Endocrine system

The endocrine system helps control metabolism and other body functions by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones are produced by endocrine glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, and adrenal glands.

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland play a central role because they help regulate hormone secretion from other glands. When an endocrine gland produces too much hormone (overfunction) or too little hormone (underfunction), it can lead to disease.

Common endocrine disorders include hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s syndrome. Many medications used to treat these disorders work by replacing missing hormones or adjusting hormone-related pathways.

Table showing common drug classes and examples of the endocrine system

Drug class	Generic name	Brand name(s)	Primary use
Insulins	Insulin	Humalog, Humulin R, Lantus	Lower blood glucose levels (hypoglycemic)
Biguanides	Metformin	Glucophage, Riomet	Increases insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose levels
Sulfonylureas	Glipizide, glimepiride	GlipiZIDE XL, Amaryl	Lowers blood glucose levels
Thiazolidinediones	Pioglitazone, rosiglitazone	Actos, Avandia	Increases insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose
Incretin mimetics or analogues	Liraglutide, semaglutide	Victoza, Ozempic, Wegovy	Increase insulin secretion, weight loss
Gliptins (DPP 4 inhibitors)	Sitagliptin, linagliptin	Januvia, Tradjenta	Increase insulin secretion
SGLT 2 inhibitors	Dapagliflozin, empagliflozin	Farxiga, Jardiance	Decrease blood glucose levels
Thyroid hormone supplements	Levothyroxine	Synthroid	Treatment of hypothyroidism
Corticosteroids	Fluticasone, prednisone, triamcinolone	Flovent, Rayos, Clinacort	Anti-inflammatory, autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease, eczema, asthma

Reproductive system

The reproductive system includes the gonads (testes and ovaries) and accessory organs. Its main roles are reproduction and the development of secondary sex characters.

Common disorders include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Many medications used for these conditions include synthetic forms of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Table showing common drug classes and examples of the endocrine system

Drug class	Generic name	Brand name(s)	Primary use
Androgens	Testosterone, methyltestosterone, danazol, oxymetholone	Testim, Androgel, Methitest, Danocrine, Anadrol	Used in the treatment of fertility issues, to increase muscle mass, as hormone replacement, for endometriosis, and for certain types of breast cancer
Estrogens	Ethinyl estradiol, estradiol valerate	Climara, Estrace, Estraderm	Hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis, ovarian failure, certain breast and prostate cancers, and treatment of menopausal symptoms
Estrogen and progestin combinations	Estrogen with progesterone	Estarylla, Yaz, Yasmin, NuvaRing	Birth control, hormone replacement, acne, osteoporosis
5 alpha reductase inhibitors	Finasteride, dutasteride	Propecia, Avodart	Benign prostatic hyperplasia, male-pattern baldness
Aromatase inhibitors	Letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane	Femara, Arimidex, Aromasin	Breast cancer treatment
Selective estrogen receptor modulators or SERMs	Tamoxifen, raloxifene, clomiphene	Nolvadex, Clomid, Fareston, Tamofen, Serophene	Breast cancer, osteoporosis, and infertility treatment