This article discusses the effects of sex steroid hormones, glucocorticoids and insulin deficiency on periodontal tissues, and the possible consequences on periodontal disease progression. The androgens and oestrogens have predominantly anabolic functions in stimulating matrix synthesis, which is applicable to periodontal repair and medication-induced gingival overgrowth. Oestrogen and progesterone can contribute to pregnancy gingivitis; long-term use of hormonal contraceptives can accelerate progression of periodontal disease. Higher levels of circulating cortisol, associated with stress, can influence the onset of acute necrotic ulcerative gingivitis. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are reported to be more prevalent in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (periodontal disease, particularly in older, less well controlled subjects) than in non-diabetic individuals.