What the heck is the Endocrine System (and how to support it for cyclical health)? 

So… what exactly is this “inner ecosystem” thing?

A participant asked me that during a workshop the other week.

You may have heard me talk A LOT about our inner ecosystem, but what does it actually mean?

In short... it’s the delicate dance between your nervous system, hormones, neurotransmitters, and the often‑overlooked endocrine system.

They all work together in a holistic ecosystem, but if one bit’s off, the whole system can feel a bit wonky.

The endocrine system has a huge job to do and influences almost every cell, organ, and function of your body.

It’s made up of glands that make your hormones and release them into the bloodstream, which then travel to cells in other parts of the body.

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers (think little carrier pigeons).

They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another.

But what does it do?

Brace for the science...

Endocrine hormones play a crucial role in regulating mood, growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and organ functions.

This intricate system carefully controls the release of hormones, influenced by existing levels in the bloodstream.

Things that can vary hormone levels include stress, infection, and shifts in the balance of fluid and minerals in the blood.

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What makes up the Endocrine System?

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus runs the show. It gathers info from your nervous system and tells other glands when to get moving. It’s the bit in charge of mood, hunger, thirst, sleep, and also... sexy time.

Pituitary Gland

Often called the master gland, this one bosses around your thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries. It plays a key role in reproduction, hormone release, and keeping your menstrual cycle ticking over.

Pineal Gland

Sits deep in the brain and releases melatonin, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm, your sleep‑wake cycle.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid handles metabolism, how your body turns food into energy. The hormones it produces support bone strength, and play a part in your brain and nervous system development.

Parathyroid Glands

These are your thyroid’s sidekicks, responsible for keeping calcium levels in check. That matters for your heart, kidneys, bones, and nervous system.

Thymus

Your immune system ally. The thymus (in your upper chest) processes white blood cells that fight infection. It’s part of both the endocrine and immune systems.

Pancreas

The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, two hormones that keep blood sugar levels steady and your organs running smoothly.
It’s also part of the digestive system, where it helps break down food by releasing enzymes into the gut.

👉 5 Food Hacks for Happier Hormones (and a Happier You)

Adrenal Glands

This pair manages your stress response, salt and water balance, metabolism, immune function, and sexual development. They’re the ones firing out adrenaline when things get intense.

Ovaries

The ovaries produce oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormone trio powers reproduction and drives the energy shifts you feel throughout your menstrual cycle. For male‑bodied people, testicles take over this role in the endocrine system.

How to support your endocrine system 

Simples - Start supporting your cyclical health

Your endocrine system is what regulates hormones, and your menstrual cycle is tightly connected to it. Nothing in your body works in isolation, so if you start looking after one part of the system, the rest tends to follow.

Menstrual Awareness

Tracking your cycle helps you notice the patterns, so you can give your body what it needs when it needs it. It also makes it easier to spot when something’s off, like irregular cycles or hormonal symptoms that don’t feel quite right.

Hormonal Balance 

Regular, not‑too‑painful periods = hormonal balance.

PMS, irregular cycles, or periods that have you chugging painkillers = not normal.

That’s your body waving a little flag. The good news is that small lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference.

Nutrition for Hormonal Support

What you eat matters. Especially when your hormones are involved. Getting enough iron, omega‑3s, and vitamin D (at the right times in your cycle) can help manage symptoms.

Regular Movement

I don’t call it exercise (that sounds like penance). I move for joy. And moving your body helps...

• Support ovulation

• Moderate insulin sensitivity

• Boost endorphins

• Reduce stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline)

• Improve sleep

• Keep metabolism ticking along

• Balance your hormones

It doesn’t have to be a 5k — just something that feels good in your body.

Adequate Sleep

This is when your body actually does the work to rest, repair, and regulate.

Poor sleep messes with your hormones. Full stop.

Getting better sleep starts with working with your circadian rhythm, not against it.

Cyclical Self-Care

How you care for yourself needs to shift with your cycle because your endocrine system responds to how you live, eat, rest, move, and treat yourself.

So shifting how you work, rest, and play to sync with your cycle is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

Start where you are and make micro shifts, or habit stack with long‑standing routines already built into your life.

That’s how we create lasting change, and I promise your body will thank you.

And the best way to get started with this is to chart your cycle! You can grab your FREE guide and charting tool here to get started supporting your endocrine system today.