Climate change is increasing both seasonal temperatures and the frequency and severity of heat extremes. As the endocrine system facilitates physiological adaptations to temperature changes, diseases with an endocrinological basis have the potential to affect thermoregulation and increase the risk of heat injury. The effect of climate change and associated high temperature exposure on endocrine axis development and function, and on the prevalence and severity of diseases associated with hormone deficiency or excess, is unclear. This Perspective summarizes current knowledge relating to the hormonal effects of heat exposure in species ranging from rodents to humans. We also describe the potential effect of high temperature exposures on patients with endocrine diseases. Finally, we highlight the need for more basic science, clinical and epidemiological research into the effects of heat on endocrine function and health; this research could enable the development of interventions for people most at risk, in the context of rising environmental temperatures.

气候变化正在增加季节性气温以及极端高温的频率和严重程度。由于内分泌系统促进对温度变化的生理适应，具有内分泌基础的疾病有可能影响体温调节并增加热损伤的风险。气候变化和相关的高温暴露对内分泌轴发育和功能以及与激素缺乏或过量相关疾病的患病率和严重程度的影响尚不清楚。本观点总结了有关从啮齿动物到人类等物种的热暴露荷尔蒙影响的当前知识。我们还描述了高温暴露对内分泌疾病患者的潜在影响。最后，我们强调需要对高温对内分泌功能和健康的影响进行更多的基础科学、临床和流行病学研究；这项研究可以为在环境温度上升的情况下风险最高的人群制定干预措施。