This document provides an overview of the endocrine system. It discusses how the endocrine system regulates long-term metabolic processes through the release of hormones, compared to the nervous system which handles short-term crisis response. It describes the different types of hormones based on whether they are freely circulating or bound to transport proteins. It also summarizes the major glands of the endocrine system including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes; and the hormones they secrete including TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, prolactin, growth hormone, oxytocin, and antidiuretic hormone.