It’s All Connected: Understanding the Endocrine System and Stress

In a recent post, we explored how chronic stress, real or perceived can disrupt the body in many ways. We also discussed what happens when there is too much stress all at once or a little bit for too long.

The body tries to adapt and adjust, however when the adrenal glands can no longer keep up it can lead to ” Burnout”, Low Mood, Digestive issues, Weight gain, Sugar and Salt Cravings, Addictions to all kinds of things to help make us feel better in the moment and more. Many of you shared how helpful it was so I thought I would share how it is all connected.

I think all connected is my word this month as t’s All Connected: Understanding the Endocrine System and Stress

Let’s talk about how all the endocrine organs work together as a team — and what happens when that teamwork breaks down.

Enter: Harrower’s Chart : It’s All Connected

One of the most useful tools I use in practice is a visual map called Harrower’s Chart, created by Dr. Henry R. Harrower, a pioneering endocrinologist in the 1930s. His work still forms the foundation for much of modern endocrinology — and this chart brilliantly illustrates how all the endocrine glands interact with one another.

Think of it as the “connect-the-dots” version of your hormones.

How the Endocrine System Works

Your endocrine system is like a finely tuned thermostat, constantly working to keep your body in homeostasis (balance) or as I like to say 72 degrees. The hypothalamus, located in the brain, acts as the control center — always checking hormone levels in your blood and sending out signals to adjust production when needed.

But here’s the catch: This beautifully designed system only works well when each organ is functioning optimally. The system can handle what we call Hormesis (short burst of stress) however chronic stressors are often the silent disruptor. It can be Toxin exposure, Poor Diet, Pathogens, Trauma (physical and emotional) or EMF’s and constant stimulation( Dopamine).

In scientific terms, this is the physiological expression of a maladapted stress response.

A Helpful Analogy: The Wheel

Imagine your endocrine system as the spokes in a bicycle wheel. If even one spoke is overworked or underperforming, the wheel starts to wobble — and eventually, you get a flat tire. That’s what happens when stress throws even one gland off balance. It will show up as a symptom that is loud enough that the body hopes you will acknowledge, pay attention to and make changes.

How Chronic Stress Disrupts the System : It’s All Connected

When stress becomes chronic, several key systems begin to downshift or shut down altogether:

Inhibited by Chronic Stress:

• Parathyroid Glands: Disrupts calcium/ magnesium / phosphorous balance, contributing to osteoporosis, weak teeth/ bones. You will also notice tight muscles, cramps and GI Issues.
• Digestion: Survival mode turns off digestion, leading to reflux, food intolerances, SIBO, constipation, leaky gut, malabsorption and even mood changes.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Leads to hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperglcemia, crashes after eating, night waking and persistent fatigue.
• Reproductive System: Can cause infertility, PMS, heavy periods, low libido, fibroids, PCOS, and tough perimenopausal symptoms and low testosterone.
• Pineal Gland: Sleep suffers when melatonin production drops, resulting in poor rest and disrupted circadian rhythm.
• Liver Function: A sluggish liver = toxin buildup. Symptoms may include joint pain, fatigue, Skin issues particularly itchy skin, hormonal imbalances, and even depression.
• Thyroid Gland: It sits at the center of the chart and is both over- and under-stimulated. No wonder thyroid issues are so difficult to balance!
• Thymus Gland: Suppresses immune response by reducing T-cell production, making us more vulnerable to infections and viruses.

Stimulated by Chronic Stress:

• Mammary Glands: Can lead to sore, lumpy, or dense breasts, trouble breastfeeding, and even increased risk of breast cancer in both women and men.
• Thyroid Gland (again!): Chronic activation can trigger autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s, Graves disease, and thyroid cancer.
• Pituitary Gland: The master gland can become overactive, potentially causing abnormal growth and hormone imbalances throughout the body.

It’s All Connected: Understanding the Endocrine System and Stress

Wrapping It All Up.

When we experience a health issue, it’s natural to want a quick fix. But the real magic happens when we take a step back, listen and look for the Root Cause. That’s where true healing begins.

We’ve only scratched the surface by looking at chronic stress. But this systems-based thinking applies to any gland. For example, what happens when your liver is overburdened? Or your thyroid is swinging between extremes? We could do a whole series.

And if you’d like your own copy of Harrower’s Chart as a PDF, I’m happy to send it your way.

It’s all connected — and so are we.

Warmly,
Dr. Pia