This primer introduces students to key elements of the endocrine system, including the structure and function of the major types of hormones. It explores the role of hormones in disease, in development, in reproduction and in behaviour. Although humans are its main focus, it draws on illuminating
examples from a range of other species, including sex changes and aggression in fish, metamorphosis in amphibians, induction of ovulation in different species, and bonding behaviour in birds.
The final section of the book looks at ways in which hormones can be used in medicine and
agriculture, and can be abused to enhance sporting performance and weight loss.
This primer will expand the breadth and depth of student understanding of the endocrine system, its variety, and its huge importance.
1. Introducing Hormones
2. Hormones and disease: what happens when things go wrong
3. Hormones and development
4. Hormones and reproduction
5. Hormones and behaviour
6. The use and abuse of hormones
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Professor Joy Hinson is an emeritus professor at Queen Mary University of London. She graduated from the University of London with a degree in comparative physiology then conducted research into adrenal endocrinology for her PhD and pursued a career in research, publishing over 100 research
papers, numerous reviews and book chapters. In 2006 Joy was awarded the Doctorate of Science degree by the University of London, in recognition for the contribution she made to our understanding of the function of the adrenal cortex. Joy has taught endocrinology and reproduction to both medical
students and biologists for many years, being awarded the Drapers' prize for outstanding teaching in 2009. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, serving since 2015 on the Education committee. Joy has co-authored a book with Dr Peter
Raven on The Endocrine System and has most recently written a book on goats, titled Goat!
Dr Peter Raven graduated from St Bartholomew's Medical School in 1985. During his time at Barts he gained a BSc in biochemistry, a PhD in adrenal endocrinology and an MBBS degree. After training as
a doctor he developed an interest in psychiatry and completed his psychiatry training in 1995, winning the Gold Medal and Gaskell Prize of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1994. Peter worked as an academic psychiatrist and Faculty Tutor at University College London until 2014. He has published
extensively on both endocrinology and psychiatry, including co-authoring The Endocrine System with Prof Hinson. He has a long-standing interest in teaching, focussing on medical students and junior doctors and has contributed to several textbooks.
