The products secreted by the endocrine glands. These help control long-term processes such as growth, lactation, sex cycles, and metabolic adjustment. The endocrine system and the nervous system are interdependent and are often referred to collectively as the neuroendocrine system. For example, the juvenile hormone, found in insects and annelids, affects sexual maturation. There is currently great interest in the possible use of such hormones in the control of destructive insects.