The endocrine system is basically the body’s internal messaging service, it is a vast network of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream, initiating crucial cellular actions throughout our physiology. This system plays a role in every aspect of health including growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, sleep cycles and fluctuations in our biochemistry. Hormones initiate the underlying rhythms of the body that allow all systems to operate in a seamless and coordinated order.

Endocrine glands produce hormones. These include:

Pituitary gland

  • - ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
  • - TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone)

GH (Growth hormone)

  • - PRL (Prolactin)
  • - FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
  • - LH (Luteinizing hormone)

Hypothalamus

  • - Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones
  • - Oxytocin (stored and released by the posterior pituitary)
  • - ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone / Vasopressin)

Thyroid

  • - Thyroxine (T4)
  • - Triiodothyronine (T3)
  • - Calcitonin- controls calcium utilization

Adrenal glands

  • - Cortisol (Glucocorticoid)
  • - Aldosterone (Mineralocorticoid)
  • - Androgens-Testosterone/Estrogen/Progesterone

Pancreas

  • - Insulin (from β-cells)
  • - Glucagon (from α-cells)
  • - Somatostatin

Ovaries/Testes

  • - Estrogen
  • - Progesterone
  • - Testosterone

Pineal gland

  • - Melatonin

Parathyroid

  • - Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
  • - Calcitonin

Hormone Imbalance

Blood samples for hormone testing with patient in backgroundBlood samples for hormone testing with patient in background

Hormone imbalance can show up as the following symptoms: difficulty sleeping, weight gain or loss, trouble regulating body temperature, severe PMS, irregular cycles, low sex drive, mood swings, skin issues, fatigue, and hair loss. Hormonal fluctuations, both high and low, can be more pronounced, and challenging when we do not take proper care of ourselves. We should have a mostly wholefood plant-based diet, get proper rest, exercise, and eliminate unnecessary stressors whenever possible.

Herbs are one of the most impactful ways to fortify healthy hormone levels. They can support all endocrine glands nourishing our bodies by providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and compounds that promote healing and balance.

The following herbs recommended for endocrine health are mostly adaptogens. I will list my 5 favorite herbs below.

5 Favorite Herbs for Hormone Balance

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

  • - Adrenal Support: Helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, supporting stress response and preventing adrenal fatigue.
  • - Hormonal Balance Under Stress: Encourages homeostasis in hormone levels disrupted by chronic stress.
  • - Thyroid Function: May indirectly support thyroid function by lowering stress-related suppression of the thyroid axis.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

  • - Hormonal Regulator: Known as an endocrine adaptogen — it nourishes and balances the HPA axis and can modulate estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels.
  • - Reproductive Hormones: Supports the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate the ovaries and testes.
  • - Menopause/PMS Relief: Often used to ease hormone-related symptoms in women without introducing external hormones (non-phytoestrogenic).
  • - Improves Libido & Fertility: By balancing sex hormones in both men and women.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis/militaris)

  • - Adrenal Function: Enhances adrenal output and helps restore energy levels by regulating cortisol production.
  • - Testosterone & Libido: May naturally boost testosterone and support sexual hormone balance.
  • - Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis Support: Improves communication between the brain and glands, helping optimize hormone signaling.
  • - Thyroid & Metabolic Support: By improving mitochondrial function and oxygen utilization, it may benefit thyroid-related fatigue.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

  • - Cortisol Regulation: Balances stress hormones by modulating the HPA axis and preventing excess cortisol spikes.
  • - Thyroid Support: May support thyroid function under stress by easing the burden on the adrenal glands.
  • - Mood & Neuroendocrine Support: Supports the link between the nervous system and hormone regulation, potentially benefiting mood-related hormone imbalances.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

  • - Anti-inflammatory for Endocrine Organs: Reduces inflammation in glands like the pancreas (insulin regulation), ovaries (PCOS), and thyroid.
  • - Estrogen Metabolism Support: Helps the liver detoxify excess estrogen and xenoestrogens.
  • - Insulin Sensitivity: Improves blood sugar metabolism and reduces insulin resistance — supporting pancreas and metabolic hormone balance.
  • - Thyroid Health: Antioxidant protection for thyroid tissue, especially in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.

Today’s cultural and global landscape dictates the high level of responsibility we as individuals need to embody to keep our health at an optimum level, so that we can weather the storms that will inevitably come our way. It could be of great value for us to become familiar with the herbs listed above by researching and incorporating them into our health programs. We have a foundational endocrine supporting herbal supplement Adaptogen-R3 by Premier Research Labs; this formula contains all the herbs listed above and more. It is a must for anyone looking to improve health, vitality, cognitive abilities, and recoverability.

Be Well,
Edwin Dossman