The endocrine system regulates various metabolic functions by secreting hormones from endocrine glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulate hormone secretion. Diseases are caused by overfunctioning or underfunctioning of the endocrine glands. Common disorders include hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s syndrome. Most medications used to treat such disorders are synthetic hormone replacements.
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 |
The reproductive system consists of the gonads (testes, ovaries) and accessory organs. Roles of the system include reproduction and development of secondary sex characters. Common disorders include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Common medications include synthetic estrogens, 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 |