Welcome to the Endocrinology Society (ES). Our mission is simple: help endocrine knowledge travel further, faster, and more fairly – so clinicians, researchers, educators, and communities can improve hormone health everywhere.

Endocrinology is the science of hormones. Hormones are tiny chemical messengers that help run your body. They influence things like:

• blood sugar
• energy and fatigue
• growth and puberty
• stress and sleep
• thyroid function
• fertility and menstrual health
• bone strength
• body weight and appetite
• mood and mental sharpness

Because hormones affect almost everything, endocrine care often works best when it’s not “medicine only”. Many endocrine conditions improve when people also have support with daily habits – especially safe, structured movement.

That’s why this site also shares education on how exercise guidance can complement endocrine care. Not as a replacement for doctors, but as a practical “bridge” between clinic advice and real life.

Important note: This website shares general education only. It is not medical advice. Always talk with your GP, endocrinologist, or accredited health professional before changing exercise, medication, or diet – especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, or complex health issues.

What the ES does

The Endocrinology Society (ES) exists to connect people who work in endocrinology and to support better learning across countries. We aim to:

• Disseminate endocrine knowledge globally
• Support education and training in endocrine science and clinical care
• Strengthen collaboration across regions and partner organisations
• Encourage research, discussion, and best practice
• Lift up developing and emerging nations with practical support and shared resources

We’re proud to work alongside regional partners to improve endocrine knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Endocrinology and movement: why they belong in the same conversation

Here’s the big idea:

Your endocrine system responds to what you do each day.

This includes sleep, stress, food, and movement.

When exercise is planned well (and matched to someone’s condition), it can:

• Improve insulin sensitivity (how well the body uses insulin)
• Support healthy body composition (muscle and fat balance)
• Help regulate appetite hormones (like leptin and ghrelin)
• Boost bone strength through safe loading
• Improve sleep quality, which supports hormone rhythm
• Lower chronic stress load (helping calm cortisol over time)
• Support mood and confidence, which improves long-term adherence

But there’s also a caution:

The wrong exercise dose can backfire for certain endocrine issues.

Too much intensity, too little recovery, or “all-or-nothing” plans can increase fatigue, worsen stress, and create poor consistency.

That’s why education matters. And why this site aims to share clear, practical, evidence-informed guidance that supports endocrine care.

A simple way to think about “hormone-friendly exercise”

Most people don’t need extreme workouts. They need repeatable basics.

A balanced movement plan usually includes:

1) Strength work (2–4 days/week)

Strength work helps maintain or build muscle. Muscle is an “active tissue” that helps with glucose control and metabolic health.

Why it matters in endocrinology:

• Supports insulin sensitivity
• Supports healthy ageing
• Protects joints and bones
• Helps prevent muscle loss during weight loss or illness

2) Cardio (2–5 days/week, mixed intensity)

Cardio supports heart health and metabolic health. This can be walking, cycling, swimming, or anything that raises the heart rate safely.

Why it matters in endocrinology:

• Helps blood sugar control
• Supports cholesterol and blood pressure
• Improves energy and stamina

3) Daily movement (most days)

This is the “hidden superpower” for hormone health. Steps, light activity, and regular breaks from sitting can make a huge difference.

Why it matters in endocrinology:

• Supports steady glucose levels
• Improves recovery
• Helps sleep and stress regulation

4) Recovery (non-negotiable)

Recovery is where adaptation happens. Without it, people often end up sore, exhausted, or inconsistent.

Why it matters in endocrinology:

• Supports thyroid and adrenal stress load
• Helps sleep and hormone rhythm
• Keeps motivation steady

Where coached exercise can support common endocrine conditions

Below are examples of where structured movement can help. These are general educational points, not personal medical guidance.

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

A well-planned program can help the body use insulin better, especially when it includes strength work and regular walking.

Helpful focus areas:

• strength sessions (full body, progressive but safe)
• daily steps after meals
• moderate cardio most weeks
• tracking energy and recovery

PCOS and menstrual hormone balance

Many people with PCOS do well with strength work, daily movement, and smart cardio, without smashing themselves with high intensity every day.

Helpful focus areas:

• strength training for muscle and insulin sensitivity
• stress-aware cardio choices
• consistent routines (not “perfect” routines)
• recovery and sleep habits

Thyroid conditions (hypothyroid / hyperthyroid)

Energy levels can vary a lot. The best plan is usually flexible and built around symptoms, medication timing, and recovery.

Helpful focus areas:

• gentle progression
• low-to-moderate intensity when fatigue is high
• strength basics (form first)
• careful monitoring of overtraining signs

Osteoporosis and bone health

Bones respond to load. The right strength work and impact choices can support bone health, but it must be done safely and progressively.

Helpful focus areas:

• strength training (especially hips, legs, back)
• balance and fall prevention
• supervised loading progressions
• posture and spinal safety

Stress, sleep, and cortisol rhythm

Movement can help regulate stress, but the “dose” matters. For some people, hard training plus poor sleep makes things worse.

Helpful focus areas:

• daily walking
• light strength work with good recovery
• breath work and down-regulation
• consistent sleep routine

Our global regions and partners

ISE works with regional partners to strengthen endocrine knowledge sharing and activity worldwide.

The Americas

We work together with regional partners, including the Endocrine Society and the Latin American Federation of Endocrinology (FELAEN). Representing North America and South America (including associated islands and regions), ES members include:

Argentina, Canada, USA (and more)

Europe & Africa

Together with the European Society of Endocrinology, we promote knowledge transfer across the region. A key focus is to increase participation from emerging nations and provide support to members in developing countries.

Ghana, Romania, South Africa (and more)

Asia & Oceania

This vast region includes highly active organisations such as AFES (ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies) and JES (Japan Endocrine Society). Collaboration here is key to our mission to co-ordinate endocrinology activity globally.

Australia, China, Pakistan (and more)

Explore our practical education hubs

If you want to understand how movement supports endocrine care (without hype or extremes), start here:

Exercise and hormones – the simple guide

Blood sugar, insulin, and movement (diabetes + insulin resistance)

Thyroid, energy, and safe training progressions

Women’s hormones: PCOS, menopause, and sustainable routines

Stress, sleep, and cortisol-friendly movement

These pages are designed to be easy to read and useful for clinicians, educators, students, and the public.