The nephrotic syndrome can profoundly affect metabolism and regulation of protein or protein-bound hormones or prohormones. The present paper provides an overview of the published studies on erythropoietin, vitamin D and thyroid metabolism as well as hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in nephrotic syndrome. On each occasion the clinical significance and practical implications of the reported abnormalities are emphasized. In addition, attention is drawn to the areas needing further investigations.