growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, electrolyte balance and mood. Some examples of biological processes that are controlled by the endocrine system and hormones are the development and functioning of reproductive organs (hormones estrogen and testosterone). Another example is the regulation of metabolism and nutrient balance (hormones insulin and thyroid hormones) (Health Canada, 2025).
When hormone levels are either too high or too low, this can indicate an endocrine disorder where the body does not respond as it should or that there is a dysfunction of a gland. Sometimes hormone dysfunction is related to substances that change hormone metabolism or prevent them from reaching their targets.
This chapter will begin with an overview of the endocrine system, focusing on some of the glands and hormones that are important for metabolic regulation. Unit 10.2, conditions and diseases related to the endocrine system, will provide a general overview of the common conditions. Lastly, this chapter will discuss medications that affect two of the major endocrine glands: the adrenal glands and the thyroid.
Due to the extensive nature of the endocrine system, medications that affect the pancreas will be examined in chapter 11: Endocrine System: diabetes mellitus and anti-diabetic medications.
Health Canada (2025). Consideration of endocrine-related effects in risk assessment. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances/fact-sheets/consideration-endocrine-related-effects-risk-assessment.html
The first stage of pharmacokinetics: medications enter the body and travel from the site of administration into the body's circulation.
Caused by excessive hydrochloric acid that tends to back up, or reflux, into the lower esophagus.
