Hormones are messenger substances in the body that are involved in many processes. The term "hormone" covers a large number of messenger substances with very different functions. Diseases of the hormone-producing glands, such as diabetes, can have a possible influence on the risk of tuberculosis, but this is not yet well understood.

Pregnancy and childbirth also have an influence on the risk of reactivation of tuberculosis. Therefore, preventive treatment should also be carried out during pregnancy if infection is proven. On the other hand, tuberculosis is not a reason to terminate a pregnancy.