How Your Endocrine System Affects Your Heart Health

We often think of the systems in our body as acting independently from one another. Our brain does its thing, our gut does its thing. But our systems are more connected than we think. Our brain and gut are connected through our central nervous system, which is why doctors occasionally refer to our gut as the “second brain.”  

One of these connections is between our heart and our endocrine system, an overlooked link that means aging-related processes such as menopause and lower testosterone levels may also affect your heart health. 

Endocrine System  

The endocrine system is a network of glands that include the pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, hypothalamus, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal gland, ovaries and testes. Its function is to produce and release hormones to regulate bodily functions, such as growth, heart rate, metabolism, blood sugar, stress control, circadian rhythms and reproduction.  

Hormones affect the heart and blood vessels. When hormones are imbalanced, a wide range of issues can develop that affect the cardiovascular system. Here are 10 examples.  

10 Endocrinological Processes and Conditions that Affect Your Heart Health  

Your MDVIP-affiliated physician can help you manage these issues and lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases.  

Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, develops when the adrenal gland doesn't make enough cortisol and aldosterone. When your body lacks these hormones, it causes imbalances in sodium and potassium, electrolytes needed for normal heart function; low sodium can cause arrhythmia, and low aldosterone has been linked to heart failure and acute cardiac ischemic events (e.g., sudden cardiac death, heart attack, angina).  

Cushing’s disease develops when the pituitary gland produces too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This triggers an excessive amount of cortisol, which increases the risk of hypertension, abdominal obesity, blood sugar, insulin resistance and unhealthy lipid profile. Patients with Cushing's syndrome tend to have a higher cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.  

Goiter develops because of an enlarged thyroid gland. Some goiters don’t cause problems, as they either disappear on their own or can be treated. However, in severe cases, goiters can overproduce thyroid hormones, increasing cardiac output that can lead to cardiomyopathy.  

Grave’s disease develops when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine (T4), a hormone involved in every organ system, including the cardiovascular system. Elevated T4 speeds up heart rate, leading to hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AFib) and congestive heart failure.  

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that develops when the immune system produces antibodies that attack thyroid cells, as if they were a bacterium or virus. This damages cells, causing them to die. This leads to hypothyroidism, which causes bradycardia, decreased cardiac output and arterial compliance, and atherosclerosis. It can also cause autoimmune myocarditis, a rare condition defined by inflamed heart muscle that can cause a host of symptoms, including dyspnea, arrhythmia, angina, fatigue and signs of infection, e.g., fever, headache, sore throat.      

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are conditions that develop in response to conditions that affect the thyroid gland. Examples include thyroiditis, Grave’s disease, Plummer’s disease and goiters. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid and can lead to tachycardia and hypertension, while hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause bradycardia, mild diastolic hypertension and an unhealthy cholesterol profile.    

Insulin resistance develops when your muscle, fat and liver cells don’t efficiently respond to insulin for energy or storage. Instead, blood glucose levels rise, causing a buildup of glucose in the blood. In response, the pancreas produces more insulin. Excess insulin produces inflammation in muscle tissue, raising the risk for cardiovascular disease, while high glucose levels can lead to diabetes, damage blood vessels and nerves, making it a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Low-T develops after age 40 when testosterone levels begin waning in men. Although not fully understood, low testosterone levels can lead to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, which are linked to coronary artery disease and all-cause cardiovascular mortality.    

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing adequate amounts of estrogen and progesterone to continue a monthly menstrual cycle for 12 months or longer. A woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease rises after this period of her life because these hormones help protect her heart. Estrogen lowers inflammatory markers, protecting against heart disease in women, and progesterone helps control blood pressure.  

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) develop in neuroendocrine cells, producing epinephrine in the adrenal gland. Having too much epinephrine can increase myocardial oxygen demand, leading to angina and ischemia. These cells also produce growth hormone in the pituitary gland, raising the risk of heart issues. Lastly, NETs are associated with carcinoid heart disease, which interferes with heart valves, causing dyspnea and fatigue.  

And of course, the number one complication of diabetes (all types) is heart disease. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are endocrine conditions in which the body doesn’t produce insulin or doesn’t use insulin correctly.  

Taking Care of Your Endocrine System  

Your lifestyle plays an important role in endocrine health. To help maintain a healthy, well-functioning endocrine system, you should:  

Get regular exercise. Follow a well-rounded workout routine that includes aerobic, flexibility and strength training. Consider incorporating body-weight exercises such as lunges, squats and push-ups as they enhance hormonal release and contribute to overall metabolic health. Also, build in ample recovery time; overtraining can disrupt hormones that affect your immune system and overall health. Talk to your doctor before beginning or changing an exercise program.    

Follow a nutritious diet. Choose whole foods such as leafy greens, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein sources. These foods provide vitamins and minerals for hormonal balance, stabilize blood sugar, lower inflammation and regulate hormones. You’ll also want to pass on ultra-processed foods. Talk to your doctor before you begin or change your diet.  

Quit smoking. Cigarettes disrupt reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and cortisol levels. If you’re still smoking, talk to your doctor. They can recommend a cessation program and over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies, and/or prescribe medication.  

Sleep between seven and nine hours each night. Your endocrine system recalibrates the daily rhythms of hormones such as cortisol, growth hormone, leptin and ghrelin (appetite-regulating hormones). Sleep also supports metabolic health, stress response and overall balance.  

And of course, work with your primary care doctor. They can help you stay on top of screenings. MDVIP-affiliated physicians also offer the MDVIP Wellness Program, a comprehensive battery of advanced screenings and tests that are not covered by insurance. The program helps doctors assess your individual risk factors, rule out underlying medical causes and develop a personalized plan that's safe and effective for each patient’s unique situation.  

If you don’t have a primary care physician, consider joining an MDVIP-affiliated practice. MDVIP-affiliated physicians have more time to help you maintain a well-functioning endocrine system. Find a physician near you and begin your partnership in health »